"No Firearms" Sign in Tredyffrin Township Park

[thundrr1]

You have no "standing" in the township, therefore no vested interests. Many of the municipalities in this end of the Commonwealth feel that the parks are just like their own home, "My house, my rules".

Yes, it's wrong, but it is the way they interpret that law. The problem is that if someone does challenge them and take it to court, the local judge will probably lean towards the municipality. Then, did out the checkbook as you march up the judicial ladder.

[lprgcFrank]

I am a resident of Radnor twp. IT made a big difference is gettingthis quietly resolved.

Having a couple township residents is critical to success. Foks fromother areas can support - but we need a township resident or three to take the lead.

[jthrelf]

Take a picture of the sign, quote the UFA, and email the town! I am working on Sellersville in Bucks county right now to change their outdated ordinance on prohibiting carry. Feels good to enact change and educate people on important matters.

[Mtbkski]

I am not a resident of Portage Boro, but I was responsible for getting them to change the sign at Crichtion McCormick Park.

It took three e-mails. All of which I was very polite, but to the point about how the rule for not carrying in the park was a violation of the law. I sent them a copy of the law, and made sure they understood that they could not make laws that superseded it. And that if I was harassed by the Boro Police in any manner while carrying there I would make sure to sue them for as much money as I could possibly get.

First response I got back was basically "We will look into it."

I wrote again asking if they had changed it. And once more explaining why they could not have the law posted.

Second response was that they were still checking into it. Their lawyer was looking into it.

I once more informed them that if I was in any way harassed, I would be suing them. Especially since they had been informed repeatedly that they were not allowed to "make their own laws". And I had the e-mail communication between us to prove that they had been informed and were aware that they were in violation.

I never heard back from them. But called the Boro Police before the Portage Festival and asked if carrying a pistol was legal in the park. He informed me that it was. Well, I'll be. Seems they changed the rules.

Sometimes you don't even have to attend a meeting. You just have to be persistent. Worked for me.

[Kurt_D]

You have no "standing" in the township, therefore no vested interests...

I'm not so sure about that. If it's a public park and isn't restricted to the use of Tredyffrin Township residents ONLY (which it could be), then I'd suggest he (or any of us) would have "standing" since he is affected by and could be cited under that ordinance.

IANAL and am just throwing that out for thought.

[Mtbkski]

You have no "standing" in the township, therefore no vested interests. Many of the municipalities in this end of the Commonwealth feel that the parks are just like their own home, "My house, my rules".

If I can show up and walk thru this park with my family, and, be cited for having a firearm on me for doing it. THEN I HAVE A "STANDING" AND A "VESTED INTEREST".

If they tell me I have no vested interest. I would inform them that then apparently the rules do not apply to me, and they better not try enforcing them on me, since I'm not a STANDING citizen of that municipalities and they would not apply to me.

Like I said. I got Portage Boro to change the ruling at the park in that town, and I live in a totally different town about 10 minutes away. But I use their park, so YES, it effected me.

If it can effect you. You have an interest.

[KenH]

You probably have standing, it's just that most townships won't allow non-residents to speak at their township meetings. That doesn't preclude you from sending a letter or email to the township manager and supervisors.

[Jagerwolf]

is this the park by t/e library or Woodlynde school?

[vavulaka]

is this the park by t/e library or Woodlynde school?

It's the one next to the T/E library. It's close to Woodlynde school but it's probably a quarter mile away from it. It's essentially the library's backyard.

[vavulaka]

Thanks everyone.
I do believe that they'll have to listen to me but may not allow me to speak at their meetings.
I might start with a letter to the township manager.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes.