COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township commissioners are initiating a "Wall of Shame" in an effort to embarrass owners of blighted properties, hoping the shame will prompt them to clean up their houses or pay to have them torn down.
At Thursday night's meeting, Commissioner Craig Fetterman said properties are falling part in various sections of the township and steps need to be taken to have them cleaned up or razed. He said the commissioners have granted approval to township manager Robert Slaby to place the names, telephone numbers and current addresses of blighted property owners on the township's website: coaltownship.org.
In addition to having their names, phone numbers and addresses listed on the website, signs will be posted by the township on the properties themselves listing the same information, if available. Fetterman and fellow Commissioners Gerard Waugh, George Zalar, Paul Petrovoch and president Gene Welsh urged neighbors to call the property owners as much as possible to complain about the eyesores.
Fetterman said Coal Township Code Enforcement Officer Chris Petrovich has been a "one-man band" in trying to keep up with the numerous complaints he has received about blighted properties, but needs assistance in rectifying the problems.
Fetterman said a citizens committee to fight blight also will be appointed.
Solicitor Vincent Rovito said if property owners are cited for ordinance violations and found guilty, they will be ordered to pay fines and costs and make restitution to either have the property cleaned up or razed.
The commissioners pointed out that the owner of a blighted property at 1008 W. Lynn St. has been cited 30 times for ordinance violations, but refuses to do anything to rectify the problems. The owner of that property, which has been vacant for at least six years, is HOMEQ Servicing of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., which faces outstanding warrants on violations for failing to pay previous fines.
"We are passionate about getting rid of blighted properties in the township," Fetterman said.
Homes causing health hazard
In a related matter, Tom Eby, of 1325 W. Walnut St., and Charles Snyder, of 1329 W. Walnut St., complained about a property at 1335 W. Walnut St. that is strewn with garbage. Eby said the garbage has attracted rats, which has created a health hazard.
Eby said the garbage problem has existed for about five years. He said the property also has a cracked sewer line, which has caused other problems.
Eby and Snyder said the owners of the home, Chris and Erica Kern, recently moved out, but the problems persist.
Eby commended Chris Petrovich for previously citing Chris Kern for ordinance violations, but said the problems continued.
Welsh and Rovito told Eby and Snyder that the commissioners will do whatever possible to eliminate the health hazard.
After the meeting, Chris Petrovich and Police Chief William Carpenter told a News-Item reporter that they took Larry Yeager, of 1710 Pulaski Ave., into custody Thursday on a warrant for failing to pay fines on previous violations for excessive garbage at his home. Petrovich said the garbage issue has existed at Yeager's home for at least four years.
Other business
Robert Gusick of Shamokin was awarded contracts to demolish properties at 1672 through 1678 Webster St. ($23,812), 1126 Chemung St. ($16,729) and 1422 W. Nelson St. ($18,719).
Northeast Industrial of Mount Carmel was awarded contracts to demolish properties at 1119 W. Holly St. ($5,900) and 1208 W. Pine St. ($10,900).
Gusick and Northeast Industrial were the low bidders for the respective properties.
The commissioners approved the execution of all necessary documents for a $45,610 USDA RHS Community Facilities Grant the township recently received that was used toward the purchase of a new police cruiser and small dump truck for the street department.
Welsh presented Erica Kuzmick with a certificate of appreciation for volunteering to plant trees and bushes at the Springfield Memorial Park to beautify the area around the gazebo and war memorial.
Paul Petrovich said he is looking into hooking up power and water lines at Springfield Memorial Park.
The commissioners approved a request from Salem United Church of Christ to hold its annual peach festival in the 1300 block of West Pine Street on Aug. 19, if Claude Kehler Community Park in Shamokin is not available in time because of repairs.