My name is Janine Y. Ellis. I'm a thirty-six year resident of Englewood, a teacher, union leader and candidate for city council At-Large. During the city council zoom meeting on March 2, 2021, I listened again as residents repeatedly petitioned for emergency help in their neighborhood regarding gas leaks on Broad avenue and Hugenot Street. Many complaints have been made to city council, PSE&G, and the Board of Public Utilities over the years, to no avail. After several calls and messages from my neighbors, I went to the area again and there is a nauseating and poisonous smell of gas. Residents are concerned for the safety of their health and environment. This is taking place in a completely residential area where many growing families live.  The residents feel that no one has taken it seriously enough to get action on it. Clearly the chain of command that the city has been told to follow has not worked. PSE&G must fix the infrastructure and the hundred year old pipes must be changed, however, putting a band-aid on this will not work. A complete overhaul must be made. This is a hazard that must be taken seriously and be addressed immediately! The potential for an explosion is very real. Our public elected officials, even beyond city council, must become more vocal and legally advocate for change! Our question is; At what point does a real emergency get taken care of and how do we get it resolved before something disastrous happens?  I hope this reaches you and look forward to your help in solving this crisis. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Janine Y. Ellis