Amish Community Leader Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Bedford Township Ordinance

Amish community leaders in Bedford Township, Pennsylvania, have expressed concerns over a proposed ordinance that could significantly affect their way of life. The measure, which would prohibit vehicles with metal wheels from operating on township roads, has sparked discussions among local Amish residents about its potential impact on their community.

The proposed ordinance also includes a requirement for horse and large animal owners to clean up or contain animal waste on public streets. These provisions have raised questions about how they might affect daily activities and transportation within the Amish community, which has long relied on horse-drawn buggies for travel.

A community leader, who requested anonymity and to be off-camera, shared that the Amish community pays school and property taxes and is deeply invested in the local area. He warned that if the ordinance is passed, many families may be forced to leave Bedford Township, disrupting the community’s established way of life.

The leader explained that the Amish community’s church services are held at different locations each Sunday, a practice that involves traveling through township roads. He noted that these trips are typically made using buggies, which are not equipped with metal wheels. The community relies on neighbors for transportation during the week, with Sundays being the primary day for buggy use.

He emphasized that the Amish community has lived in the area for over 200 years and is deeply connected to the land and local businesses. With 31 families in the community, 90 percent are involved in agriculture, supporting local grocery, dairy, and hardware businesses. The leader warned that the proposed ordinance could lead to significant increases in property prices and disrupt the economic stability of the area.

The community leader also expressed that the Amish do not wish to be a burden and value their current way of life. He stressed that the proposed changes could have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate concerns of transportation and waste management.

Despite efforts to observe the roads for signs of damage from metal wheels, no visible evidence was found. The township has not provided additional comments, with officials stating they will not comment prior to the next meeting on July 21st. The situation highlights the tension between local regulations and the traditions of the Amish community, raising questions about how to balance public policy with cultural preservation.

Source: Read the original report