Greene Township Park gets Facelift

The Cykosky Park, located on Brink Hill Road in Greentown, PA has recently gotten upgraded. In addition to a grant the township received to install new playground equipment, a gazebo and a safety fence, local Girl Scout Troop #50669 has made more upgrades.

They have removed overgrown shrubs from around the park’s sign and planted new flowers. They installed a sandbox to add to the park. The girls also helped erect a new sign at the bottom of Brink Hill Road and planted flowers around it.

Through this project, the girl scouts earned their Silver Award.

The project was funded by donations and the girl scouts, along with their parents, did all the planting and building of the sandbox.

What Does the Township Do?

A township is a unit of government that is a subdivision of a county. Some of the main responsibilities of a township are road maintenance and land-use planning. Second class townships (like Greene Township, Pike County, PA) are governed by a three (3) member board of supervisors who are elected for overlapping six (6) year terms.

About Greene Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania:

  • The board of supervisors and their terms can be found on the home page of the township’s website.
  • The roads that the township are responsible for can be found on the Township Roads page.
  • The township’s land-use planning information can be found on the Subdivision and Land Development page.
  • There is no adopted zoning ordinance, but there are other township ordinances to ensure the health and safety of the public.

Township responsibilities

Road Maintenance

There are three (3) types of roads in Pennsylvania. State roads are maintained by PennDOT, township roads are maintained by the township, and private roads are maintained by the property owners.

Land-Use Planning

Land-use planning consists of lot combinations, subdivisions and land developments. Lot combinations are when a property owner wants to combine two or more parcels into one. Subdivisions are when a property owner wants to take one parcel and divide it into multiple parcels. Land developments are when parcels of land are improved for the purpose of constructing a group of two (2) or more residential or nonresidential buildings or a single nonresidential building.

Ordinances

There are numerous ordinances and codes in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Greene Township has adopted ordinances, such as Signs, Solid Waste Management, Regulating Outdoor Fires and Junkyards. To view the full list of ordinances, visit the Ordinances page.

Building

Permits for building projects (eg. homes, sheds, garages, decks, pools, additions, etc.) are obtained through the township. Greene Township contracts a third party building department to do building inspections. For more information on building permits, visit the Building page.

Sewage and Well

The township is responsible for administering onlot septic system and well permits in accordance with The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537 of 1966, as amended). The township employs a Sewage Enforcement Officer, Glen Martin. Please visit the Sewage and Well page for his contact information.

Tax Collector

The elected township tax collector, Barbara Gilpin, is responsible for administering tax bills and collecting and recording all taxes. Her contact information can be found on the Taxes page.

Here is a list of some things townships do not handle:

  • Privately owned roads
  • Home owners associations/private developments or communities rules, regulations, bylaws
  • Property information (eg. survey maps, deeds, home records, etc.)
  • Landlord/tenant lists
  • Local business recommendations

The Dime Bank’s NEW Greentown Branch

On Thursday, July 22, 2021, The Dime Bank officers and local representatives gathered to celebrate the ground breaking ceremony for the new branch in Greentown, PA. Expected to be completed in the beginning of 2022, the new branch will be located on the right as you enter Dutch’s Market on Route 507 in Greene Township.

The new branch will feature innovative technology to provide a “Universal Banker” experience to customers. To create a smooth experience, all of the staff will be trained to handle all types of transactions. In addition, this branch will feature a new color scheme and furniture to provide a more modern atmosphere.




Pictured left to right: Pike County Treasurer John Gilpin; Honorable Michael Peifer, PA House of Representatives, District 139; Paul Otway Dutch’s Market; Greene Township Supervisor Gerald Obert; The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich; PW Campbell Principal John Campbell; Chairman of the Board John Kiesendahl; Senator Lisa Baker, PA State Senate, District 20; Board Director Tom Peifer.

Photo courtesy of Deb Unflat – The Dime Bank’s Vice President Marketing

Filing a Complaint

There are a variety of instances that may require action taken by the township. Some of these instances include poor township road conditions and violations of township ordinances.

All complaints must be made in writing. The township cannot take action on a complaint that is not in writing because in the event the issue goes to court, documentation of the complaint is required to back up the case. We also require written complaints in order for the correct parties to reach out for additional information if needed.

A complainant and submitted forms are protected under the Right-to-Know Law exemptions under Section 708.17, which states:

“A record of an agency relating to a noncriminal investigation, including:
(i) Complaints submitted to an agency.
(ii) Investigative materials, notes, correspondence and reports.
(iii) A record that includes the identity of a confidential source, including individuals subject to the act of December 12, 1986 (P.L.1559, No.169), known as the Whistleblower Law.”

Therefore, Greene Township will NOT give your name, phone #, or other information to another resident pertaining to this form. The only time your name would be released would be if you were needed to testify in court.

What is Ordinance Enforcement?

The township has ordinances governing the use of private property in order to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. These ordinances contain definitions, outline the duties of citizens, and explain the penalties for violation.

Click here to view the township ordinances.

Who is in Charge of Enforcement?

The roadmaster is in charge of township road issues. The board of supervisors has appointed a Code Enforcement Officer to investigate and enforce violations of township ordinances.

How is a Complaint Filed?

Complaints must be provided in writing. A Request for Action form can be found here:

Complaints will not be accepted verbally. All complaints must be in writing and the form must be filled out completely.

What Happens Once I’ve Filed a Written Complaint?

Once the township receives a written complaint, it is given to the appropriate party (road complaints given to the roadmaster, ordinance violation complaints given to the code enforcement officer).

Township road complaints are inspected and addressed by the roadmaster/road crew and handled in order of severity.

Ordinance violations are investigated by the code enforcement officer and the board of supervisors. If a violation is confirmed, a letter of violation is sent to the property owner. The violation is monitored and if no action is taken after three (3) notice of violation letters are sent, the situation is then pursued though the court system.

Resolutions can take weeks or months, depending on complexity and legal ramifications involved.

What Should I Do if I Receive a Notice of Violation Letter?

If you receive a notice of violation letter from the township, please read the full ordinance that is referred to in the letter and comply with the requirements to remedy the violation as quickly as possible. If you have questions regarding the violation and/or ordinance, please contact the code enforcement officer (contact information located at the bottom of the letter).

Greentown – Which Township Am I In?

Greentown, Pennsylvania is a village located in the northeastern part of the state. However, it is not confined just to Greene Township. The southern part of the village is located in Greene Township, but the northern part of the village is located in Palmyra Township. Both townships are located in Pike County.

Geography of Greene Township

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 62.1 square miles (161 km2), of which, 59.9 square miles (155 km2) of it is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) of it (3.54%) is water.

Wikipedia

Villages in Greene Township

Greene Township consists of the following villages:

  • Greentown
  • Hemlock Grove
  • La Anna
  • Ledgedale
  • Panther
  • Roemerville

To find which township a property is located in, you can search on Pike County’s GIS Map.

Another place where you can find which township you are located in is on your tax bill.

So what does it matter which township your Greentown address is in? Well, each township has different officials, ordinances, budget and code enforcement. For example, Greene Township does not have a zoning ordinance, whereas Palmyra Township does. This means that based on where your physical property falls within township lines, you may or may not have commercial versus residential restrictions.

Burn Ban Information

Township burn bans are requested by the Fire Chief and put into effect by the Township Supervisors. Red “Burn Ban in Effect” signs will be posted at each township line, it will be announced on the Township’s Facebook page, and it will be posted on the slider on the home page of the website.

The Board of Supervisors can apply and lift the ban at their discretion, but are usually in effect for 30 days. Bans may be lifted before 30 days if the weather conditions change enough to lesson the risk of wildfires.

When a burn ban is lifted, the signs will be removed from the township lines and it will be posted in the same locations mentioned above.

It is the responsibility of any resident planning to burn to check with their local municipality, and to inform the fire department, before they burn.

For more information as to why a burn ban may be in effect, please visit the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website. You can then click on “Burn Bans” on the right-hand side for more detailed information. *Please note: The DCNR’s website lists county wide burn bans. Local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information. 

Please see the Township Ordinance regarding outdoor fires below.

Regulating Outdoor Fires Ordinance

Help for Renters

If you are a renter in Greene Township and are having issues with your landlord, help is available!

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court created the “Implied Warranty of Habitability” which gives renters the right to safe and sanitary home conditions.

All landlords must keep their properties in decent conditions. Small repairs, such as a leaky faucet, may not be damaging enough for action to be taken. However, you are entitled to live in a safe, healthy and sanitary home.

There are steps you can take when your home is not up to standards:

  • Notify your landlord of the problem in writing
  • Give the landlord “reasonable” time to fix the problem
  • Document evidence to help your case
  • Withhold rent
  • Repair and deduct the cost of repairs from your rent
  • Bring a lawsuit
  • Get a court order
  • Move

For more information on your rights as a renter, visit the PA Housing Finance Agency

Under additional tips, you can find a pamphlet with helpful information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

*The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice.

Township Road Conditions

Since Greene Township is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania and is subject to the changing weather conditions of the area, roads often form potholes and create dust. The township road crew works diligently to fix them, starting with the worst severe and working their way to the least severe.

Here is a list of roads owned and maintained by Greene Township, Pike County, PA: Township Roads. All other roads are either owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or are privately owned.

Potholes

Potholes are most prevalent during the spring months when the ground frequently freezes and thaws. When water seeps under the road surface, then freezes as temperatures drop, then thaws as temperatures rise, they cause pockets in the roadway which are driven over by vehicles and broken up into potholes.

How Potholes Form

Dust

Another common road condition that is inconvenient is dust. Some township roads are dirt and gravel which can produce dusty conditions when a vehicle passes on them. In order to lessen the amount and location of dust, the road crew periodically applies calcium chloride to the road surfaces. This treatment absorbs small quantities of moisture from the atmosphere to provide extended dust control.

What you can do

Maintaining a slower speed on township roads will help combat the worsening of potholes and production of dust.

If you notice severe issues on township roads, please let us know by submitting a concern below.

Please visit the Township Roads page of the website to ensure the issue is not a state or private road.

Winter Maintenance of Township Roads

PennDOT has great information regarding winter preparation. To read the full article, click here.

Vehicle Preparation

As outlined in a previous post, there are some things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready if you have to travel during a storm.

  • Check that your fluid levels are full.
  • Make sure your wipers don’t streak. You may want to consider installing winter wiper blades.
  • Ensure your heater and defroster are working properly.
  • Check that your vehicle’s radio is working properly so you can receive weather and traffic reports.
  • Make sure all lights are working.
  • Check to be sure tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth.
  • If you live in an area prone to heavy snow, you may want to use dedicated snow tires on your vehicle or carry a set of tire chains. At a minimum, your all-weather tires should be mud and snow rated.
  • In the case of a problem, contact a mechanic immediately.

Mailbox Preparation

Mailboxes are often damaged from plow trucks during snow storms. In order to avoid damage to your mailbox, the township recommends installing it off the road right of way, which is 16 feet from the center of the road. However, even if your mailbox is off the road right of way, the township is not responsible for repair or replacement of a damaged mailbox.

Some things you can do to avoid damage:

  • Be sure your mailbox has a strong support.
  • Use reflective tape or other material to make it easier to see during storms or during dark hours.
  • Check your box and support often, clearing snow from it and depositing the snow properly and in a manner to allow you and motorists proper sight distances (and never on the roadway).

If your mailbox is frequently damaged, consider installing a cantilevered mailbox support that will swing a mailbox out of harm’s way.

Driveway Preparation

Just as the township tries to keep up with clearing the snow from the roads, you probably try to keep the snow off your driveway. Here are some dos & don’ts for driveway snow removal:

Do

  • Snow should be shoveled or plowed to the right side of the driveway as you are facing the intersecting roadway. By piling the snow away from the oncoming direction of the snow plows, the snow will not be pushed back onto the driveway.
  • Eliminate snow piles at the property entrance whenever possible. High accumulations of snow can obstruct the vision of motorists, posing a safety hazard.

Don’t

  • Obstruct road lanes and drainage facilities with snow and ice.
  • Push snow onto roadways at any time. This creates a hazardous condition for all vehicles.
  • Snow should not be shoveled onto any roadway as this can increase the potential for crashes, and property owners can be held liable for any resulting crashes.

Food Pantry for Greene Township Residents

Many people in our area are not aware there is help for those who need food assistance. The Newfoundland Food Pantry is available for Greene Township residents in need.

During the current times of uncertainty, and the fast approaching holidays, the food pantry would benefit immensely from generous donations. Some items needed include canned goods and toiletries.

If you are able to donate to the local food pantry, goods can be dropped off at the municipal building at 198 Brink Hill Rd., Greentown on Monday-Thursday between 9:00am-2:30pm.

If you are a Greene Township resident in need of assistance and would like more information on if you are eligible to sign up to receive from the food pantry, please call (570) 676-4066.

The Newfoundland Food Pantry
3rd Thursday of each month from 12:00pm-2:00pm
Dreher Township Building
899 Main St., Newfoundland