BB Gun Ordinance Full of Holes, Sez Resident

Josh Berk

Under Pennsylvania state law, no local municipality has any authority to ordinances that limit the right to own, transport or carry a firearm. But most local governments, including Hanover Township, have ordinances concerning the "discharge" of firearms. Hanover's discharge ordinance may originally extend back to the '70s, according to Township manager Jay Finnigan. For the last two years, even BB guns are included. But resident Scott Hess told Supervisors, at their February 11 meeting, that the local ordinance is too restrictive.

Hess told Supervisors that he should be able to teach his son how to shoot a BB gun while in his back yard. He also complained about the $1000 fine. "If I'm defending my home under the castle doctrine, could I be fined $1000?" he asked.

Hess also accused township officials of turning the municipal building into a fortress, complaining about bulletproof glass that separates Township staff from the public.

"Unfortunately, in today's society, there are lunatics out there," responded Manager Jay Finnigan. He reminded Hess that, this past Summer, a shooting rampage during a township meeting killed three people.

"You can't live in fear," responded Hess. He told them he'd give them some time to think the matter over.

Washington Township, located in Northampton County, is currently considering a limitation on the discharge of firearms in residential areas.

In other business, Supervisors refused to waive $1,152 in tax penalties and late fees for business privilege taxes owed by several Penncap properties. Spokesperson Lisa Pektor argued that she never received the notices from Berkheimer Associates. "It's a one-time deal," she promised. Though Chairman John Diacogiannis was willing to grant a waiver on a one-time basis, Supervisors Glenn Walbert, Jack Nagle and mark Tanczos disagreed. manager Jay Finnigan explained, after the meeting was over, that the Township has a policy against allowing these waivers.

Supervisors also learned that their salt shortage crisis may be coming to an end. Public Works Director Vince Milite reported that 125 tons were recently delivered. But his workforce has now been stricken by the flu, though he said they have continued to plow.

As a final matter, Bethlehem Area Public Library's new Executive Director, Josh Berk, introduced himself, thanking the Board for their support. In addition to lending books, Berks also writes them. His latest is "STRIKE THREE: YOU'RE DEAD", intended for young readers.

It can be borrowed at the library.