Does Conshohocken Have a Weed and Pothole Problem?

How's Conshohocken looking?

That seemed to be a recurrent question at Wednesday night's Conshohocken Council workshop meeting, as topics from weed growth to alleyway potholes became items of discussion. 

The conversation started when former council president and now resident Gerry McTamney spoke during the public input section. 

"When I'm looking around town I don't think there's anybody in code enforcement. Are we enforcing ordinances in the borough?" asked McTamney. "Pardon my expression but I think the township looks like hell. There's weeds in every area, and down where we had the public garden, it looks like instead of planting vegetables we're planting weeds."

McTamney went on to say that when he was on council, he toured his ward each week looking for violations-- a practice he says he still continues. 

Council members responded by stating that there were 364 complaints issued in June, which office supervisor Jenn Guckin clarified to Patch were violations issued by the borough's two code enforcement employees. The borough has been without a full-time code enforcement director since February, but Guckin says the two inspectors are still on the ground issuing citations. The borough currently has 16 applications to fill the director position. 

Council members also stated that the mild winter and extreme recent heat have led to weed growth problems.

"We had such a mild winter that the weed growth is enormous this year," said council president Paul McConnell, adding that he would be concerned for the safety of older individuals working on a hot day.

Mayor Robert Frost agreed.

"I think this heatwave has been a big factor, people just don't want to go outside if they don't have to," Frost said. 

McConnell added that the public garden is currently being cleaned up.

Later, ward six councilman Bob Stokley brought up concerns about alleyways in the borough. Council members explained that ever since the alleyways had been privatized and given to residents, they have not been thoroughly maintained.

"There's quite a few potholes in the alleyways around the borough," said Stokley. "The problem is, you have these homeowners, and they don't have the equipment or knowledge to patch a pothole in their alleyway."

Stokley asked if there was any way the borough could help residents patch the potholes. 

"They're taxpayers and they deserve some service," Stokley said. "We're encouraging people to park in the alleys. Now they're doing that, and the alleyways are getting bad with potholes."

However, borough solicitor Mike Savona said that it would be illegal to use public funds to repair private property.

"You can't use taxpayer money for improving non-borough streets or alleys," Savona said.

Savona said the borough did have some options, but none would offer a quick fix to the problem. Residents could offer to give back alleyways to the borough, form a homeowners association, or organize a volunteer effort. In some cases, the borough could take action by creating an easement or attempting to declare eminent domain, although no councilmembers said they wished to pursue those options.

Ultimately, council tabled the discussion and stated ideas should be further worked over in committee.

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