AMITY -- The township is scrambling to add finishing touches to the new Amity Community Park before its dedication Sunday at 2 p.m. 


Located on Weavertown Road, the park is the product of a partnership between Amity Township and the Daniel Boone School District. Because of design flaws, the park was damaged by stormwater runoff last year, which necessitated repairs and improvements costing the township almost $158,000.

 
During the township supervisors’ meeting Tuesday night, the board agreed to purchase 18 wood picnic tables and 10 resin benches for the new park. One of the benches and one of the tables will be handicapped accessible. 

Supervisor Scott Stepp emphasized that it was important to "get these as soon as we can."

Risa Marmontello, who is on the parks and recreation board, brought the issue of recycling containers to the board’s attention. She said a large number of plastic drink containers are thrown into garbage cans in township parks.

The supervisors decided to look into putting recycling containers in the parks.

Marmontello also brought up the issue of the new garbage cans. One of her concerns was that the garbage cans do not have lids, which would result in rainwater getting into the garbage. The water would not only mix in with the garbage but also make bag removal more difficult.

The cost of the garbage cans, which are expected to be placed throughout the park shortly, were a subject of contention. Supervisor Leslie Sacks, supported by the parks and recreation committee, had suggested the township buy a better quality trash can than those purchased. The better quality cans would have cost the township around $13,000. 

Daniel Boone, however, pushed for the $5 soda barrel cans that the supervisors approved.

Once the cans are placed, Marmontello advised the board to "just look at them. Is this what we want?"

The board also talked about placing signs banning pets from the new community park. Currently, signs at the entrance indicate that no animals are allowed; however, residents and board members said violations have occurred. 

Township Manager Charles Lyon said the retention pond at the park failed again after the last storm. He is waiting for a review and estimate of the damages.

While the board focused on purchases for the new park, Stepp emphasized that they should not forget about safety issues at the other township parks. He highlighted the lack of safety fencing at one of the fields at the Hill Road Recreational Area.

Stepp said that while the board is "anxious to get the icing on the cake" at the new community park, it is important to look at and follow through with this safety issue.

The board raised pavilion rental fees at township parks. The motion allows for township staff to waive the fee for certain groups such as nonprofits and churches. 

A final cost analysis will be done by the township before a specific rental fee amount is set. The cost analysis will look at what it costs the township to rent out the facilities including electricity and bathroom supplies. The township will also review what it costs to clean the facility after use, along with what it costs to repair any damage renters may cause.

In other business, the board passed motions for two issues to be reviewed by the township zoning hearing board at their May 17 meeting. The issues involve a proposed T-Mobile cell phone tower, to be located at CJ’s Tire and Automotive Services on Route 422, and a proposed nursing home facility, to be located at the corner of Monocacy Creek Road and Route 422.

The board also discussed creating an official map of the township in relation to open spaces, trails and straightening roads. 

The volume of yard signs placed throughout the township also came under discussion.

The next township supervisors meeting is scheduled for May 16. 



©The Mercury 2006