The borough is taking additional steps to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of sidewalks.
Commissioners approved an ordinance on first reading amending the borough code chapter entitled streets and sidewalks at their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The ordinance focuses on sidewalk condition and repair upon transferring ownership of property and structures and plant life found in Haddonfield’s right-of-way.
“This is an ordinance we are amending to allow us to enforce maintenance of sidewalks in town,” Mayor Jeff Kasko said.
“Haddonfield is noted for being a walkable community, and there are a lot of concerns we get from residents in regard to upkeep and maintenance of sidewalks throughout the town. So I think this will go a long way in helping that situation,” Commissioner Neal Rochford said.
The ordinance states that before the transfer of legal title of sale, an inspection is required to determine if repair or replacement of sidewalks, driveway aprons or walkways in the public right-of-way may is necessary. If a tripping hazard exists, the property owner will be notified to replace or repair the tripping hazard.
No legal transfer of title to any real estate in Haddonfield will occur if the repair or replacement has not been completed and a certificate of compliance issued.
An inspection fee of $50 will be charged for the initial inspection and also included in that fee is the first inspection following the completion of repairs or replacements. For a re-inspection and each subsequent re-inspection, there will be a fee of $25 for each subsequent re-inspection.
“What we’ll be doing is having sidewalks maintained and improved upon the transfer of ownership of property, so if a home or business were being sold, the sidewalks would get done,” Kasko said.
Additionally, the ordinance adds a section on structures and plant life found in Haddonfield’s right-of-way. It prohibits such things being put in the right-of-way, and allows the borough to require the property owner to remove such structures or plant life or the borough will remove it at the owner’s expense.
“This clarifies that (structures and plant life put in by the owner) remain their responsibility and upon transfer still remains that owner’s responsibility,” Commissioner John Moscatelli said.
The second reading and public hearing of this ordinance will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall.
In other news:
• Commissioners approved a number of event permits, including Haddonfield Uncorked on Feb. 20, the Adrenalin 5k on March 19, Haddonfield Little League Opening Day Parade on April 2 and the Antique Auto Show on Sept. 17.
• The replacement of the Borough Hall boiler project came in under budget by about $61,000, according to Moscatelli, making a change order approval needed.
Commissioners approved the change order as well as the release of the performance bond and activation of a maintenance bond for two years.
