As the rain came pouring down outside, inside the Bradford Township municipal building, so did discussions about responsibility for disposing of materials properly.
On Monday, Bradford Township Supervisors Jim Erwin, Steve Mascho and Gayle Bauer –– who had to attend the meeting over the phone –– appeared before a group of constituents who let their voices be heard. Attendees presented the supervisors with concerns, questions and comments about recycling, road maintenance and property maintenance.
Erwin described a project for the Sleepy Hollow bridge as being a big priority. “If Sleepy Hollow (bridge) goes down, people will be swimming across the creek to get home,” said Erwin. Bauer also chimed in over the phone by adding, “If the bridge goes down, we can’t even get a firetruck over if we need to.”
Improvements are underway.
The supervisors and citizens alike recognized the growing issue of people outside of Bradford dumping waste throughout the township and those who attended the meeting pledged their support in combatting littering and irresponsible recycling. The township has been battling misuse of its recycling bins, which are provided as a free service by Casella Waste.
Mascho weighed in on recycling responsibly by suggesting, “If the recycling bins are full, please do not put more material than they can contain; just hold it back and set it out for the next time materials are collected. Whatever overflows or isn’t set out properly will blow all over the place. We’re putting unnecessary work on our workers and taxpayers are having to pay for it.”
Also at the meeting, visitors raised concerns with the condition of the surface of Songbird Road, suggested applying for federal and state grants for local projects, and asked for clearer street signs at the intersection of South Avenue and Songbird Road.
Another topic of concern for residents was the maintenance of property. The supervisors said they can issue fines for such violations as blighted structures, junk cars and for non-compliance with 9-1-1 code for addresses.
Erwin also mentioned a sewer line project starting Wednesday where new manholes and pipes will be installed.
Supervisors and their constituents traded off comments and concerns about preserving conditions of roads and property while cracking down on littering and waste being scattered among roads, land and water.
The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on July 16 at the Bradford Township Municipal Building.
