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Residents press Metuchen council on oversized backyard structure, inspections and disputed rent hikes
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to press the council: neighbors said a two‑story garage may exceed permitted height and that inspections are inconsistent; a tenant said a post‑term rent hike exceeded Chapter 147 limits; another resident raised sewer and infrastructure capacity concerns.
Metuchen — During the Sept. 29 public‑comment period several residents sought answers from borough officials about local construction, code enforcement and a contested rent increase.
Neighbors Diana Lun and Barbara Munley (49 Home Street) said a two‑story garage under construction at 39 Carlton—directly behind their house—appears larger than allowed and was built before a full set of visible permits were posted. "They go by what the builder says the height is. They don't actually make a measurement," Lun said, describing an inspector response she received and asking the borough to verify compliance with height and impervious‑surface rules. Borough staff said the building department and inspectors are reviewing the complaint and that staff would follow up.
Tenant Lauren Jatov, PhD, who lives at 195 Main Street, told council members her rent rose by about 14% ($350) when a lease term ended on Aug. 31. Jatov cited Chapter 147, saying increases should be capped at the lesser of the CPI formula or 7.5% and asked what enforcement avenues exist when no active rent board is in place. The mayor and borough attorney did not issue a definitive ruling at the meeting; staff asked Jatov to submit documentation by email so officials could review the matter and respond.
Resident Mark Flity (44 New York Avenue) asked whether Metuchen's water and sewer systems can accommodate recent high‑density development. Borough officials outlined recent investments—a new sewer pump station, developer conditions requiring repairs, curb‑to‑curb paving requirements and a planned GIS mapping project for storm and sewer infrastructure—and said capital budget set‑asides are intended to address aging systems.
Council members and staff acknowledged the issues and asked residents to provide supporting documentation when available. No enforcement action or ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.
