John McHugh, chairman of the board of supervisors, announced the creation of a Task Force to examine issues concerning the operation of dog kennels. Residents have indicated that increasing traffic on the local roads puts a strain on these roads and noise complaints have increased. The Task Force will examine the issues raised and provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on how to effectively deal with the issues.
Task Force Guidelines:
1. There will be interaction between the dog kennel owners and the homeowners to promote a dialog with the goal of understanding the consequences of breeding dogs. What impact does this operation have on the surrounding neighborhoods and can it be mitigated?
2. Dog barking is a problem, can it be alleviated to reduce the noise complaints.
3. Land is getting scarce and expensive so a minimum lot size was set for the operation of the dog kennel operation, yet the township is getting complaints that the minimum lot requirement of 10 acres is not sufficient.
4. There will be tours of at least two operating kennels and two areas where noise complaints have been reported.
5. Recommendations will be made in writing to the Honey Brook Township Board of Supervisors and presented at the December 13, 2017 meeting. The board will announce what action will be taken on the township website and letters will be sent to all participants.
Schedule:
* Thursday, September 7, 2017, Honey Brook Township Building at 7:30 pm.
Introductions, forming the committee, setting the agenda, dates and times confirmed and communicated.
* Saturday, October 14, 2017, Field trip
Tour dog kennel facilities to see proper setback and where a waiver of setback has been granted. Visit at least two areas where noise complaints have been reported.
* Thursday, November 2, 2017, Honey Brook Township Building at 7:30 pm.
Take the identified issues and determine if a mitigation plan can be established.
* Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Present recommendations to the Honey Brook Township Board of Supervisors.
Several volunteers are needed to participate. Contact the Honey Brook Township Administration office from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday at 610-273-3970 or contact John McHugh at 484-716-3581 or email supervisors@honeybrooktwp.com.
