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Resident urges township review of tow‑company approvals amid safety and discrimination claims
Summary
A towing‑company owner told the board he has documented ordinance violations, unsafe and unsecured impound lots, reckless driving by a contracted tow operator, and an ongoing racial‑discrimination lawsuit against J and K Auto Salvage; the chief and manager agreed to review applications and the ordinance and report back.
Nathan Kershner of Unlimited Towing addressed the board during public comment with detailed allegations about two tow companies operating in the township.
Kershner said J and K Auto Salvage "has been in violation multiple times of the ordinances" and described incidents in which officers had to request updated ETAs because the tow operator was delayed or driving recklessly while responding. He also complained the company’s impound lot is not secured and that the business lacks a presence in the township, forcing residents to retrieve vehicles outside the township.
Kershner raised social‑media and conduct concerns about towing‑company employees, saying posts were removed after police review. He also said Unlimited Towing had been refused a property purchase because of flood‑zone restrictions.
In addition, Kershner said RMP Towing is storing vehicles outside its two‑car garage and posted videos showing unsafe behavior; he said the property owner at that location does not want wrecked cars stored there. He warned the practice creates an eyesore and potential safety risks for Market Street.
Kershner also said J and K is involved in a pending discrimination lawsuit alleging racial slurs to employees and asked the board whether that legal exposure could affect township liability when the company tows township vehicles. "If he's doing this to employees, what is he doing to customers?" Kershner asked.
The chief and the manager said they would review the towing ordinance and the companies’ application materials, examine the allegations and accept photographic evidence Kershner offered. The chief invited Kershner to hand photos to the police chief, and the manager said he and the chief would report back to the board at the next meeting or speak with the board after the meeting.
The board did not take immediate disciplinary action at the meeting; supervisors asked staff to investigate and return with findings.
