Does Ventnor have an advocacy group (or anything similar) that can speak up for local homeowners? Not yet. But we think it’s coming. Sooner than later.
Like Margate just started, A Ventnor Homeowners Association could really help in cases like the following.
Take a look at the following plea for help from a Ventnor taxpayer:
Jason Johnston recently shared his frustration with Ventnor City Hall on Social Media. Johnston’s mother has a major issue with the raising of her home.
According to Johnston: The Ventnor Building Dept approved the foundation when it was too low. They approved framing that the engineer’s report says needs replacing.
Johnston: ‘Now, Ventnor Commissioner Landgraf says all they need to do is submit an elevation certificate. That is questionable and against documents that we have to get a CO. (Certificate of Occupancy)’
The house has no utilities. No stairs. No finished carpentry. Jason Johnston asks: would anyone accept a CO with a house in this condition?
Jason reached out to the city multiple times to try to correct this. So far, no success.
Here is a recent reply from Ventnor Commisioner Landgraf, posted by Jason Johnston:
Johnston’s mom has a lawsuit against the house lifting company. When they reported the issue to NJ DCA (Dept of Community Affairs) Regulatory Dept., they were told that since a lawsuit is in progress – they can’t help. Seems City of Ventnor and the building department are also protected by NJ Tort Claims Act.
More Background From Jason:
As many know, mom has been out of house for over 2 years. The life as she has lived for 78 years has been altered drastically by a local contractor and it’s business practices. Furthermore, the City of Ventnor building department, for whichever reason, approved this work.
In an attempt to resolve some of these issues, we have attempted to communicate the issues with the (Ventnor) Administration, and at direction of one of the commissioners, to the City Solicitor. We have been patient. Without getting into the lawsuit against the (home lifter), I have photos of the house as it stands today.
Please read the correspondence from Ventnor Commissioner Lance Landgraf, suggesting that a CO, (Certificate of Occupancy), would be issued if we submitted an elevation certificate from Ponzio. To be clear, we do not have an elevation certificate from Ponzio and this company, as far as we know, has never been part of this project.
Should we allow a CO to be issued, with no plumbing, electric, no stairs, no interior finished carpentry?
We have asked the building department and administration, the B.A, and the City to visit the house with us, without success. We have waited long enough.
Does Ventnor need an independent homeowners advocacy group? What do you think? Leave a comment below.
You dont have to request them to walk through . You call and request inspection for Rough Fire Plumbing Electric Building . Thy must inspect and give you written list of corrections to be done before thy will approve the work …
The GC seemingly called for the inspection. The foundation height was approved w a top of block survey for low side of split level at 9.65 ft. The design plans called for 10. Also the framing was approved also. City would not visit house after concerns were vocalized and documented. Independent Engineers report engaged by home owner clearly states house is too low and needs to be re-lifted lifted. Carpentry is ” so bad”, ” it cannot be repaired”.
Problem is city approved it.
This is a disgrace she should be taken care of or she should sue to get what she rightly paid for.
Everyone should take a look at the outcome of the civil case he filed as his poor mother’s “Attorney in Fact” against the contractor, and their counter suit… just saying, actual facts matter