UNION CITY — Mayor Brian Stack has formed a Quality of Life Task Force responsible for identifying fifteen apartment buildings in the city that require more attention to correct violations.
The task force, which was first mentioned in this week’s edition of the Reporter, will compel building owners to comply with regulations in order to offer a higher standard of living for tenants in Union City – which has one of the highest populations of renters in New Jersey.
According to a release from the mayor’s office, the Quality of Life Task Force will be comprised of representatives from the Police Department, Building Department, Health Department, Tenant Advocate, Community Development Agency, Office of Fire Prevention, Rent Control Office, the Department of Public Works, North Hudson Community Action Corporation and the Board of Education.
Each representative will have duties related to their respective departments, aimed at improving the quality of life for tenants.
“During the past couple of months, we have seen an increased amount of calls about buildings that have been related to bedbugs and lack of general maintenance,” Stack said in a statement. “Landlords should be put on notice. We are investigating apartment buildings in our neighborhoods to actively seek violations and ensure that building owners are complying with regulations.”
Stack said his office often receives calls from tenants who are experiencing issues that are not addressed in a timely manner.
“Lack of attention to these issues compromises the health, safety and well being of local residents,” Stack said. “Landlords must know that penalties will exist if matters that require attention in their buildings are not immediately addressed and obligations are not met.” —Lana Rose Diaz