Two Walters Road residents voiced concerns to Loyalsock Township supervisors Tuesday about a neighbor who, they say, has grass and weeds so high on his property that they've become infested with mice and snakes.
Sandra Temple, of 1930 Walters Road, and Christopher Downs, of 1938 Walters Road, said conditions at the property of their neighbor at 1942 Walters Road have become untolerable.
They said the owners at that address, Noel and Babette Flynn, have allowed grass and weeds to grow well beyond the 10-inch maximum length allowed by code.
"I can look out my picture window and all I can see is weeds," said Temple. "I am infested with mice terribly. It's been two years I've been asking to have their grass mowed."
Downs, who shares a property border with the Flynns, also said rubbish and multiple unlicensed vehicles line their driveway.
Garth Womer, township zoning and codes assistant, said the Flynns received notices in August and October about the situation. He said some attempts have been made to clear the brush, but it hasn't been done yet.
"I think we're being very lenient," said Supervisor Jeff Rauff. "If I was living next to that property, for instance, I wouldn't be very happy."
"They're making a good attempt to take care of their property," Rauff said of Temple and Downs.
Womer said a citation would be issued after Nov. 21 if the grass isn't cut.
"We've given the folks every opportunity to comply," added Lester L. Greevy Jr., solicitor.
John Bower, chairman of the supervisors, said the board should review the township's grass-cutting ordinance to make more clear when certain zoned districts are required to mow and how high the grass should be.
Supervisors also voted to allow three residents to install natural gas lines into their homes. The vote is an exception to the two-year moratorium the township placed on road excavation after paving. Supervisors required that installation be done by hydrovac excavation, an alternative method that allows for a quicker process to expose underground utilities.
The affected homeowners live on Richards Avenue, St. Davids Road and Blair Street.
Virginia Eaton cast a no vote on the request. Marc Sortman, Rick Wheeland, Rauff and Bower voted yes.
"I just don't want to start a precedent yet," Eaton explained.
