Residents urge action on dumping, garden-waste and storm-drain clogging; police say cases are active

Elmwood Park— During public comment on Aug. 21 residents described widespread problems with trash left curbside, garden-waste dumped on county park property and grass clippings blown into streets that clog storm drains and raise flooding concerns.

One resident said garbage placed Saturday afternoons for Monday pickup often sits for days, and described piles of branches and yard waste in the county park accessible through cut chain-link fences. "People put out garbage in the middle of weekend...They don't get summonses," the resident said, asking why enforcement appears inconsistent.

Council and borough staff replied that the borough relies on specific complaints with locations and photos to trigger enforcement visits. "If you as a resident see a specific violation, call and we will address it," a borough official said, asking the speaker to email the chief with photos and addresses so staff can follow up.

Separately, a resident complained about repeated unauthorized pool parties at a property on Birchwood Drive. Chief of Police (on the record at the meeting) said that matter is under active police investigation with multiple summonses issued and coordination with the borough prosecutor and building department; he said fines of up to $2,500 are associated with the tickets and that the case is pending in court.

No new borough-wide enforcement policy or budget was announced at the meeting; council encouraged residents to use the provided contact information and promised staff would follow up on reported addresses.