It looks like Preston Court residents will be in limbo for a while longer.

Red Hill solicitor Mark Hosterman reported that funds from the bond held by the Tennessee based insurance Company Lexon for T.H. Properties, Preston Court developers, would not be forthcoming in the immediate future at the regular meeting of the Red Hill borough council on September 9.

“Lexon, the bond company, has refused our request for payment,” stated Hosterman.  T. H. Properties is currently in reorganization and a punch list of work still needs to be completed on Preston Court.  Funds from the bond would allow the borough to complete the list before the development is dedicated to the Preston Court homeowner’s association.

Hosterman continued, “They were supposed to pay within ten days of the demand letter. They have refused to do it.”  According to Hosterman, he must file a complaint in court against Lexon, and that the process could take nine months to a year and a half.

Anthony Ferrugio, secretary of the Preston Court homeowners’ association, brought his concerns to the council about the emergency access road at the development, which remains incomplete.  He reported that all sorts of vehicles – cars, motorcycles and four wheelers — were speeding down the access road. He asked the borough if anything could be done about it.

The question of liability arose in the case of an accident.  Hosterman stated, “I don’t know who’s liable right now.  It’s a unique situation.”  He clarified that T.H. Properties is liable,” but that’s meaningless.”

“It’s a very complex situation,” agreed mayor Dave Schiffgens, “there is no easy answer.”

Fire marshal John Lehr suggested a chain across the lane, in the absence of the bollards that will eventually be installed, might be an answer.

Council member Doris Decker commented that in the many discussions the council has had with Preston Court homeowners, “this is the first time anyone’s talked about cars.”

After an executive session the council asked engineer Ryan Kern to investigate costs for bollards for the path, and maintenance supervisor Conrad Bender to obtain prices for three signs that will read “no motorized vehicles beyond this point.”

Fire marshal Lehr also reported that the fire suppression system for the New Dawn Deli on Main Street had passed inspection.

Doris Decker reported that the newly formed revitalization committee had met with Brian O’ Leary from the Montgomery County planning commission.  O’Leary informed the committee that the first step was application for grant funds for a plan.  A $25,000 grant is available for this planning, with 25% needed to matched by the borough, Part of the match can be in in-kind services. 

In recycling news, Chris Kassman, recycling coordinator for Montgomery County, appeared at the meeting on behalf of the Professional Recyclers of America to present the council with its Wastewatchers award.  Four municipalities in the county were recipients of the award that was given to recycling, waste, and composting programs of excellence.