A dumpster in violation of the Warren County zoning ordinance spurred discussion at Monday's meeting of Sugar Grove Borough council.
Council President Kevin McIntyre said that the borough was in receipt of a letter from the Warren County Zoning Office dated Sept. 12 that said the dumpster on the corner of Forest Street and Main Street violates the ordinance because it is not clear from view.
The ordinance states that "Dumpsters...for businesses in all residential districts shall be rodent proof, have lids and be screened from view.
"Where will he put it?" Councilman Les Lyon asked, noting that the business, Town and Country store, has "never had one before. Lyon said that the business has been in the same building for years and is a "pillar of the community."
One concerned citizen pointed out that she has observed children walking around the dumpster and in the street every day after school and expressed concern for their safety.
Lyon said that he doesn't "see kids walking in the road to get around it."
You "can't put a dumpster on a sidewalk," McIntyre noted.
"It's the smallest dumpster they can get," Lyon said. "I disagree with zoning."
"It is like on a sidewalk," Councilman George Wilson said.
"We can't have a dumpster on a sidewalk," McIntyre reiterated. Councilman Pete Allenson said that there is three feet of sidewalk not blocked and then a car pull off area.
"We could put it at your house," Wilson jokingly said to Lyon.
"A lot of people and businesses are exemplary," Wilson added. "The zoning ordinance holds all to the same standard."