By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger
The public knows that they can do yard sales without permits, even though such permits are required by law. It is part of the problem of not enforcing small laws such as hanging fliers on telephone poles. Recently, since we are organizing the Townwide Yard Sale, some have sent us emails asking if it really is necessary to buy a permit. Of course we always suggest that they do so.
One person said, ” I did get a permit last year but found out that I was one of the very few who did . I hate being the sucker that always follows the rules and loses money….are they really going to check? Isn’t it enough that I’m out $20,000 that I didn’t have in order to fix my house (that wasn’t in a flood zone!) after Sandy? Do they want blood or perhaps my first born…as she is starting Rutgers in the fall now would be a good time for someone to take over the tuition payments. Ha ha.”
Another person said, “….how are we handling garage sale permits for the town-wide garage sale? every man for himself?”
Ken told us that the Township Committee had discussed a request from the West Grove HOA regarding a proposal to change the ordinance. He said, “It sets a new $5 fee for the individual premises participating in a neighborhood-wide sale rather than the regular $10 fee which still will be required for porch/yard/garage sales the other weeks of the year. ”
I think that town-wide yard sales should be exempted front the permit requirement because it is a town event that is good for the town (as opposed to individual sales which are good only for the sellers and their buyers.) It provides good publicity that says Ocean Grove is a lively place to visit, it has a high degree of community spirit and good will, and it brings tourists to town who will visit the shops and eateries.
The price of $10.00 is too high because it will be a tax of up to 10-20% for some sellers who are just offering a few items. Does the Chamber of Commerce pay a tax to run their events in town?
What do you say?
TROMBONE SHORTY weighs in on our topic. From HBO’s Treme
Ken: The credibility remark was just a tease. It was a tease because everyone knows that your credibility is unassailable. I appreciate your research and followup on this matter and planned to comment on it once the poll was completed and I had received the answer as to where you got that information; and now you bring us the additional information on how many permits were checked.
The latter info. I didn’t expect to get without the poll, so kudos to you and to the officials who readily told you the facts. We can now end the poll and perhaps hear from those who want to speculate about a rule that is not enforced.
My own opinion is that actual enforcement is not needed as long as people believe that enforcement and fines could occur unpredictably. This is deterrence. The facts speak for themselves— most of the participants in the sales did get permits despite the prevalent cynicism about enforcement.
Paul
Blogfinger: It is not my credibility that should be questioned.
Re your May 13 comment that my credibility is at stake when I wrote at most only 49 of the 62 addresses in the May 10 weekend “Garage” sale paid for a $5 permit. This AM I rechecked on my May 5 RFATGR at the Township…50 were issued, 1 of which was mine therefore: at most 49 still stands.
(BTW that is more than I thought would, so “a tip of my cap” to them.)
As for “credibility” in your recent poll 2 people indicated their permits checked by an official. That was the other piece of info I had asked for and was told on Tuesday, none. Today this was verified by a Code Officer, the head of Code and Construction AND by the Business Administrator himself as he passed through the office….none.
I stand by the facts.
No one should have to pay for a permit for a yard sale in Town. We pay enough in taxes. Who makes up all these RULES ?
Neptune wants to control everything we do….Next they will tell us we can use the sewers during certain hours.Then there are those that build and have no permits and get away with it.
I am sure if someone is caught without a permit they should be taken away in handcuffs and serve at least 20 years in prison. LOL
I remember when an Ocean Grove house owner on the corner of Pilgrim & Heck had a porch sale just about every weekend—- glad I did not live next to that. Neptune went after some who ran sales out of their garage so often they had to get a mercantile license. There was a reason the current Ordinance set a limit of only allowing yard sales twice a year. Some take advantage.
Well, I guess I’m one of the suckers. Already paid for my permit, but at least it will only cost me $5 since I’ll split the cost with my neighbor. Personally, I don’t think anyone should have to pay to host a yard sale. Get rid of the fee and let us have fun and keep our meager profits!!!
Alas, as many of us know, Neptune Township doesn’t seek out yard sale “scofflaws,” but it has responded to specific complaints about other issues that were called in by a neighbor. This year, maybe better safe than sorry.
When the Camp Meeting has a flea market, is anyone of those flea merchants paying for a permit? Is the CMA paying for a group permit? When there are events in Neptune Twp. where goods are sold, are permits required?
If special events are held in OG or NT without requiring permits, then the homeowners of OG and Neptune Twp. should not need permits either. We need the facts. How about one of the Twp Committee actually commenting here and provide us with some facts.
Where is the OGHOA in this? They collect dues from us—how about lobbying to save us some money.
We pay enough now and get nothing for it. Abolish it all together. If I decide to put something out, I am not going to get a permit.
NO! So few pay now, why bother?