Camden cleans up abandoned gas station for community safety
- Camden Public Works crews initiated a clean-up of a disused gas station that has accumulated thousands of dollars in code violations since it last operated in 2019.
- The city is demanding that the property owner, Pontus Capital Shell Portfolio LLC, reimburse the $25,000 cost of the clean-up, despite the owner's claims of being limited by ongoing bankruptcy proceedings of the tenant.
- Officials and local residents alike express frustration over the property's neglect, highlighting its negative impact on the community and pushing for accountability from the owners.
In Camden, New Jersey, the city’s Public Works department took action on October 29, 2024, to clean up a gas station that has not been operational since 2019. The site, located on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, had turned into a significant eyesore characterized by overgrown weeds, graffiti, and general disarray. Local officials, including Mayor Vic Carstarphen, condemned the property's unsightly condition and its association with crime and littering. The city allocated $25,000 for the cleanup efforts. The property is owned by Pontus Capital Shell Portfolio LLC, which claims that a tenant with a long-term lease, who has recently filed for bankruptcy, is responsible for the maintenance of the site. The company's representatives indicated that ongoing legal constraints and the tenant's financial difficulties hinder their ability to act effectively to rectify the property's condition. Despite these claims, city inspectors have stated that the owners largely disregarded violation notices sent to them. Local residents have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the property's management, describing the view from their homes as distressing due to the trash and crime associated with the site. They welcomed the clean-up as a necessary and overdue action to enhance community standards and safety. In light of these developments, the city's strategy may focus on enforcing accountability among property owners to prevent similar issues in the future. As Camden continues to tackle urban blight, the situation at this gas station stands as a case study in the challenges local governments face in addressing neglected properties and holding owners accountable for their responsibilities.