The “peace pods” at the American Dream mall in the Meadowlands have been shut down by state officials after operating without the necessary permits. These pods, designed to provide “privacy on demand” in public spaces, were temporarily closed until proper permits are obtained.
Shutdown Sparks Online Attention
The issue first came to public attention through a Reddit post, which featured a photo of one of the pods located on the mall’s third floor near the indoor ice-skating rink. In the image, a large sticker with the words “unsafe structure” is prominently displayed on the pod’s entrance, indicating its closure.
Inspection Reveals Unauthorized Use
Lisa Ryan, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), explained that inspectors discovered the pods in use during a routine check late last month. She stated, “The pods were being operated without the necessary permits, leading to their temporary shutdown.”
The DCA regularly conducts inspections at the American Dream mall to ensure compliance with safety and operational regulations.
Peace Pods: Privacy in Public Spaces
The pods, officially known as “peace pods,” are designed to provide a private space in bustling public areas such as cities and malls. They are owned by Peace Inc., a company that specializes in creating innovative solutions for privacy needs in crowded environments.
Despite multiple attempts, Peace Inc. did not respond to emails seeking comments regarding the shutdown or the steps being taken to address the permit issue.
Mall Declines to Comment
Representatives for the American Dream mall have also declined to comment on the matter, leaving unanswered questions about whether the mall or Peace Inc. was responsible for the pods’ operation. Additionally, there is no clarity on when the pods might reopen, as the permit approval process could take some time.
A Unique Concept in Limbo
The peace pods concept is innovative and aims to provide much-needed privacy in busy public spaces. However, their current closure highlights the importance of adhering to local regulations and obtaining proper permits before introducing such facilities.
For now, visitors to the American Dream mall will have to wait to see if and when the pods make a return.
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