After residents expressed concern and frustration, the Towamensing Trails board put a temporary stop to the building of a pole barn at the lake.

Construction on the 40-foot by 20-foot project had begun several days earlier. Many residents expressed displeasure about the location of the building as it blocks part of the view of the lake.

“Constructing this is disheartening,” said resident Eileen Hannum, who talked to the township zoning officer and was told that she can fill out a stop work order form on the township website. Hannum paid the $750 to file the form, given that the structure directly blocks the view of the lake from her home.

Within two hours of submitting the form, she said that she was told by the zoning officer that “this is not something you can fight” and was given her money back.

On July 21, Hannum filed a right-to-know request to see bids on the project and permits, but said she has yet to get a response. She has followed up with emails on three occasions, aware that this information will cost $25 per hour as well as printing costs.

At the time construction began, there was no clear answer as to what the pole barn would be used for. The structure has footers and concrete, making it permanent at the current location. Any major construction in the development requires three signatures and sign off by the ACC Committee.

Residents organized a meeting before the August board meeting, attended by over 100 people, to discuss the protest of the pole barn at the lake. More than 200 signatures were gathered on a petition against the placement of the building, which was given to the board prior to the meeting.

A town-hall meeting will be held at Towamensing Trails to further discuss construction of the building, with residents hoping for the outcome that the pole barn will be built elsewhere in the community.