ELYSBURG - Neighbors expressed concern to Ralpho Township officials Tuesday night that construction of a home along Hillside Avenue will cause further water runoff problems at their properties.
Mark Noll, Mary Stout and Mark and Nancy Boyce attended the monthly supervisors meeting to question issuing of a building permit for the new home.
Noll said he wasn't aware that a permit had been granted for a home behind his until excavation recently began. He said he spoke to the builder in charge about the water problem he and neighbors encounter during rain storms. Noll said the builder told him he would build a swale to direct the water away from site.
Noll said he had previously fixed the water runoff problem in the area and believes the new construction could result in its return.
Mary Stout, who owns Central Penn Physical Therapy, said her livelihood could be hindered if excessive water gets onto her property.
The Boyces, Mark and his mother, who has lived at her home for 50 years, said they have the same problem with water running onto their property and believe building another house will cause more problems.
The neighbors said the new homeowner will have a basement swimming pool if the home is finished.
Supervisor Blaine Madara, who said he has visited the area, agreed there is a problem.
In addressing Noll's concern that he wasn't aware of a permit being granted, zoning/code enforcement officer Mark Lyash said there is no law stating a permit must be announced. He added that as long as the builder and owner meet the requirements for the building permit, it can be issued.
Lyash said such construction on less than one acre does not need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The lot that for the permit is .778 acres.
The option solicitor Todd Kerstetter gave to Stout was to appeal the permit, which must be done 30 days after being issued. The permit was issued on Feb. 12, however, leaving just two days for an appeal from the time of Tuesday's meeting.
The supervisors said their hands are tied, but they asked Lyash to call the homeowner and discuss the issue.
In other business, the township announced that the state Department of Environmental Protection Act 101 Recycling Program gave the township a $3,837 grant for recycling.