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.

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