Police urge vigilance as council discusses road projects and Earth Day cleanup

The Absecon police chief told the council and residents that officers are increasing enforcement of speeding and urging people to lock their cars and report suspicious activity.

"See something, say something," the chief said, adding that officers have been stopping vehicles and will take a "zero tolerance approach" to speeding as warmer weather brings more people out. The chief also urged residents to avoid leaving valuables in cars and to contact police about suspicious solicitors or activity.

Council members and staff discussed infrastructure work that may cause short-term disruptions. Officials said night work by gas contractors and state-directed crews can be disruptive but is intended to expedite necessary upgrades; residents were encouraged to call city hall with complaints so staff can investigate.

During public comment, resident Tom Burns of East Fon Landing Road asked whether a recently paved blacktop surface on the Northshore Road sidewalk was temporary. A city official confirmed the blacktop is temporary and that the contractor will perform full strip replacement later.

Burns also described litter and dog-waste issues and recounted a neighbor’s refusal to pick up after a pet, quoting the neighbor as saying, "There's enough needles and condoms and beer cans laying around this place. This is my contribution." Council members said the East Flanding area will be included in the Earth Day cleanup on April 19 and agreed to promote the event on the city’s Facebook page.

The public safety committee announced its next meeting for April 7 at 6 p.m. and encouraged residents to attend.