Dorothy DeCicco is a resident of the trailer park on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, across the way from the Public Service Electric & Gas transformer that has been situated on the western side of the state highway for four months.
Earlier in the summer, DeCicco read a story in the North Bergen Reporter that stated that several neighbors were complaining about the noise coming from the transformer.
“I read the story, but I didn’t think much of it at the time,” DeCicco said. “I didn’t pay much attention to the thing then.”
However, as the summer turned into autumn, DeCicco had no choice but to take notice of the racket coming from the metal monstrosity.
PSE&G set up the transformer last May because line engineers realized that there was a shortage of sufficient voltage being provided to the northern end of the township. The transformer was put on the site of a former trailer park that is set to become a park and ride for NJ Transit’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system, just to assure that the township would not experience either a brownout or a blackout.
However, the transformer was installed at the site on a temporary basis. It was supposed to be moved by now, but was still singing its very loud tune all through the night as late as Monday.
“I have very sensitive ears and I was right in line with it,” DeCicco said. “I couldn’t stand the noises. It was like a refrigerator, buzzing and humming all day and all night. I was going nuts. Hearing that buzzing and humming. I was ready for the insane asylum.”
Added DeCicco, “I would leave my home just to get away from the noise. It really got to me. It was torture, I tell you. But it was going on all night, and eventually, I had to come home. It was really getting to me. Wouldn’t it get to you?”
Finally, DeCicco had heard enough and was ready to complain to anyone and everyone about her dilemma.
“I should have been a detective, because I made so many calls as to whom I should call,” DeCicco said. “I had to do something. It was going on for months and nothing was being done about the noise.”
She says that she made six calls to representatives from Public Service Electric & Gas and left messages, but never received a call back from anyone.
“That really blew my cork,” DeCicco said. “I never understood why someone didn’t return my calls.”
A friend recommended that she contact the Hudson Regional Health Commission, located in Secaucus.
“I was willing to try anything,” DeCicco said.
Finally made headway
Joseph Lepis, a senior environmental specialist for the HRHC, took DeCicco’s call. He came out to examine the site and contacted the necessary representatives from PSE&G, namely engineer Maurice Andreula.
After examining the site, PSE&G has agreed to shut down the transformer between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 p.m. The company also has agreed to construct two boards that will try to throw the extensive noise away from the residents.
The transformer is only scheduled to be operating at its current site for another month, at the most. By then, PSE&G hopes to have its voltage problem solved, the transformer can go away and NJ Transit can begin construction of its Light Rail park and ride lot.
“I guess you just have to know the right people to call,” DeCicco said. “I feel good that I was able to do something, to help myself and help the other people of the neighborhood. I appreciated their help. Both Mr. Lepis and Mr. Andreula were very nice and helpful. I feel like I’ve accomplished something.”