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Harveys Lake council

October 22, 2009

Boathouse uses are lakefront concern

EILEEN GODIN Times Leader Correspondent

HARVEYS LAKE – Definitions of what is a boathouse and what is allowable sparked debate among some lakefront property owners and borough council members during Tuesday night’s meeting.

In May, council members accepted an updated zoning manual with a new definition of a boathouse. According to the ordinance, a boathouse is defined as a “structure constructed completely over a body of water, designed and used exclusively to shelter water craft or marine-related equipment.”

This definition has many lakefront property owners feeling restricted. Many would like to see the definition expanded to included bathrooms.

Others would like to see it expanded to include other amenities.

Borough Solicitor Charles McCormick said as he understood the definition, it was specific enough to prevent people from building houses on the water.

John Halbing III, owner of Summit Pointe Builders, challenged council members by adding that the 12-foot height requirement with a flat roof is going to take away from the property values by making it look like “a shanty town.”

Council member Betty Jane West said she is not a lakefront property owner but would still like to enjoy the view of the lake.

“You do not own that view,” Halbing said.

Many in the room reacted with grumbling and comments about how much they pay in taxes.

Resident Lynn Banta said if the definition of boathouse stands, “you will be diminishing land values.”

“We pay a lot, a lot, in taxes to use the land in the way we want,” she said.

Council President Lawrence Lucarino said the council was already starting to work on the problem before Tuesday’s meeting.

He said keeping the water clean is a priority for borough council.

Lucarino also assured residents that a compromise is possible, but it will take members several months before a decision is made.

McCormick said that if bathrooms become allowable, residents must already have a sewer hookup or be placed on the state Department of Environmental Protection’s waiting list.

Currently, the Harveys Lake Sewer Authority is inspecting groundwater leaks into the sewer system. Sewer Authority Manager and Mayor Richard Boice said crews are out inspecting all manholes.

With the aid of $550,000 through the Pennsylvania H2O Grant, the sewer authority hopes to reduce groundwater leakage by 500,000 gallons. This could reopen sewer hookup permits.

In August, the borough had about 15 sewer line hookup applications on hold.

In other business, council passed a motion to allow resident Kevin Carty a permit to install a small windmill with the condition that if it exceeds the noise ordinance when operating, it must be removed.

The borough has a detailed ordinance concerning the installation of small windmills specifying lot size, noise decibel level and safety measures. Carty said he is in compliance with all the standards.

Lucarino and Carty said neighboring residents did not have any opposition.

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