Council On the Fence About Pool-Fence Law

Members of the borough council admitted to being "on the fence" about a proposed ordinance to require fencing around pools previously grandfathered exceptions to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Despite the uncertainty, the council moved forward to introduce the ordinance Tuesday night. 

As proposed, the law would required all pools in the borough to be enclosed by a fence on the property. Pools built prior to 1977 presently do not need to be fenced in. To prevent hardship on the many residents who spoke out against the ordinance, the council has included a clause that would require compliance within six months of the property's transfer of ownership. 

Residents, however, continued to speak out against the proposal, citing that the cost for the fence would likely be born out of the sale price, thereby putting the burden on the sellers, who are relying on the equity in their homes for their retirement. Council members have estimated the cost of fencing to be between $5,000 and $15,000. 

Councilman William Smith, Council President Paulette Ramsey and Councilman Michael Friscia stated at the meeting that they were not sure how they intend to vote. Friscia questioned the wisdom of moving forward with introducing the ordinance if most of the council is "on the fence" about it. Friscia was the only dissenting vote on introduction. Other council members noted they have a month to make up their mind. 

A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on April 20. It is unknown how many homes would be affected by the law. The estimates cited by the council have ranged from 22 to several dozen.