Paterson residents complain of constant NJ Transit trash, overgrown trees

Paterson residents say that their neighborhood is being taken over by trees and trash, and it's all due to New Jersey Transit.
The NJ Transit line runs through the neighborhood near Straight and Governor streets. Neighbors says that they have been dealing with overgrown trees and lots of trash since the summer. They are calling on the transit agency to clean up the area.
"I want them to respect my property," says one resident. "[NJ Transit] is in my property. I'm not in their property."
Paterson Councilman Mike Jackson says that after News 12 New Jersey's report about the situation in August, NJ Transit immediately removed some of the trash. But Jackson says that there has not been consistent trash cleanup. He also says that the overgrown trees have become a hazard.
"You know we get snow and rainfall and the snow weighs down on trees so they get broken branches and they become more susceptible to falling," Jackson says. "It really deserves more attention than it's getting."
Residents say the overgrown trees cause several blackouts every winter.
"One of the things the personnel at NJ Transit expressed to me was that they cut back a lot on personnel that does this type of thing," the councilman says. "My suggestion for them was even hiring someone local."
A spokesperson for NJ Transit says in a statement, "NJ Transit will again investigate any additional concerns and will work with elected officials to remedy any outstanding issues."