Resident raises alarm after Lambertville Academy installs playground equipment without permits

Michelle Harris, a property owner on York Street, told the Lambertville City Council on May 1 that the Lambertville Academy completed a concrete foundation and installed permanent playground equipment and intends to open the facility to the public on May 3. Harris said she and others learned of the change after volunteers assembled equipment and that neither the academy nor partner organizations submitted permit applications to the construction office, planning board, zoning board or the canal commission.

Harris said she asked the construction office for a temporary stop-work order and was told no vehicle for stopping that specific work was applicable, and that retroactive permit applications for zoning, impervious-surface approvals and canal commission requirements were expected to be required and may be allowed retroactively.

The mayor and staff told the meeting the construction code official had been copied on emails and that the official has legal jurisdiction to evaluate the work and make determinations under local zoning and construction ordinances. Council asked staff to ensure the construction office reviews the files and to advise what legal enforcement options and inspection steps are available. No formal stop-work order or enforcement action was announced at the meeting.

Residents and councilors said they want clarity on permit status and inspections before public opening; city staff said they will continue communications with the construction office and provide information about next steps.