May 3, 2002 By Ted Boscia 3 min read

MENALLEN TWP. – Township residents who receive a condemnation of property notice in their mailboxes in coming weeks should not be alarmed, Supervisor Joe Petrucci said Thursday. That’s because the notices are part of a plan to proceed with an intended $5.7-million sewer project that would benefit residents of both Menallen and German townships.

Petrucci said the measure became necessary after many property owners failed to sign right-of-way agreements consenting to the construction and installation of sewer lines throughout Menallen Township.

“It’s virtually impossible to get all these (rights of way) done before we go to bid the project,” Petrucci said. “The only alternative was condemnation of property. No one should get excited. It’s just because people haven’t come in and signed for the right of way.”

Solicitor Doug Sepic said property owners have two options upon receipt of the notices: They may appeal the condemnation or agree to the construction and nullify the condemnation.

According to Petrucci, residents received ample notice to sign the right-of-way agreements. The township supervisors hosted two sessions at the township building April 17 and 20, and Petrucci was present April 27 due to a misprint in a letter that was sent to residents about the project.

For property owners who have yet to agree to the sewage right of way, they may call township supervisors for an individual appointment.

“We did get many people signed, but there are still many people who haven’t come in,” Petrucci said. “It’s a formality that’s going to have to take place to do the projects. There are very few instances when the sewage line goes right through the middle of a property. They’re going to do it in a way that has the least impact.”

In a related matter, the supervisors approved an ordinance that authorizes the township sewage authority to access public roads, sidewalks and alleys at any time for the installation of sewer lines during the townshipwide project.

Before adjourning, the board conducted the following business:

– Accepted the low bid of $82,488 from FYDA Freightliner of Pittsburgh for a 2003 truck equipped with a snowplow and tailgate spreader. A competing bid was submitted by Hunter’s Truck Sales and Service of Butler.

– Appointed Carl Cize, Michael B. Schiffbauer and Robert Paul Jr. to the Buildings Officials Code Administrators appeals board for three-year terms.

“We haven’t had many of these appeals,” Petrucci said. “It’s pretty cut and dry. They may only hear one to two appeals per year.”

– Authorized Sepic to write an ordinance for the township to participate in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program in which they can purchase local houses from the federal government for $1. The board may then sell, keep or demolish the property as a means of raising money for the township.

– Reminded residents that the first township newsletter, which includes a township map and history, was mailed recently. Anyone who did not receive a newsletter may pick one up at the township building.

– Chairman Tweety Yatsko advised residents to “take a hard look” at their property reassessments for errors.

“Check closely because you might be sorry later on,” Yatsko said.