St. Clair and Liverpool Township trustees have taken action recently to help beautify their townships and others should consider following suit.

Both decided to clamp down on property owners who like to display junk vehicle collections.

Both townships passed resolutions instituting regulations for the storage of junk motor vehicles on private or public property within township limits. Citations will be issued for those not in compliance.

Liverpool Township’s resolution prohibits residents from leaving junk vehicles — defined as three model years or older, apparently inoperable and extensively damaged due to missing wheels, tires, engine, transmission or other matters — uncovered in the open regardless whether on private or public property. Vehicles not considered junk are to be concealed whether by buildings, fences, vegetation, terrain or other screening.

Those found in violation will be charged with a minor misdemeanor, and additional charges will be filed for each day the offense is not addressed by the owner.

Junk vehicles clutter up the landscape along many country roads in Columbiana County’s townships. Not only are they unlightly, these junk vehicles also pose a health and safety hazard as they attract insects, rodents and other vermin. They also bring down the property values of any neighboring lands. Nothing is uglier than the sight of a vehicle sitting on cement blocks.

Officials who are reluctant to institute full zoning in their townships should at least consider the action taken by St. Clair and Liverpool townships. This would go a long way toward restoring the picturesque beauty of a ride in the country in our area.