Today, City Officials conducted its third Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) sweep on Searle, Center and Mill Streets. Today’s sweep resulted in 14 Notices of Violation for issues such as high grass, exterior wall issues, and electrical services needing to be replaced. Additionally, the police issued warnings for 3 parking violations and tagged eight abandoned vehicles. More unannounced sweeps will continue to occur throughout the City.
Today, City Officials conducted its second Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) sweep on Market Street. The City recently formed the NAT to address blight, property maintenance issues and quality of life in a concerted effort in the neighborhoods under the City and Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Members of the Code Enforcement, Police, Fire, EMS, Administration, Public Works Departments, and Office of Community Development comprise the NAT.
Today’s sweep resulted in 15 Notices of Violation and 2 Verbal Warnings for issues such as high grass and weeds, accumulation of rubbish/debris, inadequate pool enclosures, unsanitary pools, and deteriorated railings. Property owners 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 comply with violations such as high grass and up to 30 days (or more) to address more substantial issues. 5 apartments were inspected and numerous violations including electrical issues, inoperable windows and missing smoke alarms were found and owners were directed to correct them for the safety of the tenants. Additionally, the police issued tickets for 5 parking violations, tagged an abandoned vehicle and notified an owner to relocate a recreational vehicle parked on the roadway. Finally, City workers trimmed trees and bushes and cut grass on Market Street as well as operated the Street Sweeper.
The City intends to continue unannounced NAT sweeps in an effort to improve the neighborhoods. on Market Street. The City recently formed the NAT to address blight, property maintenance issues and quality of life in a concerted effort in the neighborhoods under the City and Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Members of the Code Enforcement, Police, Fire, EMS, Administration, Public Works Departments, and Office of Community Development comprise the NAT.
Today’s sweep resulted in 15 Notices of Violation and 2 Verbal Warnings for issues such as high grass and weeds, accumulation of rubbish/debris, inadequate pool enclosures, unsanitary pools, and deteriorated railings. Property owners 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 comply with violations such as high grass and up to 30 days (or more) to address more substantial issues. 5 apartments were inspected and numerous violations including electrical issues, inoperable windows and missing smoke alarms were found and owners were directed to correct them for the safety of the tenants. Additionally, the police issued tickets for 5 parking violations, tagged an abandoned vehicle and notified an owner to relocate a recreational vehicle parked on the roadway. Finally, City workers trimmed trees and bushes and cut grass on Market Street as well as operated the Street Sweeper.
The City intends to continue unannounced NAT sweeps in an effort to improve the neighborhoods.
Sullivan Park has a new playground for residents to enjoy. The playground is just one of a number of new amenities being added to the park in part from the Parks to Prosperity program, a component of the Neighborhood Housing Initiative.
Improvements include the playground, walking trail, improved baseball fields, a new basketball court, picnic area and security improvements. To complete the $600,000 project, the City received $260,000 in C2P2 funds from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
All amenities are expected in be completed by the end of November. Residents are welcome to visit the park and use the new playground.
[PITTSTON, PA, July 10, 2018] Under the direction of Mayor Mike Lombardo, Council Member Attorney Michael Lombardo and City Administrator Joe Moskovitz the City recently formed a Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) to address blight, property maintenance issues and quality of life in a concerted effort in the neighborhoods under the City and Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Members of the Code Enforcement, Police, Fire, EMS, Administration, Public Works Departments, and Office of Community Development comprise the NAT.
Today the NAT visited Tompkins Street in the Oregon Section of the City. During the sweep, the Code Enforcement department issued violations and notices to 27 different properties. The most common violations were for high grass and weeds, broken windows, deteriorated porches, damaged siding and roof issues. Rental inspections were also scheduled and several violations were found that will be corrected. The Police Department tagged three abandoned vehicles, discovered the illegal use of a handicapped parking sign and ordered the removal of the sign by the City’s DPW.
Additionally, the Code Enforcement Department coordinated with a private owner and utility companies for the demolition of two long vacant and blighted properties.
The City plans to conduct additional NAT sweeps in the immediate future in different locations throughout the City.
Recently, the Pittston City Council approved promotions within the career full-time staff of the Fire Department. Assistant Fire Chief Frank Roman was appointed Deputy Fire Chief. Captain Michael Chernouskas was appointed Assistant Fire Chief and John Ankenbrand was appointed Captain. Additionally, Mr. Ankenband was previously appointed as the City’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director. The Fire Department is led by Fire Chief James Rooney. In the photo, left to right: Assistant Fire Chief Michael Chernouskas; Deputy Fire Chief Frank Roman and Captain/EMA director John Ankenbrand. For more information on the fire department please click HERE
The new 2018-2019 salmon/peach color garbage bag stickers must be used beginning Monday June 4. Bags with the old blue/white sticker will not be collected. New stickers can be purchased at the city treasurer’s office. See more information here.
The City sends many thanks to Dr. Gene DeMinico for the extremely generous donation to our City Police K-9 unit fund. Each year, Dr. DeMinico holds a basketball tournament in memory of his late son, Eugene II, a local police officer and military veteran whose life was cut tragically short. The tournament raises funds for our K-9 unit and the Pittston Township unit. We salute the DeMinico family for keeping Eugene’s memory alive in such a special way!
Pictured, Top L-R, Dr. DeMinico, City Police Chief Robert Powers, City PFC Lukasavage. Bottom L-R, City PFC and K-9 handler Joe Galeski with K-9 Officer Blitz, Mayor Mike Lombardo and Pittston Twp. Officer Ed Sulima with his K-9, Athena
Pittston City’s new Mayor, Michael Lombardo along with re-elected City Councilmembers Michael Lombardo, Esq. and Kenneth Bangs were sworn on on Tuesday January 2nd for 4 year terms of office. Mr. Lombardo previously served as mayor during the 1990s. Attorney Lombardo was also elected to the position of Vice Chair of the Pittston City Council.
The Redevelopment Authority was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (PAHRA) at its Annual Conference in Lancaster for its Neighborhood Housing Initiative. The Neighborhood Housing Initiative is a cooperative effort between the Authority, City of Pittston and North East Pennsylvania Land Bank Authority to address blight, quality of life issues, housing, and most importantly to improve the City’s neighborhoods. The 2017 PAHRA Bellamy Awards are PAHRA’s highest achievement awards for housing, redevelopment and community development.
The Basketball Courts at Jefferson Park will be closed on Monday Jul 24 through Monday July 31 for the final applications of the acrylic surface and line striping.