Nutley Police at Gas Stations as Fuel Dries Up

Nutley police are stationed at two gas stations, sending a clear message that  unruly behavior will not be tolerated, Mayor Alphonse Petracco said shortly Thursday.

As of noon, Nutley residents were waiting on very long gasoline lines at two locations, as a lack of gas was becoming as big or bigger a problem for residents as the restoration of electricity.

The gas stations are located at the corner of Kingsland Street and Washington Avenue, and on Bloomfield Avenue, across from the Cavallo's Market, Petracco said.

While PSE&G trucks were busy all over town fixing downed power lines so fallen trees can be removed, the deepening gas crisis has become the biggest concern, Petracco said.

“Bad behavior will not be permitted, and anyone trying to cut in line or being verbally abusive will be removed from line,” Petracco said.

While officials at ShopRite on Franklin Avenue could not be reached for comment, Petracco said the supermarket has a lot of basic items if residents need to restock

Petracco said his deli on Bloomfield Avenue is fully stocked with milk, eggs and fresh produce for anyone who needs basics, and is set for a shipment of ice at 1 p.m.

School is closed for the week, and Nutley officials will announce a new date for Halloween trick or treating, Petracco said.

Nutley Public Works Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli reiterated that his workers cannot touch downed power lines until PSEG shuts off the power, and only then can the DPW cleanup. He said they are working to clear all other brush and have cleared all other downed trees blocking roads.