Plymouth Residents Still Abuzz over Beekeeping

The battle over bees is still alive and well in Plymouth Township.

In April, roughly to take sides over the decision of the Shaffer family, of 1435 Sandwood Drive, to keep honeybees in their backyard.

Many residents, especially those in close proximity to the colony, raised concerns over allergies and the general wellbeing of their children. Proponents, on the other hand, argued that their fears were unfounded, stating that honeybees kept to themselves and that those with allergies should carry Epi-pens regardless.

At Monday's May council meeting, residents wanted a progress report.

"You were talking about reviewing the policy from this month to last," said Bernie Brady, a next door neighbor of the Shaffers. "I was just wondering if anything was done?"

Solicitor Thomas Speers responded by saying that the township was still in a research phase.

"We have been working on this, and the first question is what can we do, and the second is what have other people done?" said Speers, adding that there have not been many Pennsylvania communities to regulate bees.

At last month's meeting, council members stated that the township's hands are somewhat tied on the matter, given that beekeeping is permitted under state agriculture laws. However, township employees stated that there were some restrictions that they were considering.

"What we are working on is lot size requirements and setback requirements, and we're trying to find reasonable numbers for that," said Speers.

Ken Amey, a planning consultant for the township, added that regulations concerning the number of hives and property line barriers could also be considered.

"At this point we don't have a firm recommendation to bring to council," said Ames. "But I think that between [solicitor] Speers and I, we will come up with something that we'd like to bring back to council to have you consider."

Several beekeeping supporters also spoke at the meeting, with one urging council to act thoughtfully.

"I just want to encourage council to proceed with the facts… and beekeepers do have guidelines such as square footage, there are resources available to you," said Marie Crawford, of Whitpain. "What you do is setting a precedent because you are one of the first, and people will take notice."

However, it is unlikely that some residents will be happy with anything less than complete removal of the bees from the Shaffer property.

"I don't have any problem with the bees, they just don't belong right next to me," said Joseph Lepore, a next door neighbor of the Shaffers who says he owns a swimming pool. "My brother can't come to visit me because he's allergic… [and neither] can a lot of people in the neighborhood."

Lepore added that he believes the bees diminish the value of his home, and also pose a liability risk for himself and the township.

"I can't sell my house. Would you buy a house with 120,000 bees [next door?]," asked Lepore. "There's a safety issue here, when someone has a chance to die or have bees, what's more important? And the way I feel about it, since everybody knows there's a chance someone is going to get hurt, there's liability involved."

Speers responded by saying that the township was not liable for any such injuries. As previously stated, township employees expect a proposal to appear before council in the coming months.

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