MOUNT CARMEL - Larry Zsido of Zsido Construction has offered to fix the town park gazebo roof free of charge as long as the borough council purchases the supplies.
"It was very generous of Mr. Zsido to do that for the town. We just don't have the money. We're grateful for him for making that offer," said borough president Tony Matulewicz.
Borough council approved the agreement with Zsido Thursday night at the council meeting.
The gazebo, located relatively in the center of the town park on Oak Street, is marred with graffiti. The paint is chipped, wooden planks are broken, electrical sockets have been torn out and part of the roof is damaged.
The cost of supplies, including wood and shingles, is $3,005, which will be taken from $7,313 in the Deppen Fund designated specifically to keep the park in good repair.
Joseph H. Deppen, who died Jan. 24, 1963, left $50,000 in trust for the maintenance and upkeep of town park, according to county records of his will.
Matulewicz said they had been saving the Deppen Fund money to use for larger park projects, such as improving the gazebo or replacing lights.
Additionally, the borough will paint the gazebo, get an estimate on how much it will cost to move the fuse box, which is located underground, under the roof and lock it, and get a quote on fixing the lights.
Mount Carmel Community Watch paints the gazebo each fall, but does not focus their efforts on the roof or other items in the park such as the tables, benches or lights.
Representatives of the watch and other borough officials have previously said it's a challenge to keep up with the graffiti.
The town park is a location considered by police to be a "hot spot" for frequent activity and complaints, but officers do not have a set number of times they are required to patrol it, Chief Brian L. Shurock said.
There is no start date yet for the project, Matulewicz said.
Zsido Construction is located at 149 West Sixth St.
Zsido was unable to be reached for comment.