Jun 3, 2008 By Steve Ferris 2 min read

CUMBERLAND TWP. – Township supervisors said Monday they plan to vote on a proposed property maintenance ordinance at their July 8 meeting. None of the 20 to 30 people who attended a recent hearing the supervisors held on the ordinance were opposed to the measure, township officials said.

“Everyone was in agreement something needs to be done,” Supervisor James Sokol said summarizing the sentiment residents expressed about need for the ordinance at the May 31 hearing.

“It needs to be done,” township code enforcement officer Charlotte Blaker said about establishing the ordinance.

Blaker displayed a file of photos of houses, which were scattered throughout the township, with peeling exterior paint, broken windows and birds nests made in broken siding. She said several of the houses that were photographed did not have working sewerage systems.

All those problems, she said, would violate the ordinance.

Sokol said property owners who receive citations would be given some time to make the specified repairs.

He said unmaintained properties could lower the value of surrounding properties, even if the other properties are kept in good condition.

The ordinance would require maintenance of structural members, foundation walls, exterior walls, roofs and drainage, overhangs, stairways, decks, porches, chimneys, handrails, windows and doors.

It would also prohibit accumulating rubbish inside or outside of a home, excessive weed growth and rodent infestation.

The maximum penalty for violating the ordinance would be a $1,000 fine or 90 days in prison, or both.