Today, City Officials conducted a Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) sweep on Cliff, Chapel, Union, Thistle and Dewitt Streets. The sweep resulted in 31 properties receiving Notices of Violation, for issues such as high grass and weeds, stair and porches, roofs, broken windows, damaged-missing or clogged gutters, and exterior walls. The Police Department tagged 4 abandoned vehicles and issued 7 parking violations. The Fire Bureau checked hydrants in the area and the Facilities Management addressed neighborhood issues.
Property owners receiving notices are required to contact Code Enforcement within 24 hours of a notice to develop a plan of action. They are given up to 24 hours to correct violations such as high grass and up to 30 days (or more) to address more substantial issues. No actual fines or citations are issued during NAT sweeps. The purpose of the sweeps are to improve the neighborhoods and quality of life of our residents, and to remind homeowners of their obligation to maintain their properties in a safe and code compliant manner. The City utilizes the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as published by the International Code Council for these standards. The International Code Council is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. More information about the IPMC may be found at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.
Homeowners that have code-deficient properties are encouraged to contact the Commission on Economic Opportunity at 570-826-0510 or the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston at 570-654-4601. Income eligible residents may qualify for programs to help make required repairs to their home. Rules and regulations apply and funds are limited.
An abandoned vehicle is one that does not have a current inspection. Vehicle owners are given 7 days to obtain an inspection before further enforcement action occurs.
The NAT will be active throughout the summer and fall and will be conducting more unannounced sweeps.
