Neighbors along Saint Peters Road objected to the “noise, trash, fireworks” creating an “intolerable situation” and degradation of the “quality of life” caused by the operation of what was described as a “bed-and-breakfast, hotel or motel” being operated in the residence of Boris Demchenko.

Loren Hulber of Saint Peters Road appeared in person at the Upper Milford Township meeting Sept. 17 to ask township supervisors to do something to ameliorate the situation.

Hulber said Pennsylvania State Police had been called, but the problem persists.

Pennsylvania State Police troopers provide state law enforcement service to communities like Upper Milford Township that have not organized their own municipal police departments. The state police do not enforce zoning laws.

A second, unidentified resident complained short-term residents at the offending residence had damaged his landscaping by having “torn up the lawn” by “spinning their tires.”

The resident said the situation was “getting out of control.”

Demchenko addressed the supervisors, saying, “I want to apologize to my neighbors.”

“What are your plans going forward?” Upper Milford Township solicitor Marc Fisher asked.

Demchenko said he had several reservations booked for his home which, according to a township spokesperson, is listed on Airbnb, an Internet-based short-term rental booking company.

Demchenko agreed to contact the township zoning officer.

An Upper Milford Township spokesperson said that section of Saint Peters Road is zoned rural agricultural, which does not allow short-term rentals.

“You have been notified that you are in violation of the township zoning ordinance,” Fisher said. “Cancel your reservations.”

“Do you promise tonight that you will cancel those reservations?” Fisher asked. “By Monday, call the zoning officer.”

In other business, the township opted out of participating in a program that for a short time allows employers to defer federal payroll taxes.