At the Dec. 8 Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting, there was prolonged discussion about a property that has been a reported cause of distress to the township, police and residents.

Alleged violations at 4158 Wood Drive, owned by Terry Vanderling of J&T Enterprises LLC, reportedly range from illegal construction of a home on the property, building a makeshift septic system, stealing power from PPL, noise, disorderly conduct and possible dumping, according to the discussion by supervisors.

Neighbors have been complaining of heavy equipment and dirt moving as well as a Rottweiler running loose at all hours, but they are also concerned about water contamination.

“It’s the makeshift septic system, that’s what we’re worried about,” one resident said during the meeting.

According to the board, Vanderling, who applied for an extension for the plans for his property, has received several citations and been found guilty by a magisterial district judge, although it was unclear what the charges were. He also reportedly violated a zoning ordinance and received a notice from the conservation district, according to the supervisors. None of these measures has caused him to stop the work, they said.

The difficulty in dealing with such a problem seems to stem from communication issues and the fact you can’t go on to a person’s property without a proper search warrant. The board discussed an administrative search warrant and mentioned the possibility of an injunction to handle ongoing violations.

In the meantime, the board granted an extension until Feb. 28, 2021.

The board also granted an extension to the Peichota Group Inc. land development plan, another controversial parcel whose plan keeps changing. It was noted the property is an “eyesore but not necessarily malicious,” according to the supervisors.

Extensions and plans were also approved for several more properties within the township.

The recreation committee reported the tree planted in Bryfogle Park for the township’s tree-lighting ceremony is stable. Chairman Cindy Miller thanked everyone for the successful event.

“It will just get better and better every year,” she said.

The police department reported crashes are down for the second year in a row. Criminal arrests were lower until about August, when voter issues cropped up, it was noted. Drugs and domestic violence were both up. The department feels this year was an anomaly.

The police department reportedly still has an acceptable level of personal protective equipment. Reportedly, officers have been making an effort not to go to calls where they don’t have to show up in person to conserve PPE in case of shortages.

In other news, the 2021 budget was approved with no increase in taxes for township residents. Discussions of the rental property ordinance, which was not adopted as previously reported, continue.

The Dec. 22 supervisors meeting was canceled.