Politics & Government

Should Scotch Plains Have a 'Do Not Knock' List?

The list would be similar to the government's "Do Not Call" list.

If commercial salesmen are going door-to-door, should they have to get permission before stepping on your property?

That's the question that Scotch Plains council members asked themselves this week as they discussed the potential for creating a "Do Not Knock" list, similar to the federal government's "Do Not Call" registry. 

The issue of revising the township's solicitation ordinance was first addressed at the council's April 6 conference meeting after the mayor and several council members received complaints from residents about a furniture salesman who went through neighborhoods on Palm Sunday.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The council at that time discussed beefing up the penalty for those solicitors who violate the township's ordinance. As it stands, the ordinance allows commercial peddlers, hawkers, solicitors or canvassers to operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Non-commercial solicitors, including non-profits and organizations of the like, are allowed to go door-to-door between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., 365 days per year.

This week, council members discussed the potential benefits of creating a "Do Not Knock" list, which would allow residents to register with the township to keep commercial solicitors from coming to their door altogether. Solicitors would be given the list of homes to avoid when obtaining a permit with the township and would face a penalty for disobeying.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Such lists are becoming more common in New Jersey and across the country. Woodbridge and Edison already have them. South Plainfield enacted its own earlier this month, and Red Bank is also considering the measure.

At Tuesday's conference meeting, Township Attorney Jeffrey Lehrer gave the council information on "Do Not Knock" lists for review.

While council members expressed interest in the program, some thought they should first define their intentions before creating another layer of regulation. 

"Is this to prevent people from disturbing our peace in our homes, or to keep them from robbing and pushing in?" asked Councilman Jeffrey Strauss. "This won't affect someone with the intent of committing a crime."

Strauss' comment was partly in reference to a recent incident in South Plainfield in which robbers posed as snow shovelers and invaded a home. The municipality created its "Do Not Knock" ordinance about a month-and-a-half after the crime occurred.

"Whether it prevents something or not, overall it's a quality of live issue," Mayor Nancy Malool said. "It gives people the peace of mind to not be disturbed."

Council members were advised to review the materials they received from the attorney and then continue the discussion at the next council meeting.

Patch wants to know what you think. Is a "Do Not Knock" list something you'd like to see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here