Cumberland Twp. residents air complaints
CUMBERLAND TWP. – A weekend of bonfires, ATVs and all-night partying prompted a group of residents from Nemacolin to ask supervisors Monday what could be done. Resident Ben Glover noted that when a new resident moved in, the new habits moved in as well. Loud music, PA system broadcasts, off-road vehicles and weekend parties with huge bonfires. “They bring lumber in by truck. It’s huge,” added Hugo Berardi.
Supervisors noted that for most of the complaints, existing state laws were in place to protect residents. For loud music and late night parties that disturb the neighborhood, the board encouraged residents to call 911. As for the fire, supervisors asked solicitor Dennis Makel to revise the township ordinance on cooking fires for the areas zoned V-1 or village areas.
Makel noted that under the existing ordinance, the only reason a person could have for such a fire would be for cooking, and even then he noted it is supposed to be contained in a fireplace or proper receptacle like a grill. He agreed to limit the only cooking fires to those using grills and send the revised ordinance to supervisors for approval.
In the meantime, supervisors directed that a letter be sent to the people who hosted the fires detailing that such fires will no longer be permitted. Chairman Leroy Baker noted that the properties are too close together for such large blazes to be permitted due to fire hazards. Nemacolin Inc. board member George Holupka thanked supervisors for responding quickly and in the interests for the residents of the village communities.
Moving on, supervisors also conducted the following business:
– Agreed to have zoning officer Charlotte Blacker look into a repair business that has opened in a residential community. Blacker noted that ATV repair isn’t permissible as a home-based occupation.
– Announced that the changes to the dog ordinance will be ready for advertisement at the next township meeting.
– Tabled a petition from property owners along One Arm Lady Road asking that a mile of that road be closed. Supervisors agreed to look into issues surrounding the possible closing of the road, including access and changes in liquid fuels allocations.
– Authorized the release of funds for improvements to the Nemacolin Fire Company’s social hall. Supervisors noted that the money was made available to the fire company through their 1999 Community Development Block Grant for repairing floors, replacing doors and other upgrades.
– Approved a request from the Carmichaels Area Girls Basketball Boosters to hold a “tag day” at township businesses on Friday.