KELLY & RILEY TEAM UP TO GET ACTION ON VILLAS GARBAGE PROBLEM

Media Release

CONTACT:

Kevin C. Rabago FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(856) 451-3407

It’s not how he wanted to spend the morning, but with trash and garbage overflowing the complex dumpsters into parking lots of the Bridgeton Villas Apartments, Bridgeton Mayor Albert had had enough. Within an hour of showing up on the property last Tuesday (July 1^st), trash hauler Waste Management was emptying dumpsters throughout the complex eliminating what Kelly called a clear threat to public health.

“I visited the property this weekend in response to resident calls about the trash; we have our Code Office, Police, and the Health Department involved because this is a clear threat to public health and safety. We were prepared to do whatever we need to do to solve this problem” said Kelly.

Beyond local officials on scene to deal with the trash problem, Kelly asked 3^rd District Assemblywoman Celeste Riley to intervene on the State level as it relates to any jurisdiction the Department of Community Affairs would have over the complex as a multiple dwelling.

“The trash situation at the Bridgeton Villas is simply unacceptable. I’m working with DCA officials to bring as much enforcement pressure to bear as possible from their end because residents should not have to deal with overflowing trash and inconsistent trash removal” said Riley

After discussions with complex management about the growing trash situation, both Kelly and Riley learned that part of the problem stems from unpaid bills to the trash hauler.

“I found out that the main reason the trash was not picked up was because the owners did not pay the bill. I understand financial issues happen, but trash removal is basic stuff, it should be one of the first things the owners take care of” Kelly said.

“For the owners, this is the business they’ve chosen; money problems notwithstanding, they have to stay on top of this and do whatever it takes”. Riley added.

According to Kelly, problems with the complex and discussions with the owners, George McLoof, Jr., and Allyson Burzinski, has been ongoing for the last two years with minimal success.

“Going back almost 2 years, I met with the owners and we went over a number of steps they promised to take in order to significantly upgrade this property. Little to nothing has happened except a lot of promises” said Kelly.

In terms of what happens next, a lot will depend on the owners. According to Kelly, the complex management will receive very little latitude when it comes to basic health and safety issues.

“Through a coordinated effort, we were able to get the trash problem resolved for these residents today. I hope there won’t be a next time, but if there is and we have to intervene on behalf of any public health and safety issue, we’ll look at everything from liens to code standards declaring property unfit” Kelly said.

“Honestly, if these owners are unprepared to do the right thing, they should simply put the complex up for sale and be done with it rather than sucking what they can out of it and investing little back into it at the expense of the residents” Riley said.

Kelly indicated that he and Riley, along with code officials, police, and county health department personnel will be watching conditions at the complex closely in the days to come.

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To learn more about the City of Bridgeton please visit www.cityofbridgeton.com