Balloonists Will Get Suggestions for Flying in Doylestown Township

Doylestown Township supervisors on Tuesday outlined the elements of a letter that will be sent operators of hot air balloons in the hope of eliminating adverse effects balloons could have on residents, livestock and pets.
A group of township residents wanted to ban balloon landings after a dog was startled by a low-flying hot air balloon, ran away and was killed by a car last year.
Township supervisors said in June, however, that they will not take action to ban balloon landings.
The letter that will be sent to members of the Great Eastern Balloon Association are directives regarding flying and landing in the township, said Township Manager Stephanie Mason. 
Specific suggestions include having advance crews ask permission to land on private property, avoiding areas where livestock are grazing, avoiding flying low in very populated areas, switching to the backup power system that makes less noise when appropriate and being polite to land owners, she said.