Penn Forest discusses nuisance property ordinance
Penn Forest has received a letter from an attorney representing Towamensing Trails Property Owner’s Association requesting that the township consider adopting a dangerous structure ordinance or property maintenance ordinance.
Towamensing Trails is having an issue with a home that was abandoned before it was finished and wishes to have the structure removed. According to township zoning officer Kathryn Forry, the property is secured and is not dangerous, but it is an eyesore.
The property owner’s association has offered financial assistance to the township in an effort to get an ordinance adopted.
According to township solicitor Thomas Nanovic, there is a dangerous structure ordinance in the township, but it would not apply to the property in question.
“It is not truly a dangerous property,” Nanovic said. “There aren’t rats running to and from it. There isn’t a meth lab. It is boarded up and it is not an attractive nuisance.”
Nanovic added that these types of ordinances are hard to enforce and that what is a “nuisance” or “dangerous” or and “eyesore” is all very subjective.
The supervisors did not take any action on the request.
The supervisors agreed to have the township engineer review the current definition and requirements for land development plans for nonresidential accessory structures. Under the current definition, a business would be required to submit a full land development plan to place a shed or garage on its property, while a residence or farm in the township would not.
The township engineer will draft a revision for the board to review.
The supervisors approved the 2018 municipal budget for advertisement. There is no local tax in Penn Forest Township.
A resolution was adopted to assist Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 with a Local Share Account Grant for the purchase of a new LED sign. A resolution was purposed for the hiring of Kirk, Summa and Company to conduct the 2017 year-end audit.
A motion was passed to approve the opening of a new credit card account for miscellaneous general purchases. The credit limit will be set at $5,000.
The township will be going out for bids for a five-year contract for a trash compactor service to replace the current recycling bins at the transfer station.
The township also accepted a time extension from New Line Networks LLC, granting the township until Dec. 25 to act upon a plan submitted for the construction of a 150-foot, self-supporting cell tower off Old Stage Road. The original plan was submitted on Aug. 2.
