Township officials once more out of control, says Wantage man

I recently moved a portable 10 X 10 base structure with roof from one location in Wantage to my home in Wantage. I then received a notice of violation and order to terminate because I did not apply for a permit for my portable structure. I then applied for a permit with supporting documents including photographs. I stated that I was applying for the permit because I was being ordered to but I was doing so under protest because I did not believe that I needed a permit. I then received a “Denial of Permit” from the Construction Official Pat Stefanelli that stated the reason for the denial was “Insufficient information ect. [sic.] and if I wished to contest the validity of the denial I was to pay $100 and appeal his action. I then wrote a letter to Mr. Stefanelli. “I do not need to appeal your action. If you state that your action is valid concerning your denial do to lack of “information ect. [sic.] I do not have any reason not to believe …” “ I would like to supply you with the necessary information you require to issue a permit. Please inform me in writing what information etc. I left off of the permit application. As a home owner I did what I thought best….” I then hand delivered my letter to Mr. Stefanelli and his boss Mr. Ed. VanderBerg. I did not hear back from them. A week or more later I sent Mr. Stefanelli another written request to help me fill out the permit application. I then sent a copy of my letter to Cynthia Wilks, Director NJ State Dept. Community Affairs. At this point the Construction Official heard my call but they didn’t assist me in filling out the application — no — they bombarded me with fines ($500) and threats of more fines ($2,000 per day) for failing to file an application with the construction official and obtaining the required permit. Is it possible that the Wantage construction officials did not like the fact that I needed to contact their boss at the NJDCA? Part of the Code of Ethics that our construction officials swear to is “Code officials will perform their duties with professionalism and with courtesy towards all.” I have since applied for a second permit with the following written on it “If there is anything else you require please do not hesitate to contact me.” I guess I will wait for them to contact me with another fine. Ray Delbury Wantage