The reality is that the word ”compliance” has different connotations for different people:

·       For some it means to educate and help people learn the laws and requirements and how they can best fulfill them.

·       For some it means to harshly and punitively enforce laws and requirements, including the expectation that neighbor will report on neighbor.

No wonder there is a major difference of opinion!

So, first, let’s get on the same page! In the municipal arena, what conditions require compliance?

·       Illegal Dumping

·       Litter

·       Bulk Trash

·       Vacant Properties

·       Street/Sidewalk Obstructions

·       Property Owner/Manager Duties

·       Occupant/Tenant Duties

·       Graffiti

·       Unkempt property (uncut grass, discards in yards, etc.)

So in the municipal arena, we are talking about basic quality of life and hygiene on the part of resident, commercial, and open-space properties. At almost every council Good & Welfare session, some resident comes forward to speak about overflowing dumpsters in commercial districts or an unfinished construction project or a town property littered with trash, and occasionally, a neighbor’s property that is “blighting” an otherwise charming Teaneck street.

The reality is that several of the 9 areas in Teaneck that the former Council has named as blighted Areas In Need of Redevelopment (AINRs), in fact are areas that mostly require simple cleanup – trash pick-up, grass cutting, a coat of paint – that a Compliance Officer would have noted and addressed.

Will some residents or business owners whose property or practices are cited be upset or angry? Of course! But a skilled Compliance Officer should be able to educate the offender as to what is required and assist in finding a solution. A successful compliance officer is likely to be a successful amateur psychologist!!

One Example of Municipal Compliance

Jersey City offers a clear presentation of their Office of Code Compliance (website: www.jerseycitynj.gov/officeofcodecompliance). Jersey City is considerably larger than Teaneck (about 284,000 compared to Teaneck’s approximately 40,000), suggesting that a single Compliance Officer, with perhaps one assistant, can fulfill the responsibilities outlined below.

           The Office of Code Compliance (OCC) is responsible for the enforcement of Jersey City’s local ordinances (also referred to as municipal codes). Comprised of inspectors and support staff, the office oversees the inspections of resident, commercial, and open-space properties, and oversees other matters related to compliance with the laws of Jersey City that protect our quality of life.

           The OCC’s operations are community-driven and guided by a progressive approach of “education before enforcement” to proactively encourage compliance rather than reactively respond to violators. Inspectors Lead with conversation and education, while court summonses and prosecution are our last resort.

·      The website gives a phone number and an online portal for the Resident Response Center to which complaints can be made. Complaints can be made anonymously.

With the addition of cannabis, possibly backyard chickens (?), leaf and other composting to the practices and amenities in Teaneck, those residents who have qualms about this “new world” may feel assured that with a compliance officer in Town their quality of life in Teaneck will be maintained and, even, enhanced.

Perhaps even more important, an effective compliance officer may well influence our new Council to do away with the AINR tool and assure the continuing councilmembers and all residents and business owners, that efforts on behalf of the quality of life in Teaneck will be in accordance with the Master Plan and the wishes of the majority of Teaneck residents who moved here for the quiet, green suburban life Teaneck has always offered.