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Residents press council on inspections and hazardous trees as borough adds tree‑remediation authority
Summary
During public comment residents described aggressive inspection and a hazardous tree limb that crossed property lines; borough counsel said a proposed ordinance would let the borough remove dangerous private trees after notice and place a lien for removal costs if owners fail to act.
Residents raised concerns about code enforcement and tree hazards at the Nov. 13 Elmwood Park Mayor and Council meeting as the council introduced an ordinance that would expand the borough’s authority to address private tree hazards.
Ruby Singh, who identified herself and her address during public comment, said she received a code notice alleging an unpermitted boarding-house use at her property and described the inspector’s tone as "very rude." Singh said she had applied for a certificate of occupancy and asked for a proper investigation rather than a phone call to a personal cell. The borough attorney and mayor advised her to follow the appeal procedures contained in the notice or to consult private counsel to contest the violation.
Rosangela Presti, a resident at 43 Carruth Avenue, described a neighbor’s cracked tree limb that left debris on her property and said the building department instructed her to remove the portion on her side. Presti said she was concerned about insurance exposure and safety, and she also urged more police attention on Market Street near the CVS because of loitering and debris.
Borough Attorney (Floyd) explained the intent of the newly introduced Ordinance No. 25-34, which amends code sections on lawn and shrub maintenance and establishes private tree hazard remediation procedures: after notice and an opportunity to cure a hazardous condition, the borough could perform the removal and recover costs by placing a lien on the property. "This would give you the ability to go in after having given notice … and impose a tax lien on the property for the work," the attorney said during discussion. Council moved to introduce the ordinance on first reading.
Context and next steps: the tree-remediation language expands enforcement tools available to the borough when property owners fail to address hazardous trees that could threaten public safety or adjacent property. Residents with disputes over violations were advised in the meeting to use the formal appeal channels identified on the violation notice; the ordinance itself was introduced on first reading and will return for a future public hearing and final adoption vote.
The meeting’s public-comment segment shows residents seeking clearer pre-inspection procedures and more proactive safety responses for hazardous trees; the ordinance would create a formal municipal pathway to remediate hazards when property owners do not comply.
