Boro to crack down on storage containers Law would ensure temporary facilities are not kept long term BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer Sayreville SAYREVILLE - Borough officials are considering restrictions on the use of portable storage devices on private properties in town. "It's really another way of keeping Sayreville clean," Borough Council President Thomas Pollando said of the ordinance, which the council introduced last week. If adopted, the law would restrict the amount of time in which residents can keep bulk storage containers on private property. It would also forbid anyone from parking a storage container along any public road, right of way, or public property without first obtaining a permit from the roads department. Pollando said the proposal is part of borough officials' effort to improve the quality of life in town. He emphasized that containers such as PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) are intended for temporary storage. "After 'X' amount of time, they need to get off the premises," Pollando said, "not to be left there for months and months." Residents would be allowed to place storage containers on their driveways or other paved areas for the purpose of loading and unloading during a period of 21 consecutive days, according to the ordinance. The law would also allow residents to place the storage facilities on their properties when renovations are being done to their homes, for up to 10 days prior to the commencement of the work and 10 days after the work is completed. Pollando said the municipality will be lenient and will work with residents on a case-by-case basis if they have a genuine reason for noncompliance. "We are not trying to hurt any resident, so our zoning offices will be understanding," he said. "We will work with the resident." Mayor Kennedy O'Brien said the ordinance is designed to see that PODS and other storage devices are used for their original purpose, and so that they do not become a permanent part of the borough's landscape. "PODS were originally designed as temporary storage for people that are moving," O'Brien said. "People are using it now as permanent storage." The ordinance comes in response to concerns raised by borough residents, O'Brien said, noting that officials in other municipalities are taking similar action. "This is something that is really going through most of the towns in New Jersey," O'Brien said. Borough resident Paul Sohayda mentioned the idea to local officials. "That is why people should come to the council meetings," Pollando said. "[They can] come up with ideas and we will put them into effect if they are good ideas." Sohayda told the Suburban that the storage devices are not meant to be on residents' properties for significant periods of time, and that keeping them there is not aesthetically pleasing. "Quality of life means a lot to me and my wife," Sohayda said. "We take pride in our property. I don't think the people across the street from me would want to see a POD on my driveway for months."