Mountainside Council Reviews Road Moratorium Issue, Short-Term Rental Ban, and Court Enforcement Concerns

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — The Mountainside Borough Council discussed several municipal issues during its May 5 work session, including a road-opening moratorium question, a proposed ban on short-term rentals, recreation staffing updates, enforcement concerns at borough tennis and pickleball courts, and a possible shared service agreement for bulk waste disposal.The road-opening discussion came after a Beechwood Court resident asked the borough to review whether any relief may be available from a five-year moratorium tied to a recently paved street. The issue involved a natural gas connection that would likely require opening the roadway because the gas main is located several feet from the curb.Council members said they would review the matter and also discussed whether improved notification procedures could help homeowners and contractors better understand when a street is under a paving moratorium.The council also introduced an ordinance that would prohibit short-term rentals of 30 days or less in the borough. Rentals longer than 30 days would remain permitted, while advertising a prohibited short-term rental could also constitute a violation. Officials said violations could carry fines of up to $2,000 per day.Officials said the ordinance was fast-tracked in part because of potential housing demand connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring international events to the region. A resident also raised concerns about a property that appears to be operating as a short-term rental. Borough officials said enforcement would follow existing zoning violation procedures. The ordinance passed on first reading and is expected to return for a public hearing at a future meeting.Council members also discussed the borough’s plan to apply for a New Jersey Department of Transportation municipal aid grant for improvements to Stony Brook Road. Applications are due by June 30. Last year, Mountainside received approximately $258,000 in state funding for improvements on Charles Street.Recreation updates included seasonal staffing preparations, with officials noting that recreation, pool and playground staffing levels are similar to last year. Officials also said lifeguard hiring has improved after shortages in previous seasons, and an additional tennis instructor will serve as a backup.The council also discussed resident complaints about electric bikes and scooters being ridden on pickleball and tennis courts. Officials said the activity could damage the playing surfaces and reviewed possible responses, including larger signs prohibiting bikes and scooters, signage with police contact information, possible security cameras and increased police patrols. Council members emphasized that enforcement should be handled through official channels rather than by residents confronting teenagers directly.The borough is also considering a shared service agreement that would allow Mountainside residents to use the Westfield Conservation Center for disposal of certain items, including mattresses, appliances, scrap metal and vegetative waste. Under the proposed arrangement, residents would pay fees directly to Westfield and receive a sticker allowing access to the facility.Other items discussed included authorization for estimated tax bills if county tax rates are delayed, a recreation refund for a program canceled due to low enrollment, continued efforts to reassess under-valued commercial properties, the appointment of a Jayden Miller, a volunteer firefighter, a minor amendment to the borough’s cash management plan and payment of municipal bills.The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for May 19, when officials are expected to hold the municipal budget hearing and issue proclamations recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and the borough’s Rescue Squad. Additional ordinances and capital funding measures are also expected to be considered.