Thursday, May 27, 2010

“Bedbug problem settled in Princeton”

“Bedbug problem settled in Princeton”

Bedbug problem settled in Princeton

Posted: 27 May 2010 06:33 AM PDT

PRINCETON BOROUGH -- The bedbugs are still biting at a borough apartment complex, with a public hearing on the issue being delayed once again. But a local official confirmed that an agreement has finally been reached with the landlord in the dispute.

"It's really a dead issue now," said Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi regarding the 205 Nassau St. infestation that has gone on for months. "Late Friday the landlord agreed to a plan that includes putting the tenants up in a motel for three nights so an exterminator can go in."

At a municipal court hearing Monday, Judge Bonnie Goldman said she could not hear details on the settlement. Instead, she transferred the case to another judge and prosecutor, who will hear the case today. She said she could not handle the case because it would be a conflict of interest, given that Borough Councilman Roger Martindell has become involved in the matter.

"It only came to my attention last week that Mr. Martindell had been involved somehow in terms of representing the tenants," Goldman said, referring to a cease-and-desist letter Martindell sent, written on borough stationery.

"Frankly it's not clear whether he is representing the borough or the tenants as a councilman," said Goldman of Martindell, who is also a lawyer. "The bottom line is that Mr. Martindell has authority over the prosecutor and judge. It is the council that appoints us. The fact that he is now involved in the case is an absolute conflict. Had someone else issued the cease-and-desist letter, it would not have created this problem. It's unfortunate."

Health Officer Randy Carter told the judge he just learned Monday afternoon that there had been a resolution in the case with landlord Sanford Zeitler, who agreed to put his six tenants up at the Sleepy Hollow Motel for three days and pay to wash their clothes. Bruschi negotiated for the borough to pick up the tab for food and transportation for the time period. Princeton University has offered to provide tenants with furniture.

"I'd love to get this issue resolved as soon as possible," said Carter, adding that he is scheduled to go away on a trip June 2. "I've had to deal with situations I should not have to deal with in this case. I'd just like this to go away."

Tenants said the bedbugs have been a problem since last August. In February, the local health department began issuing violation notices to the landlord, but the infestation has persisted. One of the sticking points has been that the tenants would need to be out of their apartments for three days, yet they have limited economic means and no place to go.

Martindell, frustrated with the lack of progress, stepped in to broker a deal among the landlord, the borough and the tenants in late April. More than one of his council colleagues has criticized the extent of his involvement in the issue, saying the health department is the proper authority to resolve it, and that his involvement has delayed a resolution.

"It's a routine issue health departments deal with all the time," said Council President Andrew Koontz. "They have the expertise to handle it. We don't, by virtue of our elected office."

Koontz disputed Martindell's claims that the borough is not enforcing its ordinances in the bedbug issue and said the health department followed proper procedures by issuing violation notices to the landlord. "Issuing the notices and going to court is all part of the process of enforcement," Koontz said.

"What needs to happen is for the problem to be handled as expeditiously as possible for the exterminator to get in to the property and begin what is likely to be a long process," Koontz said. "The speed at which that could potentially happen has been slowed because of Martindell's involvement."

Martindell disagreed, saying the problem began in August, the first notice of violation from the borough was dated Feb. 23, and his first letter to Zeitler was written only on April 27. "Given that chronology, I hardly think my involvement delayed anything," he said.

"The most important question is not whether there has been delay, but whether the tenants' rights have been adequately protected," Martindell said. "To date, municipal government, with the exception of Bob Bruschi, who stepped in to help, has been primarily interested in facilitating chemical treatment at the property, not in safeguarding the property or the safety of the tenants. The tenants have their own views about how to protect their interests. I have been working on a nearly daily basis to give voice to those views."

"That includes finding adequate alternate housing, and providing funds for their meals, transportation and laundry while they live in alternate housing," he said. "I make no apologies for working on their behalf in that regard. ... I see it as my primary duty to protect the people I serve, including especially tenants in affordable housing units, even if doing so may annoy some folks."
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