JACKSON TOWNSHIP NEWS
DECEMBER 2001
MUNICIPAL OFFICE
There have been many questions asked about the proposed Zoning
Ordinance in our Township and regrettably there has also been
much misinformation circulating about zoning and this proposed
ordinance. Some of these questions follow:
Q. What is zoning?
A. Zoning is the regulation of land
use. A zoning law affects future land uses and accepts current
uses.
Q. Why do we need a Zoning Ordinance now?
A. With the installation of sanitary
sewage, the expansion of the township water system, and with the
improvements on S.R. 22, development is possible now where it was
not possible before and a Zoning Ordinance is the only tool
available to be sure future development is compatible with
current land use.
Q. What does grandfathering a property mean?
A. A property that is
"grandfathered" is a property whose use does not fit in
its zoning district, but because this was the use of that
property before the adoption of a Zoning Ordinance that use may
continue; and the property may be sold and that use or a similar
use may be continued.
Q. Will this ordinance restrict burning of household
trash?
A. No. The burning of household refuse
will be permitted in accordance with State Law.
Q. Would dog kennels be regulated by this ordinance?
A. No. All references to dog kennels
were deleted.
Q. Is a six-foot fence required around all pools and
ponds?
A. No. The six-foot fence requirement
was reduced to four feet and it is only required around in-ground
pools--not farm ponds or aboveground pools.
Q. Will existing farms be regulated regarding
spreading of manure?
A. No. The ordinance only addresses
concentrated animal feeding operations; at the present time,
there are none in Jackson Township.
Q. May I have a business in my home?
A. Yes. A home business is permitted as
a special exception in all residential districts.
Q. Will the ordinance restrict noise from mowing or
cutting wood?
A. No. The references to noise control
were deleted from the ordinance, as was noise generated from
indoor shooting ranges.
Q. Must I build a home of 1200 sq. Ft. in an R-1
area?
A. No. The ordinance was changed to
require 900 sq. Ft. in R-1, R-2, and agricultural districts. This
area is the sum total of all floors.
Q. Does zoning regulate the height of grass?
A. No.
Q. Can I go out in my robe to get the paper?
A. Yes.
Q. Are there regulations on satellite dishes?
A. Yes. But these regulations only
cover dishes whose diameter is greater than 36 inches.
Q. If one or more of the deep mines in the township
wanted to reopen, could they?
A. Yes, deep mining is permitted.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you
have any questions or comments we would encourage you to call or
stop at the office so your concerns may be addressed.
Interpretation of Ordinance Provisions: In interpreting the
language of zoining ordinances to determine the extend of the
restriction upon the use of the property, the language shall be
interpreted, where doubt exists as to the intended meaning of the
language written and enacted by the governing body, in favor of
the property owner and against any implied extension of the
restriction.
RECYCLING
Jackson Township's Recycling Program is voluntary and convenient.
Recyclable items can be dropped of at bins located at the
following places:
Municipal Parking Lot, Mundy's Corner
Vintondale Landfill, Wagner Road
Jackson Twp. Senior Citizens & Handicapped Activities Center
Parking Lot, Vinco
Recyclable Items include:
Aluminum and Tin Cans
(No aerosol or hazardous material cans!)
Clear & Brown Glass Bottles
Plastic & Newspapers (Vinco Only)
Drop off Hours are 7 days per week, 24 hours a day.
Please remember to place recyclable items only in the proper
bins. Any unrecyclable items placed in the bins will jeopardize
the recycling program.
Magazine Recycling bins will be placed at the township building
on January 18, 19 & 20, 2002.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP WATER AUTHORITY
In March 2001, the Jackson Township Water Authority was awarded a
PennVest loan of $2,256,669.00 with a 20 year payback period.
Kukurin Contracting Inc. was granted the bid to do this work.
Included in this project is the following:
1. Installation of 2 new tanks - One on Mile
Hill Road and 1 in Vinco.
2. Installation of Water Lines: Swigle Mt. Road
to Adams Avenue forming a loop.
3. Down Mile Hill Road along Rt. 271 by JETSA to
Harmony Drive forming a loop.
4. Upgrading of water mains on Griffith Avenue
along Rt. 271 to Courter Avenue.
5. The Mundy's Corner tank had improvements
which included installing a fence around it and the inspection of
the inside of the tank.
Because of this project the rates were increased to $27.42 for
3,000 gallons (minimum).
JACKSON/EAST TAYLOR SEWER AUTHORITY
The Jackson/East Taylor Sewer Authority is pleased to announce
that the Authority has completed a feasibility study to expand
the sewer system to the Cherrywood and Brazil Lane areas of
Jackson Township. The Authority is in the process of applying for
all necessary permits and loan applications so that construction
can begin within two years.
WE AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICES AND AUTHORITIES WISH YOU AND
YOURS A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON