SH resident complains about airbnb, plowing

A Summit Hill resident had numerous complaints for the borough council on Monday.

David Hiles complained about an apparently illegal airbnb, rental properties not inspected in the borough, snow plowing, a dog running loose and the borough painting over parking lines at the rear of his church.

After voicing his grievances, he submitted a letter of resignation as assistant zoning officer.

The letter was never read.

Council President Michael Kokinda said there was no need for action on the letter because Hiles wasn’t appointed as an assistant zoning officer this year.

The most discussion by Hiles was about the property on West Ridge Avenue, which, he said, was converted into an airbnb.

He produced advertisements listing the availability of the airbnb, some online reviews by individuals who claimed they stayed at the airbnb and said such a business was likely in the second half of the twin dwelling.

Kokinda said the borough’s zoning officer is looking into the matter.

Hiles said the owner of the property has been ignoring the borough’s regulations.

“This guy’s been giving the middle finger to us all,” he said.

Hiles also said the use of the building as an airbnb is also in violation of a moratorium on new sewage connections imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.

“I don’t want council looking the other way on people moving into town and violating zoning laws,” Hiles said.

He said, “I’m tired of hearing ‘we’re going to look into this’ or ‘it’s under investigation.’”

Kokinda said the property owner was told he has to apply for a zoning variance.

Hiles said, “He can’t apply for a variance. He must apply for a change of zoning.”

Council member David Wargo suggested the matter be tabled until the council could consult with its solicitor on the matter.

Hiles asked if the council will give an update at next month’s meeting on the matter.

“We’ll do that,” he said.

Hiles is concerned that overtime is being spent unnecessarily by the road crew. He said the crew was plowing streets one morning at 4 a.m. when less than an inch of snow fell.

The council said the road crew is called out when police officers feel plowing or cindering is needed.

Hiles feels that the decision on plowing should come from the street committee and not the police.

No action was taken on the matter.

The borough’s zoning officer, Dan Matika, said the borough has new signs to install at the entrances to the borough advising residents that zoning exists.

He said there are “probably 300 places” where rent is being collected which have never been inspected in Summit Hill.

Hiles suggested that a letter be sent to anyone who buys property in the borough advising that there are requirements for rental properties.

Borough resident Myrna Gledhill said she feels the council should not discourage new business from coming into the town.

In one other matter, council member Karen Ruzicka asked that lines be painted around all fire hydrants and that police issue citations for individuals who illegally park in front of them.

The council was informed, too, that Tamaqua Transfer has agreed to extend the trash collection contract in the borough for six months. The contract was set to expire in June.

The council will advertise for bids for trash collection next year.