Pompton Lakes discusses MUA access, equipment storage and recurring odor complaints

The Pompton Lakes Borough Council’s May 14 workshop included a request from the Pompton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) for formal permission to use borough property for access to and temporary storage during a pump‑station upgrade behind Max’s American Bar & Grill.

Administrator Michael Corelli explained the MUA’s pump station sits on a small parcel partly surrounded by borough land, and the authority asked to use the borough driveway and an adjacent parcel for equipment staging during a fall/winter construction program. Corelli and borough counsel told the council the MUA historically has had access; the MUA wanted the formal approval noted in bid specifications. The borough engineer and administrator recommended against permitting storage on the rear A‑1 auto parcel and the floodway side because the borough has received notices of violations in the past for similar use.

Council members and staff discussed alternatives, including using a street‑side area on West Lennox Avenue for short‑term parking of equipment, and coordinating with DPW and police to identify safe options. Corelli said the borough would continue working with the MUA and seek practical, short‑term locations that avoid the floodway.

Separately, councilmembers raised continuing resident complaints about an intermittent odor near the MUA facility. Corelli said the borough had contacted the MUA about the smell but had not received a definitive explanation; he asked the MUA to investigate and keep the borough informed as warmer weather approaches.