New Jersey Town Removing Pools From Abandoned Properties Due To Zika Concerns
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A Middlesex County, New Jersey, town is taking extra steps to protect residents from the Zika virus this summer.
CBS2's Meg Baker reported the town of Woodbridge is being aggressive about locating abandoned and vacant properties and removing potential breeding grounds.
"We want all the residents to be aware of standing water issues and that mosquitoes can breed and they can breed in five to seven days," Dennis Green, the town's director of health, said.
Crews demolished an above ground pool at one abandoned property on Thursday.
"The advancement of the Zika virus, abandoned pools, especially with water in them, are a threat because they bring mosquitoes -- mosquitoes could potentially bring the virus," Mayor John McCormac said.
The township identified more than 100 abandoned properties that will be checked not only for pools, but any standing water.
"We want to be aggressive and on the forefront of making sure people are safe and getting rid of these pools," McCormac said. "They're abandoned houses, people are not living here, so it's our responsibility because they're not going to do it, so we have to do it."
The clean-up is paid by putting a lien on the house.
"It's a lot. You know, the economy is bad, people have walked away from homes, walked away from mortgages, but that doesn't mean that the property can just lay fallow," McCormac said.
Residents are thankful the township has taken the initiative to clean up abandoned and vacated properties.
"I sit outside with my wife and kids and there's always mosquitoes, so I've called several times and they're finally doing something about it," resident Dominic Plutino said.
So far, 35 above and in-ground pools have been slated for demolition.
Residents are encouraged to report vacant or abandoned properties so they can be maintained.
