WMBCTV: Abandoned Boats Illegally Dumped in Paterson

Mounds of tires and abandoned boats are some of the many pieces of garbage illegally dumped in this Paterson neighborhood. While illegal dumping has plagued the city for quite some time, officials have said enough is enough. Amid this recent crackdown, officials had two illegally dumped boats removed. 

“Paterson is not a dumping ground,” said Mayor Sayegh. “It is a serious situation that is not exclusive to our city but we are taking the appropriate law enforcement action aligned with the DPW to make sure that we crackdown on illegal dumping.”

For perpetrators who do illegally dump materials, officials say there are consequences.

“We have mended our ordinance to raise the fine of upwards of $10,000 per violation for dumping,” said Aymen Aboushi, Paterson Law Director. “And if we catch you, and we will catch you dumping, we will seek the maximum fine of $10,000.”

While officials announced fines for violators who illegally dump, Mayor Sayegh also says he plans to have more cameras installed in the city’s neighborhoods in an effort to identify those violators.

“We will have updates as far as cameras that will be coming in to make sure that we identify who the violators are and make sure they are penalized,” said Mayor Sayegh.

Officials say that by staying committed to removing the dumped materials, they intend to improve the quality of life for residents.

Mayor Sayegh says this is all part of his administration’s Operation Clean Sweep, launched last year in an attempt to address illegal dumping.

“Keeping Paterson clean starts with you so everybody plays a role in making sure that Paterson is clean and like I stated before, it is a constant battle keeping our city clean but we are going to continue to fight,” said Mayor Sayegh.

As the crackdown continues, officials say to report any illegal dumping. They also say that community members can get involved and lend a helping hand in neighborhood clean-ups. Reporting from Paterson for WMBC Hometown News, I’m Brianne Hailey Killeen.