Teaneck Rethinks Proposed Generator Mandate

A new plan would require the specialized housing complexes to have a back-up power supply. Officials will also investigate the proposal’s financial impact on local gas stations and review similar state legislation covering generators at service stations.

Supermarkets would not be required to use emergency back-up power under a new ordinance being drafted by Township Attorney Stanley Turitz.

Councilwoman Lizette Parker suggested the new ordinance be crafted to include only housing facilities for senior citizens and the disabled until officials gather more details.

“There’s no reason to hold that up, pending these other issues,” Parker said.

The proposed generator mandate sparked opposition from food industry and gas station trade groups, who worried about the cost of buying generators, and questioned the effectiveness of the mandate. Gas station trade groups have claimed generator costs could reach more than $20,000 and damaged fuel refineries were largely to blame for long lines at stations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The township proposal called for fines between $100 and $1000.

Teaneck resident Keith Kaplan said the council should ask for Sandy grant funds to be used toward the town’s generator mandate.

"It’s not something that’s new,” he told the council. “It’s not something that’s nanny state.”

Howard Rose, of Teaneck, said he was concerned how the potential regulations could impact small businesses in town.

“The whole concept isn’t evolved enough yet to make these kind of decisions on a town-wide basis,” Rose said.

The ordinance was tabled for the second time Tuesday after officials met with trade group representatives.