Due to a local owner's failure to maintain private roads, Towamensing Township is exploring potential actions to take in order to ensure the safety and security of residents.

The first half-hour of Thursday night's board of supervisor's meeting at the Towamensing Municipal Building revolved around multiple residents' complaints pertaining to Clearview Drive.Kenneth George of Towamensing owns both Clearview Drive and Kennetta Lane. The roads have fallen into a state of disrepair over the past two years, and George has failed to take the board of supervisors' repeated requests to make repairs.During the initial public participation section of the meeting, resident Glen Easterling voiced his concern over Clearview Drive, which was echoed by several attendees."On the deed restriction, it says that Mr. George would maintain the road in good condition. I feel that the township should enforce that section to Mr. George," Easterling said."Well, we are making every effort. There has been no response, no phone call, nothing. As far as deed restrictions, we do not enforce deed restrictions," Chairwoman Penny L. Kleintop said.Neither could they. As Clearview Drive and Kennetta Lane are privately owned, the capacity for action from the township is restricted. However, board members suggested that homeowners could explore a lawsuit in civil court."We do not have any authority over that road. But you and your residents have a stake in that. Because of these restrictions, you can take that man to court," Vice Chairman Thomas F. Newman said.The potential for the township to discontinue garbage pickup on the road, as well as the danger posed to emergency vehicles, were paramount questions.A letter from Kleintop to George, dated Dec. 14, 2015, stated that "we are concerned about the safety and well-being of our crew as they travel the township garbage collection routes," and requested that "the road (Kennetta) be satisfactorily graded and repaired within 30 days of receipt of this letter."Another letter from Kleintop, dated July 28, indicated "the road conditions have continued to seriously deteriorate. … There is a concern that if repairs are not made, township equipment will be damaged and our workers' safety will be in danger."The letter stated that if action was not taken by Aug. 15, garbage pickup for all residents of Clearview Drive would be moved to a single location adjoining a township road.Just this week, Newman compiled a series of documents - including Kleintop's letters, a copy of the deed restrictions for Kennetta Lane, and a copy of a bill for snowplowing on Kennetta Lane that George billed to the residents - with a note requesting assistance from state Rep. Doyle Heffley.On behalf of the board, Newman concluded the letter by asking if there was a state ordinance, court decision or recommendation that would apply to the situation at hand, which would ensure the safety of any emergency responders or municipal vehicles that would have to use the roads.