Neighborhood Watch

BY RUSS KELLY

June is the official beginning of summer! The kids get out of school, plans for get-a-ways are being made, the barbecues are ready to go, and the relatives are calling to make week-end dates. Summer is here again. Some of us have been able to get over and look at our new pool and surroundings. It looks like the job was able to get done in time for this season. I am sure those of us who use it, will find it worth the wait.

One of the other things that happens in June, letters go out to residents that are not keeping up with the grass. Usually, yard cleanup is done by the end of May. So now, to keep from getting one of Artie’s letters, just keep the grass at reasonable height and you will never hear a word. Lately, we have reported some unwanted trash drops along our roadways. A car bumper was left on Wildflower and a television was dumped on Kilmer near Goose Pond. I would hope that these items were not dropped off by a resident. We like to think anyone living here would not want to trash their own community.

Generally, there have been few serious reports so far this year. Items like uncovered propane tanks or garbage cans being put out to soon or taken in to late are the most we hear. The garbage cans generally are the biggest problem. With the bears now up and active, an early garbage can on the roadside almost guarantees garbage strewn about a neighborhood. Once that happens, only the neighbors will clean it up, there is no help coming from anywhere else.

To some of us, summer means bigger projects around the house. Maybe a new paint job, rebuild a deck or some tree work. Remember, these larger projects usually require a review by our code official, so before you get into it, stop in and see Artie, he will get you off on the right foot.

Next month, the crime watch volunteers will have their annual luncheon at the Club House. It may be the one time of year that some of them get to see each other. We generally get a review of the happenings in The Farms by our official, and sometimes a one more, give the office a call at 570-894-4435 or leave a message

LAKESIDE GRILL & PUB

Public Safety

BY ARTIE FURMAN - CMCA, AMS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

June 2023, the midpoint of the year. It is hard to believe that half of the year is gone already, how time does fly. We have received many questions concerning one item in the Building Code. My article for June will deal with the topic of Solar Panels. Residents of Pocono Farms are allowed to have solar panels installed, so long as they are installed in accordance with the rules and regulations.

Residents often ask how to go about getting Solar Panels. Well, that is the simplest part of the process. You can contact any solar provider you choose, and they will provide you with options. Plans are drawn up and permits are applied for. Most of the time, the solar provider will pay for the township permit, the Pocono Farms permit usually is paid for by the homeowner. Although, you can always try to negotiate that with your Solar provider. The plans are then submitted to our department for review, to determine if the plans that the solar provider has given you are allowed.

The rules and regulations state that solar panels cannot be ground mounted, only roof mounted. Also, that the panels can only be rear facing. This means that the sections of your roof that face the road cannot have solar panels on them. They also state that trees cannot be cut down for the sake of solar collection. Since panels can only be rear facing, homes located on the golf course cannot have solar panels. 90 percent of the plans sent to me must be revised in such a way to conform to the rules and regulations.

The change that happens most often is the reduction in the number of panels. Once the revisions are made, then the process is streamlined through. That really is all there is to it. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We are always just a phone call away.