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Residents report hoarding, rat issues; council and solicitor request photos and code follow-up
Summary
Neighbors reported a hoarding situation that they say has attracted rats and trash; the solicitor asked for color photographs to be provided to Code Enforcement and suggested reviewing municipal code chapters for possible enforcement, while residents were advised to contact the Board of Health.
Two longtime Northfield residents reported a property they say has extensive hoarding and trash accumulation that is creating a rodent problem and a public-health concern.
"Removing stuff weekly won't help," Kristine Stapleton told council, describing ongoing accumulation and asking whether the city could provide a free dumpster to help abate the problem. Solicitor Facenda asked residents to provide color photographs and documentation to the Code Enforcement Officer so staff could pursue enforcement under Chapters 268 and 280 of the municipal code; Councilwoman Kern was asked to follow up with the code officer. Mayor Chau suggested the Atlantic County Board of Health be contacted to assess the health risk.
Resident Tina Seitz said Code Enforcement had served an abatement and confirmed regular visits by the officer, but that rats remained a concern. Council indicated staff would continue enforcement follow-up and pursue referrals to the county Board of Health as appropriate.
