Zoning board reverses notice that had labeled 302 Coleman Road a contractor—s yard

Cara Sheridan, president of the Zoning Hearing Board, announced on April 30 that the board would reverse the township zoning officer—s finding that 302 Coleman Road in McDonald was operating as an unpermitted contractor—s yard.

The case began when Elizabeth Ross, Cecil Township—s zoning officer, testified that she had received multiple resident complaints and made three site visits (April 15, 29 and 30, 2026). Ross said she photographed machinery, trailers, piles of material and trucks marked "Wasco Mechanical," and told the board, "That based on the ordinance definition, it qualifies as a contractor's yard." Township Exhibit 1 (photographs) and Township Exhibit 2 (the April 30 notice of violation) were entered into evidence.

The owner of the parcel, Brian Waskowiak, testified that he purchased the roughly 28-acre site in 2022, has been clearing debris and structures, and intends to build a residence and garage within two to three years. He acknowledged vehicles and equipment on the property but denied operating a commercial contractor—s yard there: "Absolutely not," he said when asked whether the property was being used as a place of operation or storage for a general contractor.

On cross-examination, township witness Ross said the complaint chain began when Supervisor Cindy Fisher relayed resident complaints attributed to local neighbors (Mr. Bednar and Mr. Janocka). Ross testified she observed multiple Wasco-marked commercial trucks in photographs taken during the April site visits but did not personally observe employees working at the times she visited. Waskowiak said two laborers perform lawn, topsoil and cleanup work on the parcel three to five days a week and that those workers are paid through Wasco Mechanical but their time at the site is charged to him and his wife.

Ross also introduced Township Exhibit 3, a Washington County Sewage Council permit for an on-site sewage system showing a final-inspection signature dated Sept. 10, 2025. Waskowiak testified the dosing tank was not connected and that the system was not yet operational, saying he believed some final connections and power remained to be done before full service.

Township records and Ross—s testimony show a history of resident complaints about outdoor storage, burning, noise and grading dating back into 2025; the Washington County Conservation District performed inspections and issued cease-and-desist and DEP violation notices related to grading activity. Ross told the board the most recent complaints added allegations of company employees and company vehicles using the site.

After a brief executive session, Chair Sheridan moved to reverse the zoning officer—s determination. The board seconded the motion, members present vocalized their assent and the motion passed. The board then adjourned the hearing.

The ruling overturns issuance of the notice of violation specific to operating a contractor—s yard; the board did not, in the course of the hearing, adopt any separate enforcement action about past permit-related or DEP matters discussed by staff, which remain in the administrative record. The board did not specify additional conditions or follow-up dates on the record when it returned the decision.

The case record includes three photographic pages admitted as Township Exhibit 1, the April 30, 2026 notice of violation (Township Exhibit 2), and a June 2025 sewage permit with a final-inspection entry dated Sept. 10, 2025 (Township Exhibit 3). The board—s vote to reverse was taken at the conclusion of the hearing and vocalized by members in favor.