Residents urge action as board explains complaint-driven codes enforcement

Two local residents used the visitors' comment period at the Sept. 2 meeting to press the board on code enforcement and what they described as repeated, harassment-style complaints from neighbors.

A resident who identified herself only as Linda said a neighbor repeatedly files complaints and that the situation has become intolerable: "He's making my life hell, and I'm a citizen of this township," she said, asking the board to intervene. The board's presiding officer and staff advised Linda to file a formal complaint so staff could investigate and offered to meet to review the file.

Tom Ballas, who gave his address as 130 Eden Street in Hummelstown, questioned the township's ordinance treating campers on grass or stone differently and said he found the rule confusing when used to enforce complaints. "It doesn't make sense," Ballas said, asking that the ordinance be updated. The codes committee chair explained the township uses a complaint-based enforcement system and that staff respond to complaints, inspect, and either issue notices or find no violation. He offered to meet with Ballas and to review the file and enforcement history.

Commissioners acknowledged the frustration residents feel when neighbors repeatedly file complaints but said the township must investigate each complaint and that staff can accelerate enforcement steps when owners show no good-faith progress. Officials encouraged affected residents to provide contact information so staff can follow up.