Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way Condemnation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Landowner objects to proposed easement as Township readies plan to reopen Spring Road
Summary
At the June 15 Willistown supervisors meeting, Dr. Richard Glunk objected to a proposed easement and possible condemnation related to Spring Road culvert work; Solicitor Max O'Keefe explained DEP permit history and noted legal remedies available to the landowner.
Supervisor Molly H. B. Perrin convened the Willistown Board of Supervisors on June 15, where members heard public comment about a possible condemnation tied to the Spring Road culvert repair.
Dr. Richard Glunk, who gave his address as 209 Spring Road, said the June Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee vote raised questions about the scope of the Township’s planned taking and that the Township posting "gave the impression that his entire farm was being condemned." He referenced Pennsylvania code and case law and said a temporary workspace agreement from 2021 is not acceptable to him.
Township Solicitor Max O'Keefe said the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approved the permit for the Township’s initial culvert design, but the Township was unable to obtain an easement from the property owner for that design. "Should the Township exercise its legal option to condemn a portion of the property, Dr. Glunk would have the right to file preliminary objections to the declaration of taking, as well as challenge the amount of compensation," O'Keefe said, describing the procedural rights available to the landowner.
Manager Shanna Lodge told the Board the Township is proposing a culvert design intended to reopen Spring Road and said staff is working as quickly as possible on that effort. Christian Wynne, another resident, asked whether condemnation would proceed and whether an appeal could delay repairs; the Township's representatives did not provide a final timeline.
No formal action on condemnation was taken at the meeting. The discussion closed with the Solicitor explaining the legal process and with the Township reiterating that it would continue negotiations with the property owner.
