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Politics & Government

Residents Upset Over New Fence Around Compost Facility

Trappe's Pacer Lane homeowners attended the Borough's monthly meeting to discuss the new fence around the Collegeville-Trappe compost site located at 333 West 7th Avenue.

 

Several Trappe residents spoke out against the newly erected fence around the shared boroughs' compost site at the January 2, 2013 Trappe Borough meeting.

"I'm disgusted with the process," said Pacer Lane homeowner Bob Swartley. He showed a signed petition indicating that none of the homeowners around the site had been asked for input on the fencing project.

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"There's been no respect for adjoining property owners," Mr. Swartley stated.

Council President Fred Schuetz said that there was a reason for the fence. There were safety and liability concerns, as well as problems with dumping on the property.

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The new six-foot tall chain link fence has barbed wire laced across the top. There are also slats to be installed on the fence, with plantings planned to go around the fencing.

Homeowners informed Council that the fence does not keep the site secure as a newly installed gate is wide open and unlocked.

Councilman Paul Edwards stated that key installation will be completed on the gate by January 4th. He has also requested that Public Works remove the barbed wire by the end of the month.

"Where is the plan for this project and what is the budget?" asked an audience member. "How much has this already cost the taxpayers?"

Council was unable to answer those questions and Councilman Edwards said that he did not have that information in front of him, but that Public Works would have it.

"I'm concerned about the procedure here," said Councilman Scholl. "Where is the plan? We get an estimated cost and then go out for bid."

When asked about the budget for the landscaping around the fence, President Schuetz said that the budget has not been determined. He assured residents that they would have input and be kept informed from this point forward.

Borough Manager Jacqui Guenther reminded residents that there is a scheduled curbside Christmas tree collection on January 19. Trappe residents can take their Christmas trees to the compost site before or after that date during the site's business hours.

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