Assembly approves $200,000 to expand code‑enforcement cleanup fund and pilot voluntary cleanups

The Assembly voted 6‑2 to appropriate $200,000 to the borough’s multi‑year Code Enforcement Cleanup Fund and to rescope the fund to allow a voluntary cleanup program that pays hauling and landfill tipping fees where property owners consent.

Kellen Spielman, Community Planning director, said the fund has previously supported abandoned vehicle removal and court‑ordered cleanups, but the proposed change would permit the borough to coordinate volunteer labor and cover hauling/tipping fees for eligible properties. Staff noted the department currently has two enforcement officers and a technician, and the unencumbered balance in the fund is about $15,000.

Public testimony included property owners and volunteers supporting the measure as a way to protect neighborhoods and property values, and to help owners unable to manage large cleanups themselves. Opponents, including some Assembly members, argued taxpayers should not underwrite cleanup on privately owned property and highlighted the risk of recurring relapses; legal staff said the borough can place liens where possible but recovery is limited.

After debate and two failed amendments to delete the appropriation lines, the ordinance passed 6‑2 and the mayor urged rapid implementation of volunteer programs, towing contracts and coordination with existing community organizations. Staff said they will draft application forms, criteria for eligibility, waivers and processes to recover costs if properties re‑regress.

Next steps: administration will prepare program guidelines, waivers and a participation application; the mayor’s office and community planning will coordinate volunteer outreach and hauling logistics for the summer program.