HERMITAGE Resident: Complex needs a fence
A pool of water in the ravine is about 15 feet deep in wet weather.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Dean Alexander of Lamor Road thinks the developer of a housing complex next to him should put up some sort of fence to keep people from falling into a steep ravine between his house and the development.
Alexander appeared at a city commissioners' work session Thursday to suggest the city seek to have Millcreek Enterprises, developers of Pierce Bluffs, do more than just plant trees or shrubs as a buffer at the end of their western property line, which abuts his place.
Alexander, who once owned the land where the homes at Pierce Bluffs are being built, said the ravine is in a wooded area on his property not far from The Ledges at Pierce Bluffs, a 19-unit condominium project that will soon be built.
Risk of falling into pool
Anyone, particularly children, going into the woods behind the condos runs the risk of falling down the steep banks of the ravine into a pool of water that is sometimes 15 feet deep, he said.
The pool is a remnant of the railroad days when a railroad line ran through that area.
There's always water in the pond as well as snapping turtles, and there's no shoreline. Anyone falling in would have a difficult time getting out, Alexander said.
The Pierce Bluffs developer has indicated a willingness to put up some sort of barricade, but Alexander said he thinks the city should insist on a fence, perhaps chain-link, that would extend along the property line and present more of a permanent barrier.
"I would like very much for you to protect children's lives," Alexander told the commissioners.
Commissioner Bill Scanlon said this is a public safety issue and Atty. Thomas Kuster, the commissioners' solicitor, said the city might be able to make a fence part of the property line buffer requirement.
"Dean has a legitimate concern," said Commissioner Pat White, noting that he toured the area in question. "It's straight down on every side, a very dangerous situation."
The issue is expected to be discussed further when the condominium project comes up for a public hearing at Wednesday's regular commissioners meeting at 7 p.m.
Also on agenda
In other business, City Manager Gary Hinkson said the city is looking at a new grass control ordinance that puts stronger requirements on residents to keep their yards trimmed, but it may not solve the problem of a Brandywine Drive family.
Susan Crowley approached the commissioners several months ago asking what could be done to force the owner of an empty field across the street from her home to cut the weeds.
The field is overgrown and pollen coming from the weeds is causing asthmatic problems for her daughter, Crowley said.
Crowley was at Thursday's work session to ask about progress on the issue.
Hinkson said there is a proposed new ordinance under review but that it might not address Crowley's concern. It deals only with lots that have buildings on them, he said.
White called the matter "frustrating" because the city has vacant, overgrown lots next to residential properties.
He suggested the city revamp the ordinance to require that even vacant lots must be mowed within so many feet of a neighboring residence.