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Northfield council signals support to repeal bamboo ordinance after enforcement concerns
Summary
Councilmembers indicated by straw poll they favor repealing the city’s bamboo ordinance, citing enforceability problems and conflicts when the invasive plant originates on adjacent or city-owned land. The solicitor will review the ordinance language and next steps.
At its Feb. 10 work session, the Northfield City Council held an extended discussion about the city’s ordinance that restricts certain bamboo species after a resident reported invasive growth from a neighbor’s property.
Council President Bucci explained that a homeowner who recently purchased a property discovered bamboo encroaching from an adjacent lot and that the ordinance’s requirement to identify a specific genus has made enforcement difficult. “Our ordinance is difficult to enforce because of the need to identify a specific genus of bamboo,” Bucci said, and she recommended amendment or repeal.
Solicitor Facenda told council members a summons under the current ordinance appears unlikely to have been issued previously and suggested the dispute may be better handled as a civil matter between property owners. “We may be better off having it be a civil issue between two homeowners,” Facenda said, while also noting the ordinance could be enforceable if the banned species and its origin can be proven.
Bucci called a straw poll on whether to repeal the ordinance; the transcript records that all members present indicated they were in favor of repeal. Clerk Mary Canesi and Code Enforcement Officer Prychka were identified as needing guidance on how to proceed; Facenda said residents could complete citizens’ complaints as an interim step.
Public commenters urged caution. Superintendent Darren Boyd, speaking as the city’s public-works superintendent, asked council to reconsider the repeal, warning of existing bamboo on city property and the practical effects on maintenance. Resident Tiffany Morrissey urged the council to check the New Jersey Invasive Species Management Act before altering local rules.
Council members directed Solicitor Facenda to review the ordinance language and recommended staff provide guidance to the Code Enforcement officer; the transcript records a straw poll in favor of repeal but not a formal ordinance repeal or emergency ordinance vote during the meeting.
