Apr 11, 2006 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

EAST-BETHLEHEM TWP. – Township commissioners received a letter from the Local Government Commission of the Pennsylvania General Assembly about a resident’s complaint. A township couple recently wrote to Sen. J. Barry Stout, who contacted the commission, about the “declining condition of the community, a result of an accumulation of junk cars and old buildings.”

Following the township commissioner’s regular meeting, Commissioner Paul Battaglini said the township is making improvements such as replacing sidewalks through a $75,000 grant from the Washington City Redevelopment Authority.

In response to the complaint about junk vehicles in particular, Battaglini read a paragraph taken from the state’s Legislator’s Municipal Deskbook included in the letter.

“A municipality must show that a condition, such as the presence of a junk vehicle, is a nuisance ‘in fact’ in order to convict the owner of the vehicle pursuant to a nuisance ordinance,” he read. “The mere presence of a vehicle, without evidence of potential adverse effects on the public health, safety, and welfare, is not a nuisance.”

Commissioner Mike Packrall suggested updating policy with a “cookie-cutter” zoning ordinance that would address the issues.

“Without zoning all we’re doing is wasting time and money,” he said.

Solicitor Brian Teslovich said the adoption process could take four to six months. Commissioners motioned to contact ATS Chester Engineering to being that process.

In another matter, the board voted to demolish the building located at 55 Front St..

An ATS Chester Engineer said an inspection of the property revealed “roof damage and a mold problem” that brought up “safety and health issues.” The inspector recommended demolishing the property.

The board also conducted the following business:

Agreed to ride around and look at what township roads need black-topped this summer.

Pending insurance verification, hired Kathy Landscaping to cut the grass in certain areas of the township.

Received notification that Bankson Engineers Inc. is making progress in the Vestaburg-New Hill Joint Authority Sanitary Sewer System project.

Agreed to fill in the Clarksville ball field with a ball-field mix.