Farmersville Road area families are so fed up by Aaaron Schaffer's ATVs that they decided to make some noise of their own before Bethlehem Township Commissioners on May 2. They want the noise to stop. "I have the right to enjoy my property, too," stated Al Camaione, who was there to complain about the ATV exploits of Framersville Road resident Aaron Schaffer. "They're riding all the time," noted Camaione, who stated that Schaeffer's friends ride when he's at work. He also objected to bonfires and tires at Schaeffer's residence. "We just don't need this kind of stuff in our neighborhood," he concluded. John Pitti echoed Camaione's concerns. "I don't want to take anybody's right to have fun," he cautioned, but complained about revving noises from ATVs at 8 PM and later. "It's incessant," added Randi Tillman. "Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, revving."
But Aaron Schaffer, who was present, had his defenders. Michael Turocy told Commissioners there were already ordinances dealing with excessive noise, fires and tires. "It seems to me there are enough ordinances to cover everything complained about. What's the problem?" he demanded. Matthew Longenberger called it a "neighborhood dispute" and worried that his "freedom is being taken incrementally." Mark Bonstein added that he uses his ATV to plow driveways and school bus stops in the neighborhood. "ATVs are not the problem, it's the noise," he stated.
Commissioner Thomas Nolan stated that one solution would be an ordinance similar to one enacted in North Whitehall Township in 2009, which effectively bans ATVs. But Commissioner Jerry Batcha balked at regulating one neighbor, which he jokingly referred to as the "Schaffer law."
"Consider this a public reprimand," Batcha warned Schaffer, telling him that his claim that a bonfire was used for cooking was an insult to everyone's intelligence. "Don't force our hand."
Commissioner Paul Weiss suggested that neighbors need to find a "common ground." Like Batcha, he opposes a restriction on everyone because of one homeowner. And like Batcha, he warned Schaffer that police have already visited his property too many times. "If they get called again, there will be fallout," he added.
Aa the meeting ended, Schaffer was shaking hands with his neighbors.
Blogger's Note: Pictured above is Al Camaione.
20 comments:
Its awfully sad when you have one inconsiderate neighbor that does not care at all who he is disturbing.
I know how loud and disturbing the revving gets, because I have had similar situations near me.
I suggest everyone get together and file a complaint with the DJ.
Its no fun to have your life and your sleep constantly disrupted by terrible neighbors who dont care. Peace to the Farmersville Rd people, I know what you are going through.People who over-consume gasoline by revving their engines should be subject to a 10K fine.
A ban is not the answer. However, an ordinance regulating how far from the the property line you may ride seems like it would keep the noise farther away from neighbors and discourage people from riding on lots that are too small for their use.
9:03, In a Township like Bethlehem, that amounts to a ban. That's precisely what is under consideration.
Tricia, The ATV owner could do a lot himself to reduce the noise with a baffled muffler, a point that Comm'r Hudak shared with him last night.
Bernie,
Yes, that is possible. But assholes like this enjoy taunting others.
Certain motorcycle pipes, loud muffler systems, and other off-road toys really serve no purpose except to disrupt the peace. They are off road for a reason, and should be limited to non-residential areas where they can operate.
But when you have evil kenevil twerps who abuse the rights of others, I think its more than appropriate for a township to intervene. When people have to resort to a town hall meeting to address the issue, it only means that this ATV owner is classless and rude with no consideration for others.
I think the turnout last night was great. I was also glad to hear from other neighbors who have ATVs and agree that the noise can be reduced. The last thing I, or any of my neighbors want is to infringe on anyone’s personal enjoyment... but like I said last night, I too have a right to enjoy my property. After the meeting some of us talked to Aaron and he seemed willing to work to reduce the noise... only time will tell. Thanks to all that came by to support.
9:03, In a Township like Bethlehem, that amounts to a ban. That's precisely what is under consideration.
The township has two identities. One of suburban small lots and one of large plots of land/farms. Unfortunately, the people in small suburban lots exploit the freedoms of those who have larger, suitable lots.
Believe me, we did go up to Aaron, personally, shook his hand, and told him the noise was bothering us, and waking up our children, and to the point where our kids could not play outside because of the noise. If anyone else is riding their ATVs, we cannot hear it. But, he continued to ride it without any type of noise reduction, for months, so that is why it all came to this. If he would have cooperated in the beginning, it would not have blown up. So it is up to him... he has been giving the warning to quiet it down. If he continues to abuse his rights, then a ban will be a serious consideration. There were enough neighbors there to witness the same complaint and the board saw this. I think it was a fair call on the commissioners.
I think that the new law should include a way for the town to actually put a nuisance lien on the property, then eventually take ownership of it. When the nuisance rises to this level, the owner should be forced out.
What these people need is a massage
I hope the Bethlehem Township Comissioners take a hard look at this individual, who despite requests from his neighbors continues to annoy and upset the neighborhood with his constant noise. People like this are a cancer to society.
5:09, Anybody who advocates harm to another human being should be ashamed.
3:35, The same goes for suggestions of malicious mischief. come on.
This is the problem with alot of people in this society. They are so consumed with their rights they have no concern for the rights of others. A little consideration and respect for others goes a long way and would make this whole world a much better place to live in.
I'm sympathetic to those complaining. Unnecessary noise is such a quality of life issue, I hate that one person continues to have their own quality of life while all the rest suffer. Have some compassion for others who just want to enjoy a little peace and quiet at their own homes after a long day at work.
Or buy a piece of property which can accommodate your lifestyle.
Some people, such as Aaron, think that the world revolves around him. People like Aaron, who have no consideration for anyone but himself, who will continue along a path of self-indulgence, seem to lack all the basic tools that one needs to be a productive citizen.
That said, I wonder how Aaron manages his life, outside of his noisy ATV. My guess, ...he is in a job where he can call all of the shots, and is probably one of those people who cut in lines, road rages on highways, will not open a door for someone else, etc. One who never seemed to grasp the basic concept of cause and effect, and reaping what you sow.
I take pity on people like this
Years later, but I am commenting nonetheless.
This sounds like my street in Bethlehem Township: Bonfires in the littered (yes, with tires!) yard; loud amplifiers for pool parties; revving motors---all in the name of self-centered "rights" and "enjoyment."
The Township needs the same "40' distance max" ordinance that the City of Bethlehem has.
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