The Lehigh Township supervisors meeting this week was packed with residents supporting a political banner that brought a notice of violation from the township.

Many residents came to support Dan and Abagayle Ziegenfuss, of 4116 Wood Drive, and Wayne and Wendy Kleintop, of 1023 Pear Road. The two families were sent a notice of violation and cease and desist order, nuisance violation, because of a political banner that is across Wood Drive.

The notice said the violation must be completely corrected or removed no later than Oct. 17.

“The township received multiple complaints in regards to you securing a banner to posts erected within the township right of way and hanging a banner directly over a township roadway. Be advised that no point of any sign, including trim, border, and supports, shall be located within the township right of way,” the notice said.

Dan Ziegenfuss asked the board of supervisors, “Do you want the sign taken down, because of what it says?”

Supervisors Janet Sheats and Cindy Miller, both Republican, said, “No that is not the reason. We all have smaller signs like that in our yards. The banner is a safety issue.”

Township Solicitor Backenstoe said, “If the township does not take action, they would be liable if the banner causes an accident or someone runs into the poles. If something were to happen, and the insurance company sees that the township did nothing about the nuisance, they can refuse to pay or refuse to insure the township any longer.”

Ziegenfuss continued to argue with the board that there are so many things in the township that are unsafe and in the right of way.

“What about the concrete pillars, boulders, trees, even garbage cans in the right of way,” he said. “The banner is for the good of our children and to change the future.”

Ziegenfuss insisted that the board have the zoning officer withdraw the violation. At that point, he asked the crowd if they supported the banner. They all applauded.

The board of supervisors will not have the zoning officer withdraw the violation.

Backenstoe said, “It is not appropriate for the township to have the zoning officer do that.”