Breaking News
Top News

Borough council approves permit for Muncy Airbnb

By MIKE REUTHER 3 min read

Muncy Borough Council approved a permit for a short-term rental unit at 101 N. Washington St. following a conditional use hearing.

John and Sheri Croll plan to open the first floor of their home to visitors as an Airbnb.

John Croll told council he will meet all conditions outlined by the borough planning commission for operating the Airbnb including offering adequate parking and providing a flood evacuation plan to renters.

Croll said he and his wife will often be on the premises.

"We live upstairs," he said.

The Airbnb site will consist of two bedrooms.

The borough received the permit application in January.

Marco Colbert advised council about a nuisance property behind his business at 100 N. Main St.

"The outside of the property is absolutely hideous," he said.

He noted that trash is sometimes being burned at the site.

Borough zoning officer Victor Marquardt told council he has been to the property multiple times to investigate the area.

One borough resident said of the property, "It's a mess."

Council discussed the possible purchase of rifle plates and carriers for the police department.

A rifle plate would provide an extra degree of protection for police officers against bullets from firearms.

It was noted that the department does have ballistic shields to offer a degree of protection.

Muncy Police Chief James Dorman said he can see the benefit of having rifle plates for officers.

Councilman George Henry wanted to know the pros and cons of rifle shields, how they could be funded, and what other area police departments use them.

Councilman Richard Sutton, a former Muncy police chief, said he would oppose purchase of the rifle plates and carriers.

Colbert, noting the recent shootings of police officers in York County, told council he supports purchasing the equipment.

"We can't afford to hire another cop if one goes down," he said.

Council agreed to table the matter.

A donation request from the American Legion to cover liability insurance costs for the Memorial Day parade in Muncy was removed from the meeting agenda.

Charles Hall noted that Councilman Bill Scott, who made the donation request on behalf of the organization which sponsors the annual event, has attended no council meetings in more than a year.

"It shows disrespect," Hall said.

He said council will likely take up the donation request at another time.

The amount of the donation request was not released.

Council approved an annual resolution to make use of fire police personnel for traffic control and other needs. The personnel are covered under workers compensation.

Council voted to have Hall attend the annual Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Conference and appointed him to serve as Muncy's delegate.

The next council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1.

Starting at /week.