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Council advances parking, portable-sanitation and rent-control measures; debates enforcement and resident impacts
Summary
The council introduced a no-parking ordinance for Lehigh Boulevard (20 26 0 4), advanced a portable-sanitation permit ordinance (20 26 0 5) and opened first reading of a proposed rent-control replacement ordinance (20 26 0 6) that would lower a local rent-control cap to 2.5% and reduce board size amid state-level litigation.
At the Feb. 10 meeting Jackson Township's council advanced three separate local measures dealing with parking, temporary sanitary facilities and rent control.
Ordinance 20 26 0 4 (vehicles and traffic): Council introduced a proposed no-parking zone on the south side of Lehigh Boulevard and on the east side of Adolphay Drive. Councilman Pollock expressed concern about whether the change would address the long-term cause of congestion in affected neighborhoods and said he would abstain on the vote to introduce pending further clarification. Council president Bernstein said enforcement and signage are planned once the ground conditions allow installation.
Ordinance 20 26 0 5 (portable sanitation facilities): The ordinance would require a permit for portable sanitary facilities, set location setbacks and limit durations (construction sites up to 60 days with renewals; non-construction use limited to three permits per year no more than 10 days each). Councilman Bradley voted no on introducing the ordinance, citing concerns about aesthetics and property-value impacts; other members voted to advance the proposal while asking for refinements.
Ordinance 20 26 0 6 (rent control): Council introduced a proposed overhaul of chapter 3-34 (rent control) that would reestablish local authority over certain residential rents, lower the rent-control board from seven to five members and propose a 2.5% cap. Council members said the measure responds to concerns from residents of manufactured-home parks; they acknowledged an overlapping new state statute that establishes a 3.5% cap and is the subject of litigation. Council members emphasized the intent to preserve local protections while recognizing legal uncertainty at the state level.
Council members asked administration and legal counsel to clarify enforcement mechanisms and statutory interactions ahead of public hearings and second readings.
