Supervisors express concerns over whether ordinance is needed
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, CoatesvilleTimes.com
Board Chairman Christopher Makely and Board Vice-Chairman Christopher Amentas review township business.
EAST FALLOWFIELD – Last week’s Board of Supervisors work session featured the examination of a potential ordinance on dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles.
The ordinance is designed to provide regulation for the use of recreational vehicles and dirt bikes. As defined by the ordinance, recreational vehicles included motorcycles, dirt bikes, trail bikes, all terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, go-carts, snowmobiles and any other similar, mechanized vehicle. Under the ordinance, limitations will be placed on noise, speed, the number of riders. A 250 ft. setback from any adjoining or adjacent property line will also be required.
The board was remiss to pass the ordinance, as several members were unsure that it was a major concern for the township.
“Is it enough of a public issue to warrant action?” asked Vice-Chairman Christopher Amentas.
The ordinance was originally drafted by the previous board in response to a grievance between two residents. Amentas felt that it was not the township’s responsibility to create ordinances for private grievances.
“It’s really not the board’s responsibility or the township’s responsibility to abate private nuisances; it’s the board’s responsibility to abate public nuisances,” said Amentas.
Board member Edward Porter reiterated Amentas’ sentiments and hoped that the two parties would be able to work the issue out without the need of an ordinance.
“I would think that the two residents would like to work things out because this is going to have an impact on the whole township if it was to go forward,” said Porter.
The board decided to postpone making a decision until their April meeting. A copy of the ordinance can be found on the township’s website.
In other business, the board decided to accept the bid for township solicitor from the law firm of Parke, Barnes, Spangler, Oste and Wood. The board will vote on a motion to contact the firm at their next meeting.
The board of supervisors will hold their next meeting on Mar. 27.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Due to a database error, this story was not published properly on its original date, it has been republished, but with its original date and minor time elements adjusted accordingly. The Times apologizes for the delay.
