What Do You Think About the Proposed Pool-Fence Ordinance?

On Wednesday night, the borough council will be voting on a new ordinance that would require fences around pools built prior to 1977, which are currently grandfathered exceptions to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.If enacted, all swiming swimming pools were installed prior to Jan. 1, 1977, will need to be surrounded by a 4-foot fence on the property.

On introduction last month, several members of the council admitted they were "on the fence" about the ordinance. 

Several residents—mostly seniors or those speaking on behalf of seniors—have spoken against the proposition, citing the hardship the expense of fencing would impose. As a result, the borough included a trigger incident—the transfer of the property title—clause in the proposed ordinance. New owners would have six months to comply with the law or be fined up to $200 a day. 

Some have spoken against this as well, saying the expense of the fence would come off the sale of the house, and negatively effect those whose retirement equity is tied up in their home. 

Patch wants to know: If you currently have an unfenced pool: How will this possible ordinance affect you? What do you think? Do you think all pools should have fences? Or do you think, as some have suggested, that the lakes in town pose a bigger threat? Do you think the sale of the house as a trigger incident is a fair compromise or do you feel this adversely impacts senior residents?