By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

There were perhaps four residents in attendance at the South Whitehall commissioners meeting on March 2 but only one had a request.

Brian Turano spoke during public comment at the end of the meeting.

“On Feb. 11, I came down and spoke with zoning about the demolition on the corner of Walbert [Avenue] and Cedar Crest [Boulevard],” Turano said. “There’s no fence. I mean, it’s just common sense since there’s a bus stop and a crosswalk right there.”

He mentioned the proximity to the Country Crossing development and said South Whitehall Township has a history of not doing anything about this.

He referred to what he said was the 2015 International Building Code, section 330 6.1 and said according to the demolition requirements there must be a fence around the structure and the walls must be shored up as well, because the house is taller than 25 feet.

He wanted a stop work order issued immediately.

He also mentioned the issue at Dollar General on Walbert Avenue as an example of neglect by the township.

He said the debacle there started two years ago.

“How do we know they’re actually going to be finished? How do we know they’re going to be done in a safe manner?” he asked.

Commissioner Michael Wolk responded that earlier in the evening it was determined that the contractor is accountable for the safety of the construction project that was discussed.

Public Works Manager Herb Bender said the work would be stopped the next day.

He encouraged Turano to fill out a request for information and reach out to him or other township employees if he doesn’t feel he is getting the response needed.

Commissioner Monica Hodges suggested Turano copy the board of commissioners on all communications.