Residents Demand Action on Contractor Issues

AVALON – For the third meeting in a row, Avalon Borough Council, July 11, heard from angry constituents who say their “sacred summer” in the resort community has been compromised by “out-of-control” construction.
When over 50 residents use a sunny July afternoon to attend a meeting of the governing body, some for the first time, the depth of feeling over the issue was clear. 
A dozen speakers took to the podium to describe a summer experience characterized less by the sun and sandy beaches and more by construction noise, debris, parking violations, safety concerns and occasional confrontation with contractors.
Newly installed Council President James Deever opened the meeting with a prepared statement to let property owners know that the council heard their complaints at the previous session and action was being planned. 
If it was his hope to forestall another round of public outrage, his hopes were dashed as soon as public comment began.
Resident after resident rose to relate their stories.
War Has Begun
At the June 27 council meeting, someone in the audience yelled, “There’s going to be a war.” They referenced the struggles with contractors whom residents say violate municipal codes with abandon.
Judging from the July 11 meeting comments, that war has begun.
One homeowner, Dennis Huston of Avalon Avenue, relayed his frustration with contractors whose saws spray wood and plastic particles over his siding, car, driveway and deck. 
“Where are the bags?” Huston asked, referencing devices that can be attached to the saws to contain such debris. 
After repeatedly asking construction workers to use bags, the homeowner took it upon himself to use his hose to deflect the clouds of particles away from his property resulting in a soaking of the contractor using the saw.
Eileen Huston complained of having to deal with vulgar language “we never allow in our home.”
Elaine Watson told of contractors using her property as a dumping ground for their electrical supplies.
The parade to the podium continued with tales of code violations. One resident supplied pictures of safety problems along with emails she sent and received from code enforcement officials. 
One theme dominated throughout the comments. Almost every story included rude confrontations with contractors who exhibited no concern over blocked driveways, property encroachment or potential public safety concerns.
One builder, Frederick Sykes, spoke to caution against painting all contractors with the same brush. “I follow the rules,” Sykes said to applause. “The problem is enforcement,” Sykes added, “Plain and simple, it’s enforcement.”
One resident, Julie Donatelli, continued her call for a total ban on construction from July 1 to Labor Day.
We Get It
Council member Nancy Hudanich was disturbed by the tales of what residents had experienced. She appeared shocked, and at times angry, at what she heard.
In the case of a picture of a circular saw left where it created a safety hazard to the public, Hudanich said a law should not even be necessary. “This is common sense,” she said.
Hudanich said that the borough had 86 active construction permits as of the July 11 meeting.
Assistant Business Administrator James Waldron explained that the borough has no control over the number of permits allowed. “That is completely covered by state regulations,” said Waldron. “What the municipality can do is regulate the construction sites,” he added.
That the numbers of sites have overwhelmed the borough’s ability to police them was one persistent theme of the discussion. Council promised more manpower to support enforcement.
Deever’s opening remarks spoke of an internal meeting being held to explore actions the borough could legally take.
At one July 3 internal meeting of borough officials, Business Administrator Scott Wahl said: “We looked at days, hours, use of holidays, enforcement, communication strategies and public safety issues.”
Beefing up enforcement is something that can be done without the delay normally involved in ordinance changes. Yet, some residents told of contractors who seemed to see municipal fines for violations as just part of the cost of doing business.
With multimillion-dollar homes under construction, some contractors don’t see the municipal summons as much of a threat.
The borough’s code enforcement official noted the case of one site where he has issued three summonses in the face of repeated violations. Borough officials said they are looking at stop work orders that would have greater impact where they can be legally used.
Push for Action Continues
There is no sign that the protest by residents will dissipate short of effective action by the borough. There is every sign that council members want to relieve the burden that the explosion in new construction sites has placed on residents. The one step that council has exhibited little support for is a total summer ban on construction.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.