EDISON, NJ — Edison Township has initiated a lawsuit to recover more than $300,000 in fines for construction code violations, which have been ongoing since 2015. The lawsuit, filed last week, demands the Municipal Court enforce the judgment amount of $303,428.57, along with accrued interest and costs. The case involves Yun Ding Zheng, a resident of 1582 Route 27, Edison, who is facing legal action over violations related to building safety.

The initial violation dates back to April 29, 2015, when Zheng was issued a Notice and Order of Penalty for an unsafe structure deemed an "imminent hazard" by the township. Following a reinspection, it was determined that the issue had not been corrected, leading to a stop construction order. The penalties were initially assessed at $244,357.14, with an additional $500 penalty added each week after May 27, 2015, for continued non-compliance.

According to the lawsuit, Zheng had the option to challenge the penalty and order through the Middlesex County Construction Board of Appeals within 15 days of receiving the notice. However, Zheng did not pursue any appeal, and the fines remained unpaid.

The situation escalated in May 2022, when a second penalty notice was issued for further construction code violations. This penalty amounted to $59,071.43, with a similar weekly penalty of $500 if the fine remained unpaid beyond June 2, 2022. As with the previous notice, Zheng did not contest the order or take any action to address the penalties.

In October 2023, an Alias Writ of Execution was issued by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, which reaffirmed the penalty judgment from April 2023. This legal action led to the property being scheduled for a sheriff’s sale. On April 24, 2024, the property was sold to Brunswick Star LLC for $550,000, according to the lawsuit.

This legal battle illustrates the township's efforts to enforce construction safety standards and collect unpaid fines from property owners who fail to comply with building codes. Township officials emphasize the importance of adhering to local construction regulations to ensure public safety and prevent hazards.