Residents have expressed growing concerns over the increasing presence of loiterers, drug addicts, and homeless individuals, particularly around St. Georges Avenue, an area that once held promise for significant redevelopment.
The neighborhood has experienced a noticeable decline in the quality of life, according to former Councilwoman Hazel Walker, the first African-American woman elected to Roselle’s governing body.
Walker said people are afraid to venture outside because the neighborhood has become overrun with loiterers, among them drug addicts and homeless people.
“People in my neighborhood are scared,” she said. “The area has become overrun with individuals who are often loud, disruptive, and engaged in drug use.”
Neighbors share similar sentiments, citing frequent disturbances and an overall feeling of insecurity.
“There are people screaming obscenities, arguing loudly, and acting erratically, sometimes even fighting invisible entities,” said one resident, who claims police patrols have not improved the situation. “They have all their stuff in carts and just move it when the cops tell them to, then move it back. It’s been pure anxiety.”
This distressing atmosphere is particularly concerning for families.
“I can’t let my kids play outside anymore,” said another resident. “This was never a terrible area—quiet and affordable with usually decent neighbors. But since these people moved into the drain canal across the street, it’s been a nightmare.”
“The problem with Aldi’s is you cannot even get to the corner without someone asking for a quarter. And if you go to the laundromat, the chicken store, or to Wawa, everywhere you go you got somebody hanging out,” said Walker. “They’re just hanging out, probably they are more into drugs than homeless, but it is not safe.”
Councilman Brandon Bernier, who has represented the Second Ward since January 2019, faces criticism for his approach to local issues. Former Councilwoman Sylvia Turnage raised objections to Bernier’s call for $500 fines for homeowners with unkempt lawns, a misplaced priority amid real safety concerns.
Residents like Walker feel their needs are being ignored by Bernier, the target of a lawsuit filed by Adrienne Williams, a volunteer on the library board, who he falsely accused of scurrilous behavior.
Attorney Patrick P. Toscano, Jr. represents Councilwoman Cynthia Johnson in another civil rights suit that asserts Bernier tried to silence his political adversary.
“We need representation in the Second Ward,” she said. “I have never seen Bernier take action on these critical issues.”
The area surrounding St. Georges Avenue, particularly near the Aldi’s and other local businesses, has become a hotspot for disturbances. Walker describes the scene as chaotic and unsafe, with frequent altercations and drug use.
“The ambulance is always down there picking up somebody,” Walker said. “Nobody goes to St. Georges because it’s overrun with people hanging out and causing trouble.”
Walker’s worries encompass the wider infrastructure and safety of the neighborhood. She points out the dilapidated sidewalks, hazardous driving, and absence of speed bumps as persistent problems overlooked by local authorities. The presence of homeless individuals using drugs around the Wawa and the adjacent liquor store deters genuine customers and diminishes property values.
Roselle’s challenges are compounded by political issues. Walker points to external influences, particularly from out-of-town political boss Joe Cryan, whom she blames for ineffective leadership and a lack of genuine representation.
“Roselle is being run by Senator Joe Cryan, and he has got it messed up,” Walker asserted.
Acting as Cryan’s minion, Bernier has helped replace many longtime Roselle government employees with political patronage appointees. The borough’s administrator, finance official, police chief, fire chief, public works supervisor, and economic development director are among the people forced out to make room for Cryan’s operatives.
The calls for action are growing louder as residents demand that elected officials address the pressing issues of homelessness, drug addiction, and crime in their community. Walker’s plea is clear: “We need somebody to care. It’s awful.”
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the community hopes for a resurgence of effective leadership to restore safety and quality of life to Roselle’s neighborhoods.
Scandal-plagued Bernier is being challenged in the June 4 primary election by Roselle Democratic Party-endorsed Lisa Palin.