ADAMS TWP — Township supervisors heard from two residents who argued for their right to private property Monday night.

John Kuszajewski, who lives along Hammond Road, alleged he's been targeted for having “trash” in his yard.

“I'm here today to find out if there's anybody (else) that's been cited for trash and cars and everything,” Kuszajewski said.

Kuszajewski told supervisors he has been “cited and harassed for months” for vehicles found on his property. He wanted to know if others were being told they were violating township codes.

Township Solicitor Michael Gallagher reminded supervisors that Kuszajewski has been in violation of borough nuisance ordinances for over a year and has a hearing Wednesday.

According to Gallagher, Kuszajewski had until the end of September to move vehicles and other items off his property or out of sight.

“Our view of the property shows you haven't done that,” Gallagher said.

“When were you there?” Kuszajewski asked. “I've moved a tremendous amount of stuff.”

Gallagher reminded Kuszajewski his fine for being in violation of the township code is $200 a day — or $140,000.

“You might as well take my house and throw me in the street,” Kuszajewski. “Is this Russia?”

“It's America, sir,” Gallagher replied.

Kuszajewski said he has pictures of other residents with “stuff” in their yards. He told supervisors he just wants to be treated equally.

Gallagher told Kuszajewski he could file a right-to-know request if he is interested in knowing about other residents in violation of a nuisance ordinance.

“I don't think there's any real reason to have any discussion (here),” Gallagher said.

Resident Tim Stack asked if he was in violation of the nuisance ordinance. Stack said he refurbishes items which remain in his yard while he works on them.

Specifically, Stack is concerned a housing development built near his property may be home to people who don't like how his property looks.

“You're concerned that you might have junk,” said Thomas Franceschina, supervisor chairman.

“I don't call it junk at all,” Stack said. “I have resources.”

Franceschina told Stack if he wasn't in violation, he didn't have an issue. Stack said he wanted to get ahead of any problem that may arise.

“Just ask the code enforcement officer to come out and take a look at it, if you're concerned,” Franceschina said.

Stack asked supervisors how the township decides what is “junk” on a private property.

Gallagher said the definition is included in the nuisance ordinance.

“Is the issue right now ... that you have stuff on your property?” asked Supervisor Russell Ford. “Or is the issue right now that there's going to be a 100 houses possibly built around it?”

“The issue is that someone can tell me what I can not have on my property when it's not hurting anybody else,” Stack said.

Supervisors told Stack as long as he meets the ordinance, he won't have trouble.

“We're not here to debate it,” Ford said.

The nuisance ordinance is posted on the township website.