Lavallette Borough Hall (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Officials in Lavallette agreed in theory on how to proceed with an ordinance that will limit construction work being performed on summer weekend following several months of discussion.
The ordinance is aimed at limiting construction work – particularly commercial construction work – during weekends in-season. Officials have said construction projects have produced noise complaints from those who do not wake up early on weekends, but have created a more major problem with parking. Deliveries of materials and work trucks being double-parked has led to incidents in the past, creating what some have described as a chaotic scenario on busy summer days.
The discussion among the mayor and members of council has centered around the details – specifically, whether the ordinance should apply on both Saturdays and Sundays, and the dates when construction work will not be allowed. Proposals have ranged to a permanent, year-round ban on weekend projects to a limited number of Sundays. The year-round option was quickly dismissed.
“Extending it any time beyond Labor Day, I think, will just interfere with people,” said Councilman Robert Lamb.
As they get ready to introduce the ordinance, members of the council said they hoped to hear from local residents in the construction business with their concerns. Thus far, the discussions have not generated opposition, at least publicly, with one resident who runs a contracting business endorsing the weekend pause. But “we need feedback,” Councilwoman Joanne Filippone said.
As it currently stands, the ordinance is expected to be written to prohibit construction projects on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer bathing season (when lifeguards are on duty). The ordinance will be aimed at precluding the use of noise-making equipment, such as generators, large power tools and hydraulic systems, as well as pile driving and heavy construction. Do-it-yourself home projects will not be included and will continue to be regulated by the borough’s existing noise ordinances.
“The contractors have nine months a year, and five days a week during the summer, to do their work,” said Councilman David Finter. “We gotta give everybody a break.”
Filippone said mere discussion of the new regulations have already had an impact.
“On Memorial Day, the contractors did move their trucks,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe how many phone calls I got from people thanking us for doing that.”
The borough council’s next meeting will be held June 20.
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