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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Morning Call Reports Suburban Gardener's Plight



Earlier this month, I told you about Karl Hirsch, the interesting Lehigh Township gardener who grows much of his own food in his front yard. Cited by Lehigh Township officials for being in violation of a weed ordinance, he was convicted at a summary trial before District Judge Robert Hawke. Hirsch's story has now been reported in The Morning Call.

When I published my story, Lehigh Township officials ignored me. Hirsch's next door neighbor, Jennifer Ryan, would only meet with me if I agreed to certain conditions, including a joint meeting with the Hirsch family. I refused to bargain with her.

Upon reading about Hirsch's plight, prominent Easton attorney Gary Asteak volunteered to represent Hirsch pro bono. Gary's daughter is involved in urban gardening projects in New York City.

Hirsch's story has also been covered by The Northampton Press, a weekly.
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10 comments:

  1. BillOctober 27, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    I hope he wins. If he wants to grow food in his yard that is his prerogative. Did they fine people for having victory gardens during WWII?

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  2. Bernie O'HareOctober 27, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    I am almost positive he wins this, Bill. Under Pa. law, you can't regulate agriculture.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 27, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    It was good to hear a lawyer is representing him Pro Bono. Tip o' the hat to Asteak.

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  4. Bernie O'HareOctober 27, 2013 at 9:37 PM

    A good lawyer, too, who represents several municipalities.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    Don't blame this on the municipality. They acted on a complaint from the neighbor. If he did nothing wrong why did he trim his weeds?

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    It's common sense you don't build a garden in your front yard. May be legal but rude and inconsiderate.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    Now it the time of year for spreading manure to overwinter for Spring planting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    The Hirsch family is amazing and it is sad that they need to go through this over their garden. Good luck Karl!!!!!!

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  9. Bernie O'HareOctober 28, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    He is very inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousNovember 2, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Hope the Hirsch family get justice as well as peace. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!!

    ReplyDelete

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