CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 20, 2024)(CNBNews)--While walking this Friday, Peyton and ME noticed an old, battered refrigerator in front of a garage on North Harley Avenue. The appliance, which looks like it has weathered many seasons, still has its door attached, yet its broken state suggests it has been abandoned there for quite some time. In Gloucester City, like in many other municipalities, a strict ordinance mandates the removal of doors from discarded appliances to prevent potential accidents.

It is deeply troubling to see that the residents of this property have neglected to address this safety hazard. The old refrigerator seriously threatens inquisitive children who may be drawn to it while playing nearby. Still, it also significantly diminishes the neighborhood's visual appeal, creating an unsightly nuisance for those living on that block and for anyone passing by. Adding to the scene's clutter, a cabinet or locker is positioned just a few feet from the refrigerator, amplifying the sense of disorder and increasing safety risks in the yard.

In our research about the dangers associated with abandoned refrigerators, one heartbreaking story stood out: the tragic case from 2019 in Florida, where three young children—ages 1, 4, and 6—lost their lives inside an unplugged chest freezer. According to a post by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, the children, curious and playful, climbed into the freezer while outside, leading to a heartbreaking outcome.

The City of Gloucester has proactively addressed such dangers since November 3, 1955, when the Mayor and Council adopted a resolution prohibiting individuals from leaving a refrigerator outside with its door still intact. Violations of this important ordinance can have severe consequences: a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or both. This enforcement mechanism is backed by N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, as amended.

This situation raises an important question: who is ultimately responsible for enforcing the city ordinance enacted in 1955? Is it the task of the Housing Office or the Gloucester City Police to ensure compliance and protect the community?

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