Residents press Middletown officials over alleged home auto-repair, threats and runoff on Red Rose Drive

Two neighboring residents used public comment at the Middletown Board of Supervisors meeting to press township staff for stronger enforcement of zoning and environmental rules at properties on Red Rose Drive.

Kaya Page, who lives at 190 Red Rose Drive, told the board she has repeatedly emailed staff about a neighbor at 185 Red Rose she says operates a home-based auto-repair and car-sales operation outside permitted hours, including a paint bay and periodic "gunning" of engines. "They detail them...He has painted a new Mustang in his paint bay," Page said, and she offered to provide video evidence of the activity. She further alleged the neighbor's girlfriend showed up at her home late at night and threatened residents and a township police officer.

Township staff, represented by Thioli Coles and code officer Jim Ennis, said the property had previously sought and received relief from the Zoning Hearing Board with conditions that prohibit painting on the property and sales, and that staff have investigated multiple complaints without finding code or environmental violations in every inspection. Ennis said some prior complaints were resolved quickly after staff confronted workers on site.

Kelly Weldon, who lives at 180 Red Rose Drive, said the problems extend beyond 185 to 186 Red Rose, citing an extended driveway, gravel and impervious-surface concerns that she says direct water onto her property and create nighttime light intrusion. Weldon said she received an enforcement notice in a separate case (chickens) and questioned why enforcement appears inconsistent between residents.

The board acknowledged the longevity of the dispute (residents described it as a multi-year problem), noted the difficulty of catching violations during scheduled visits, and committed to unscheduled, unannounced inspections to attempt to document violations in the act. The board also asked the police chief to follow up with residents about alleged threats and trespass; the chief asked a resident to call him with details so he could begin an inquiry.

Staff and residents differed on whether environmental violations (oil leaks) were present; public works and the interim fire director said they had inspected the creek and found no evidence of environmental damage in their recent checks. Staff told residents they would continue monitoring, pursue zoning remedies if violations are observed, and follow up with property owners and attorneys as needed.

Board members told the residents to return to a future meeting if conditions had not improved after staff follow-up, and said a timetable for compliance will be discussed with enforcement staff.