Supervisors say no to byway commission, resident dispute

Birmingham Township supervisors decided Monday not to take part in in the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Commission and to stay out of a dispute between neighbors.

Steve and Kathleen Harkins told supervisors during the June 1 Board of Supervisors’ meeting they’ve been having a problem with one of their Brinton’s Bridge Road neighbors, Victor Leonhard.

Kathleen Harkins told supervisors that the Leonhards have put 10 blue containers near the property line and that she believes the action is a form of retaliation. She said she and her husband were among those who opposed Victor Leonhard’s application for a pole barn on his 23.6-acre property at 700 Brinton’s Bridge Road. The barn was approved five years ago.

During an almost 12-minute discussion between the Harkins, supervisors and code enforcement officer Rich Jensen, it was revealed that neither the containers nor their location represent any violation of township ordinances.

Jensen said he inspected the containers on site and there is nothing for which Leonhard can be cited.

Supervisors John Conklin and Bill Kirkpatrick each said it’s a dispute between neighbors and the township would not get involved. If the Harkins feel they have a civil case, they should explore that possibility on their own, Conklin said.

Conklin also reiterated his continued opposition to Birmingham Township’s being involved in the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Commission. Conklin had been the township’s representative on the commission for two years, but later said the group was a waste of time and money for Birmingham. The township withdrew from the commission in February 2011.

During his comment, Conklin said the commission’s goal focuses on preserving historic and scenic properties along Route 52, but there is only about 100 feet of Route 52 in Birmingham. Even if the commission brought Creek Road into the mix, there would still be no benefit to township residents, he said, because nothing can be built or signage erected along the road.

“We applaud their values, but what they want is for us to send them some money every year and to give them volunteers. We’re not short of money, but we’re tight with money, and we are short of volunteers.”

Supervisor Scott Boorse said he shared Conklin’s sentiments. Kirkpatrick said he had nothing to say.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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