AMITY >> The township supervisors announced recently that PennDOT will close the Monocacy Creek Bridge on Aug. 1 for repairs.
The bridge, which carries North Main Street over Monocacy Creek in the southern end of the township, will remain closed for at least four months.
PennDOT officials found deteriorating conditions after inspecting the 168-year-old masonry-arch bridge, prompting the decision to close it for repairs.
The bridge carries about 5,250 vehicles per day over Monocacy Creek between Pennsylvania Avenue and Monocacy Creek Road. In addition to forcing those motorists to seek alternatives, the nearby Monarch Fire Company will see a delay in response time to some parts of the township because of the detours.
The bridge repair project could cost between $250,000 to $300,000, according to PennDOT.
In other business, the supervisors approved having the township engineer, John Weber, LTL Consultants Ltd., Oley, design and engineer a new parking area off of Letort Lane.
Public Works Maintenance Superintendent Patrick Moore said the new lot will add some much needed additional parking – about 50 spaces – to the Hill Road Recreation Area.
The board also approved having the township road crew dismantle the existing playground structure at that location and construct a new one next spring.
In other news, Police Chief Andrew Kensey said police received 14 complaint calls about fireworks from July 1 to July 5.
“No one was hurt, and most people were compliant after police were called out,” said Kensey.
Board members said they are reviewing their current ordinance and considering any restrictions that can be placed on the future use of fireworks.
The state legislature approved last October allowing residents to purchase and use “aerial” fireworks.
Fireworks regulations prohibit the use of aerial fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
“A majority of the houses are constructed of wood and siding,” said Kensey, adding, “Fireworks could easily cause damage.
“The board should focus on a specific ordinance of what people can and can’t do, or we would confiscate them all.”
Supervisor Kevin Keifrider said a new ordinance wouldn’t fix the issue.
“They are setting them off now in the subdivisions – no one has 150 feet.”
Solicitor Brian F. Boland said the township’s ordinance can’t be more restrictive than the state, but it can impose fines for first and repeat violations.
Additionally, the board unanimously approved for the release of the final escrow amount of $121,400.95 to Barry Shirey, 6359 Boyertown Pike, Douglassville.
Weber said Shirey has satisfied all the requirements for the construction and operation of the turkey farm on his 75.68-acre site.
“All the trees are planted, the (dust and odor) deflections on the buildings are installed, and he has requested release of all remaining funds,” said Weber.
“There are a lot of trees out there for dust filtration, and the trees and fans are performing well.”
