Solutions to our Code enforcement dilema.

Plainfield's housing stock is one of its greatest assets. Code enforcement and the Inspection division although talked about in the same conversation really have two distinct roles. The inspection process is part of selling and buying a home. Most homeowners are required to get an inspection by their financier. Code Enforcement relates more to existing home owners or rental units, apart from the transaction process.

So when it came to improving Plainfield's system I thought it was a good idea to speak with a municipality with a platform that is both efficient and effective. So I made it a point to have a conversation with the Chief inspector of New Brunswick, NJ. I chose New Brunswick because it has suburban and urban parts that make up their town just like Plainfield. In addition, I spoke with many of Plainfield's own inspectors to get their input on the matter. They all agreed that Plainfield needs to change the current code on the books and reduce the multitude of items the seller is required to complete before the certificate of compliance can be issued. The code should require that the subject property is safe to live in and is structurally sound. This would speed up the transaction process and free up our inspectors to go after the real violators of code enforcement. As your councilman, I would push for an ordinance to change the current code on the books, effectively limiting the scope and responsibilities of the inspectors. This solution is good for investors as well as home buyers and sellers.

Last night I stated my support for increasing the numbers of code enforcement inspectors. My opponent thinks we don't need more inspectors. I disagree. I stand behind my position and here's why. When it comes to code enforcement the department is woefully understaffed. When it comes to things like stacking, overcrowding and unauthorized building and maintenance we need more resources to enforce the rules that protect the integrity of our community. We have had multiple fires because of these unchecked violations. Imagine if you live on a quiet street in the Sleepy Hollow area. Your neighbor moves and rents their old house to a very nice family. At first all is well. Then violations begin to mount. Excessive trash makes it obvious that too many people are now occupying that dwelling. Who do you call for this kind of problem? The code enforcement division, but due to their lack of manpower they can't stay on top of things like this and believe me this is occurring all across the city. Cable wires running out of windows supplying Comcast to the multiple dwellings that have been created in one single family home. Sometimes I ask myself does anyone else notice this or is it just me?

Guess what happens when we don't have the necessary manpower to enforce our own rules, homeowners get to a point where they can't take it anymore and move. This causes a ripple effect throughout that neighborhood because the property value of the remaining homeowner is now reduced. Now the remaining homeowners either deal with the new eyesore or pack up and leave themselves. Property taxes in some areas of our community are between 10-20k. Even if your not a homeowner code enforcement rules are there to protect the quality of life for those who rent as well. But homeowners are not going to live next to an eyesore paying those kind of taxes. If you think it can't happen in your neighborhood think again. Many of our seniors who can no longer afford to continue to pay our higher than ever taxes are moving and using their old homes for rental income.

In closing, properly staffed divisions is key to unit effectiveness. We need to change the mission of these divisions and redirect them away from homeowners with minor violations and focus on overt violators of the law. We need to incorporate technology to make these divisions both more effective and efficient which was a part of my campaign platform from day one. I think these changes will allow our municipal employees to satisfy the true mission of both the Code and Inspections divisions for the City of Plainfield.