The recession economy and job losses - which are causing some citizens to look for creative ways to generate income for their families - are also bringing zoning problems before municipal officials.
Sadsbury Township supervisors June 1 told craftsman Jeffrey Williams they have to look at their zoning ordinance with legal rather than creative eyes.
Williams, a reproduction furniture maker who has a home and shop at the corner of White Oak Road and Route 372, said he recently lost his job and would like to independently make reproduction furniture at home to support his family.
Supervisor Eugene Lammey, a neighbor of Williams, said he would like to support Williams’ efforts, but Williams would like to use about 750 feet of workshop building on his property, and the limit under current zoning is 500 square feet.
Supervisor Linda Swift said variances are a “hard sell” in Sadsbury Township. The board suggested he instead apply to the zoning hearing board for a home occupation, which would be permitted provided he keep the work area to 500 square feet.
In other business supervisors said they will look into borrowing traffic counting equipment to do an in-house traffic study on Jackson Road, rather than spend $1,200 to $1,500 for an outside traffic study. Swift said residents are very concerned about speeding on the road, where the current speed limit is 55 mph.
Supervisors also agreed to proceed with LED signal installation for the light at Route 41 and Pine Creek Drive, even though some cities are finding there are questions about whether these comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Swift suggested the township may install updated equipment if compliance becomes an issue in all municipalities.
Finally, residents who are planning a party or picnic should contact the township office prior to the event if there will be parking issues. Parking along the following streets is prohibited in all weather: Carolyn Drive (south side), North and South Christiana Avenue, Diana Lane (west side), Mary Drive, Meadowview Drive, Parker Drive, Pleasant View Road, Ridge Lane, North and South Sadsbury Court, Saddler Drive, and within 25 feet of the center point of the intersection of Carolyn Drive and Diana Lane, in all directions.
Sadsbury Township may be reached at 593-6796 between and 8 and 3:30 Monday through Friday.
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