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Neighbors press Helmetta council for action on rat-infested Lake Avenue property
Summary
Residents told the borough council that a long-standing property at 19 Lake Avenue is littered with debris and attracting rodents, creating health and safety concerns for adjacent homeowners. Borough officials said code enforcement and the county health department have issued violations and that courts will determine abatement and fines.
Residents told the Helmetta Mayor and Council on May 20 that a property at 19 Lake Avenue has become a public nuisance that is affecting neighbors’ health and safety.
"It is full of junk, debris, and garbage. It has become a public health and safety issue," said Pabel Lizardo, who identified himself as a new homeowner at 15 Lake Avenue and said he has documented rat activity with videos and photos. Joel Lunney, who said he has lived in Helmetta for 45 years, supported Lizardo and said the situation has depressed nearby property values and made it unsafe for children to play outdoors.
The neighbors asked the council for a clear plan and faster action. Council members and borough staff described the legal and administrative steps the borough has taken. Mayor Slavicek said the county Board of Health and code enforcement issued violations and that the matter has proceeded through municipal court multiple times. "Enforcement on the Borough side issues the violations and these will continue and then it is up to the courts to remedy it," Borough Attorney Sandra Graise told the meeting.
Lizardo asked who decides whether the borough can abate the property and take control; Graise replied that courts can order abatement and that financial liens were among the tools previously considered. Mayor Slavicek said the code official attempted to gain access to the home and was denied. He said the borough had received a cleanup estimate of around $20,000 and that violations and fines would continue while the court process proceeds.
Several residents asked how they would be notified of court schedules and enforcement activity. Slavicek said scheduling and official court documents circulate through the court clerk, and that residents could use OPRA (the state's public records process) to obtain records through the court. Graise added that residents retain a civil right to pursue action in court if they choose.
Why it matters: residents described immediate health, pest-control and safety impacts to families with young children and urged clearer communication and faster abatement when property owners do not comply with violations. The borough said it will continue enforcement and consult the municipal judge and the county board of health on next steps.
The council did not adopt new, immediate enforcement authority during the meeting; council members advised residents to continue documenting the conditions and use existing court processes while the borough pursues enforcement.
