Lower Macungie Zoning Officer Will Retire

Lower Macungie Township's long-time zoning officer, James Lancsek will retire as of Dec. 31 according to township manager Bruce Fosselman at the June 16 township commissioners' meeting.

Lancsek is running for township commissioner's seat in the November election.

“He did an excellent job and has served the township well,” said Commissioner President Roger Reis of Lancsek’s 20-year tenure.

The commissioners, through some discussion, elected to create an in-house position for the zoning officer, instead of hiring from an outside firm, as was the case with Lancsek.

“We have no complaints about the company, but services could be performed in-house at a lesser cost,” Reis said. A job description will be created for a position with a salary of up to $50,000 per year, depending on an applicant’s experience. 

In other business, during the public comment portion of Thursday's meeting, resident Robert Gibson addressed the commissioners about his concerns of the lack of a noise ordinance.  “It’s ridiculous that this township does not have an ordinance,” he said.

His concerns stems from a problem in his neighborhood where people begin mowing grass at 6:30 a.m. which wakes him up. It's especially annoying on a Sunday, which Gibson said is his only day to sleep in.

Gibson went on to complain about others in his neighborhood who begin mowing at 8:30 p.m. some nights. The noise continues for hours, he said, which could affect others, particularly children.

Commissioners suggested Gibson talk to his neighbors, but he is fearful a confrontation could end up, “with fists flying." Commissioner Joe Pugliese suggested he start up a homeowner’s association in his development, but Gibson said he was not willing to do that.

The commissioners thanked him for his comments and said they have looked into establishing a noise ordinance, but it is very difficult to enforce.