Bethlehem Tp Homeowners Complain of Running Bamboo Infestation

John Bloshinski (L) and Mark Bogansky (R)

They came bearing bamboo. Mark Bogansky and John Bloshinski, who purchased a home on Driftwood Place two summers ago, vented at the June 3 meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners. Their complaint? Bamboo. Their property is being overrun by it, thanks to a neighbor who planted it on his property. Though Commissioners adopted an ordinance placing restrictions on this plant in 2015, this duo contended that township officials failed to take appropriate action when they first complained about this unwanted encroachment last year.   

According to the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, running bamboo is one of the fastest growing and most invasive plants in the world. It's hardy, too. A study by the Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research reports that running bamboo, which is actually a grass, survived the Hiroshima bomb.

In 2015, retired Page Six cartoonist Sean DeLonas told Commissioners that running bamboo planted by a neighbor had already broken through his fence "and will break my underground lines, pipes and my home's foundation in less than two years." In response to DeLonas, Commissioners adopted an ordinance holding property owners responsible for the spread of this plant onto other properties. It stops short of an outright ban, but those who plant running bamboo are held responsible if its destructive path takes aim at another person's property.

Throughout Pennsylvania, numerous communities have adopted similar bamboo ordinances in Allentown, Bethlehem, Forks Tp, Hanover Tp, Nazareth and Wilson Borough. Hellertown is pondering an ordinance as well.

A Cumberland County Court has declared running bamboo a "vegetative nuisance" The court reasoned that urban living includes certain responsibilities, including a responsibility to take precautions against invasive plants that encroach upon another person's property.

"I did the right thing," said Bogansky of a complaint he filed with Township officials last August. The neighbor responded by inserting 15' of aluminum siding along a property that extends 135'. The infestation continued.

"What we want is your help with this," asked Bogansky. President Michael Hudak, who was familiar with the situation, said the neighbor has been notified to abate the bamboo infestation within 20 days. 

Solicitor Jim Broughal added that if the neighbor fails to take remedial action, the Township could seek injunctive relief in court  But not until the homeowner is given the opportunity to take action.

Bogansky and Bloshinski will return to Commissioners next month, hopefully with good news.