Resident Gerald Reinbold sought action from the Upper Milford Board of Supervisors regarding his neighbor, Michael Krause’s alleged unlawful actions.

At the March 18 supervisors meeting, Reinbold explained the situation is ongoing – he attended a meeting for the same reasons two years ago. After seeing state police at his neighbor’s property, he “want[s] to know where [he and the township] stand,” regarding the issue.

Township Solicitor Marc Fisher spoke on the matter and said the township “filed a number of actions” against Krause.

An article in The Morning Call reported June 2020, Lehigh County Court ruled in favor of the township in their battle against Krause’s misuse of his Allen Street property. As a result, the court ordered Krause to pay around $8,000 in fines.

Fisher explained the township then filed a petition for contempt as Krause allegedly did not follow court orders to reduce the junk from his property within a granted period of time. According to Fisher, what Reinbold recently saw was an inspection previously scheduled Feb. 2 that was pushed back due to inclement weather.

“I can’t tell you anything more,” Fisher said. “What I can tell you is … the township is having an executive session … for legal issues. I have no problem sharing with you that’s the topic.”

Reinbold persisted, stating his dissatisfaction for how long the legal process is taking to enforce Krause to decrease his clutter. He cited a township ordinance as well.

“There’s also an ordinance in our township that you can only have one junk vehicle on your property …” Reinbold said. “On my way [to the meeting], I went by that property. There are 14 vehicles on one-third of an acre. He has four buildings on that one-third of an acre. There are at least three vehicles behind the garage that haven’t been moved in 50 years …”

Fisher replied the court charged Krause the maximum fine for his actions, which the township used to place a lien on his property in hopes to coerce him into compliance, but that “this particular person would not come into compliance.” However, the supervisors will debate their next move.

“We went through the court system,” Fisher said.

“The court directed him to do something, he didn’t do it. Council called him back in front of the judge. He’s now been declared in contempt of court. Township had an inspection that you just referred to and the supervisors are going to discuss what their next step is.”

Despite the township’s attempts to compel Krause to reduce the junk on his property, Reinbold says these attempts are futile, as Krause works on other projects.

“After that inspection … the next day he would probably try to do something,” he said. “Instead, he’s building a new chicken coop.”

Reinbold explained he can no longer remain a bystander in this situation, adding he’s talked to his attorney.

“You’ve asked me to be patient,” he said. “I don’t know how long you expect me to be patient.”

Fisher insisted the township wants to proceed legally.

“ … On behalf of the supervisors, I can only tell you that we are following through in the court system,” Fisher said. “And we’re going to discuss what the next further action might be.”

Vice chairperson Robert Sentner seconded Fisher’s words.

“Let us get through this executive session,” Sentner said. “The next step is to come to the next supervisor’s meeting and we’ll have some answers.”

In other news, Sentner revealed the Route 29 bridge reconstruction will begin April 6 not March 28. As per correspondence from HRI Inc., the project will take 109 days. Traffic detours will remain the same.

Upper Milford Township Secretary-Treasurer Jessi O’Donald announced the recreation committee sought permission from supervisors for two items discussed at their last meeting.

As the first request, Ezra Schreiner asked if he could plant milkweed seeds in the meadow at Churchview Park. He collected the seed from the previous year.

The second request asks to hold a book walk at the park using the book “The Magical Mythical Bees.” Estimated costs should not exceed $500.

The board approved both requests.