the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, the innovative “peace pods” at the American Dream mall in the Meadowlands, designed to offer “privacy on demand” in public spaces, have been temporarily shut down due to a lack of proper permits. The closure highlights the importance of regulatory compliance even for creative solutions aimed at enhancing visitor experiences.
Pods Closed After Inspection
The shutdown came to public attention through a Reddit post, featuring a photo of one of the pods on the mall’s third floor near the indoor ice-skating rink. A sticker reading “unsafe structure” was prominently displayed on the pod’s entrance, raising questions about their compliance with safety regulations.
Lisa Ryan, spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), confirmed the closure. “Inspectors noticed late last month that the pods were in use without the proper permits, so they were temporarily shut down,” Ryan explained.
What Are Peace Pods?
Marketed as “peace pods,” these structures provide quiet, private spaces in bustling public areas like malls and cities. However, their operation at the American Dream mall hit a roadblock when it was discovered they lacked the necessary permits.
Peace Inc., the company behind the pods, did not respond to multiple requests for comment, leaving questions about the future of the pods unanswered.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Pods
It remains unclear whether Peace Inc. or the American Dream mall was responsible for the operation of the pods. Additionally, there has been no official word on when or if the pods will reopen. A spokesperson for American Dream declined to comment on the situation.
Regulatory Oversight Ensures Safety
The incident serves as a reminder that even innovative additions to public spaces must adhere to stringent safety and regulatory standards. The DCA will likely work with the responsible parties to ensure compliance before the pods can resume operation.
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