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Neighbor complaints over 19 Lake Avenue escalate to council; county health and code enforcement involved
Summary
Residents at and near Lake Avenue told Helmetta council that 19 Lake Ave. is a public-health and nuisance problem — citing rodents, debris and property-condition concerns. Council said County Health and borough code enforcement have issued violations and that remedies—court action or abatement—remain the next steps.
Several Helmetta residents told the mayor and council at recent meetings that a long-standing property at 19 Lake Avenue poses a public-health and quality-of-life problem and asked the Borough to take stronger action.
At the May 20 meeting, Pabel Lizardo (15 Lake Ave.) said the property is “full of junk, debris, and garbage” and “has become a public health and safety issue,” reporting documented rat activity and structural concerns. Lizardo told the council that the condition has forced his family and neighbors to pay for extra pest control and that the situation “has taken an emotional toll.” Neighbors Joel and Kevan Lunney (13 Lake Ave.) described similar concerns, saying the condition makes it difficult to sell nearby houses and that cleanup efforts so far have been incomplete. Another neighbor, Denise Forsyth (25 Lake Ave.), reported hoarding and additional material being stored on adjoining lots.
Council members and borough officials described the enforcement pathway: code enforcement and the Middlesex County Board of Health have inspected the property and issued violations. Borough Attorney Sandra Graise explained that enforcement typically proceeds through municipal summonses and the municipal court process; if owners do not remedy violations the court may order abatement, fines or other actions. The mayor said the property has been in the municipal court several times and that the Borough will continue issuing violations; he also said the property owner has sometimes resisted access and compliance.
Residents asked how they will be kept informed. Council members noted that official court scheduling and documents are available through the court clerk and by OPRA requests and said they would consult the municipal judge and continue enforcement. The council also discussed the possibility of placing liens or pursuing abatement if the court orders such action; earlier research by residents indicated a prior review of liens as an enforcement option.
What happens next: Borough code enforcement and the County Health Department will continue to pursue violations; if the owner fails to comply the matter may proceed through municipal court and could result in abatement orders or fines. Neighbors were advised to document concerns, and to use OPRA or court filings to obtain the enforcement record and scheduling information.
