North Jersey City is launching a new enforcement campaign, "Save Ourselves", against illegal basement apartments. The campaign is in response to safety risks posed by these apartments converted without proper permits, inspections, or adherence to building and fire codes. The city's director of code enforcement, Hassan Mateen, said last year, over two dozen illegal basement units were shut down in East Orange. The crackdown is also giving some homeowners a legal way to make extra income by creating accessory dwelling units (ADUs).