A city in New Jersey put up a net to keep pigeons out from under a bridge in an effort to address a nuisance for residents. But instead of keeping them away, the net is keeping some trapped inside. The net under the bridge at Broadway and West Eighth Street in Bayonne has only been up a matter of days, but it has already started to ruffle some feathers for residents. City officials said the netting was supposed to help cut down the amount of bird droppings under bridges, which they describe as an ongoing public health concern. And neighbors agree it has been an issue. Eileen Murphy, who frequently passes through the area, says she has to cover her nose and mouth whenever she goes by. She says it’s because she has COPD and worries about what she’s breathing in. “They just put [the nets] up, so we’ll see. But I’m still concerned about it,” said Murphy. “It’s definitely a lot better. It’s disgusting, we’d have to walk in the street, it was terrible,” said resident Fred Gattuso. While the problem isn’t really disputed, some questioned the city’s solution. “It’s horrible what’s happening to these pigeons that are trapped up in there. They could’ve done this a little better to be honest,” Gattuso said. “I mean I understand what they’re doing or trying to do, but they should incorporate a way so the pigeons have a place to be,” said another resident, David Finney. In a statement, a city spokesperson said that “since learning about the issue, the administration has been working to determine how the matter could be addressed as quickly and safely as possible.” The spokesperson went on to say, “The city’s department of public works and the vendor have been actively engaged to remove the birds as expeditiously as possible. 48-hour checks transitioned to daily checks, with multiple releases being made.” As of Friday, the city estimates there are only about five remaining birds stuck inside the netting. The hope is those pigeons will be trapped and released shortly. Officials urged the public to not to feed any of the trapped birds, so they can get them out sooner. ...read more read less