The Middletown Township board of supervisors recently took a proactive approach to ensuring all residents – no matter their age, race, gender or sexual orientation – have their voices heard.
During a virtual meeting on Sept. 8, the supervisors announced the creation of a local Human Relations Commission, one of the few established in Bucks County. The HRC will create trainings and events to help address inequality, racism and other issues in the area.
“I think this HRC is going to give members of our community a voice and a seat at the table who have often been disenfranchised or discriminated against. Just because something may be happening and you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s actually not happening. So, I think this is a proactive thing,” said board member Anna Payne. “We’re educating folks about different policies, procedures and diversity trainings to make people feel more welcome, and to help educate people about their own biases, possibly.”
Middletown’s HRC was formed under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, a statute that makes discriminatory practices in employment, housing and other areas unlawful.
The scope of the township’s Disabled Persons Advisory Board will be expanded to act and function as the Human Relations Commission. It will consist of seven members, and has the ability to conduct public trainings, educational sessions, informational seminars and community activities related to the PHRA. The commission may also address complaints related to discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, conversion therapy and other unlawful practices.
“A Human Relations Commission is a critical step toward making our community equitable and accessible,” added Payne. “Our vision for the commission is to serve as a catalyst in our civic duty to combat injustice and advocate for residents who are marginalized and discriminated against.”
According to township solicitor Jim Esposito, a conversation began several months ago with the chair of the state HRC, who offered to review Middletown’s ordinance and make sure all aspects were correct the first time around.
During the supervisors’ meeting, the purchase of playground equipment for Levittown’s Upper Orchard Park from Marturano Recreation Company was unanimously approved. The new setup will combine the two current sections into one and feature upgraded, forest green slides that children ages 2-5 can climb up or down; flowers that double as musical instruments; spring rides; a swingset similar to the one at Firefighters Park; and benches and trash cans placed in strategic locations.
While the initial plan did not include any handicap-accessible items, board member Dawn Quirple voiced her opinion that it should.
“That’s not only something special-needs children can use, but that all children can use,” she said.
It was agreed that handicap-accessible equipment will be installed.
When asked by a resident if they can purchase some of the old equipment, the board noted that items can be legally sold through a municipal bidding process, but will most likely be recycled. Members stressed that the upgrade is taking place because the current equipment is dated and poses a health hazard to children.
Next, the board approved adoption of the 2015 Property Maintenance Code, which will replace the 2003 code. Board chair Mike Ksiazek clarified some concerns of residents.
“This idea that township employees are going to be randomly going around inspecting properties, it just doesn’t happen. It’s not going to happen. We wouldn’t even have the resources to do that, even if it was something that seemed plausible,” he said. “All we are doing with this ordinance is moving from an old version of the code to a more newer version of the code. This newer version is already in use across the country, including by a number of municipalities in our area. Nothing earth-shattering is going on here.”
Esposito, the township solicitor, added that the differences between the two codes are minimal.
“It’s just a good idea to update it every few years. We’ve actually probably waited a little too long,” he said.
Ultimately, Esposito said the code is meant to ensure everyone is living in a safe and healthy community. Basically, residents won’t have to live next door to a neighbor with a lawn that’s several feet high.
“If a complaint is made, our code enforcement officer goes out and inspects the property,” said Ksiazek. “If a code violation is found, they will speak with the resident and ask them to correct it, to come into compliance with the code. If the resident doesn’t, it can ultimately lead to citations.”
Also, the supervisors authorized advertisements to solicit bids for the Langhorne Gables Drainage Improvement Project, which has been several years in the making. The Langhorne Gables area is very flat and lacks a storm pipe system to push overflow water to creeks and streams. This, in turn, causes water to flood local yards.
Aiming to capture the water and force it to move, the project includes construction of stormwater infrastructure (inlets, pipes) along Glenside Avenue between Fernwood and Cypress avenues; Cypress Avenue to Longview Avenue; and Longview Avenue to the outlet along Buttonwood Avenue. The infrastructure would run along the side of the road, and newly paved streets would not have to be torn up.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
