NJ Reforms Target Shoddy Home Building

add nine staff members to the DCA that will be in charge of monitoring local housing code inspectors and to set up an online building and inspection records database system called PermitsNJ, which will be available to the public through the DCA's Web site in about six months.

At the meeting, Levin and Connolly also pledged to improve the statewide warranty coverage program for homeowners, possibly extending its scope for problems like water damage and fire safety. SCI Commissioner W. Cary Edwards also urged the DCA representatives to consider tightening licensing requirements for construction officials in the state. Residents attending the meeting showed a mixture of optimism and caution toward the reforms promised.

Source: Asbury Park Press (10/14/04);