All was calm during Thursday evening’s Foster Township supervisors meeting at the municipal building, as supervisors George Hocker, Gus Crissman and Chip McCracken were met with a small crowd.

During public participation, one constituent –– located on Interstate Parkway –– brought up the issue of a neighbor’s property being in poor condition.

“There was a ceramic business I fought at a zoning meeting 20 years ago to keep it from being put in,” the constituent explained. “This trailer now … is pulled apart and the ceramics are falling out onto the ground.”

More information was provided by the constituent about the blight issue, who said that a house next to the trailer –– which is under the same ownership –– has a family of skunks living underneath and dogs frequently defecating in the house.

Hocker explained that the township cannot legally make the owners of the property tear down a structure.

“The state is even having that problem statewide with (blight),” said Hocker. “That’s the problem with blight now.”

Hocker added that in order for the township to tear a structure down, the township must own or buy the property.

Another constituent inquired about an ordinance for “jake brakes” for Derrick Road. Hocker replied by stating that the township doesn’t have authority over Derrick Road since it is a state road.

“That would be something that has to go through our state representatives,” Hocker said. “I have no control and no say. I can’t even fill potholes on a state road.”

Hocker said he would inquire with the local representative about the issue, but explained that the process can be difficult.

The Foster Township Police Department reported 184 complaints, eight motor vehicle accidents, five criminal investigations and 3,328 miles patrolled in the month of February.

The supervisors then approved a multimodal grant reimbursement agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to reimburse the township up to the maximal approved amount of the grant for the design and construction of the Fairview Heights and Harrisburg Run bridge replacements.

Before the meeting was adjourned, the supervisors said they are welcoming those who wish to improve the township’s parks, and added they received a suggestion for the installation of basketball courts in the township.