NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AND INTENT TO APPLY FOR FUNDING for the CDBG CARES ACT FUNDING
CITY OF PITTSTON
Notice is hereby given that the City of Pittston will hold a public hearing on October 29, 2021 at 4 P.M. The Hearing will be held virtually. To join the Zoom Meeting please go to the following link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83931125023
Meeting ID: 839 3112 5023
Or
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656
If you require special accommodations, please notify Joseph Chacke, Director of the Pittston Redevelopment Authority, at least 72 hours in advance at 570-654-4601 or jchacke@pittstonrda.com or TDD users 7-1-1 PA Telecommunications Relay Center.
The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) Cares Act program in general, the needs of the community that can be met with CDBG-CV funding, and the Needs Assessment and Coordination Plan.
The Coronavirus Aid, relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), provides additional CDBG funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The funds may be used for CDBG eligible activities that meet one of the national objectives. The City intends to apply for housing rehabilitation funds to assist elderly and disabled households to age in place preventing congregate living and those individuals and families with health-related issues that make them susceptible to the COVID-19 such as asthma, lead and other environmental conditions.
If activities undertaken with grant funds would result in the displacement of families or individuals, then the City’s Anti-Displacement and Relocation Policy would be in effect. Also, the City would be responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of using CDBG funds.
All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and give oral testimony at the public hearing or present written comments concerning the needs of the community, and the CDBG-CV program in general. Proposals and comments may be submitted to the Pittston Redevelopment Authority, Attention Joseph Chacke at 35 Broad St. Pittston PA or jchacke@pittstonrda.com by November 3, 2021.
By order of the
City of Pittston
Michael Lombardo
Mayor
Please review the link for the City Council Meeting Agenda for the meeting on October 20, 2021.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: SEEKING LOCAL APPRAISERS
The City of Pittston Redevelopment Authority seeks proposals for appraisal services related to the implementation for the federal Community
Development Block Grant and HOME programs:
These contracts are 3-year contracts that would require appraising 2-3 homes per month. The authority is seeking both drive-by appraisals and full appraisal services. Timeliness of report turn-around is emphasized. The complete Request for Proposals including submission requirements and scope of services may be obtained by calling 570-654-4601 or e-mailing Shannon Bonacci Sbonacci@pittstonrda.com.
Responses must be received by the RDA at 35 Broad Street Pittston, PA 18640 no later than 1:00 P.M. on Monday, November 1, 2021. The RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MBE/WBE and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.
The City of Pittston’s Blighted Property Board will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, October 13th at 2:00PM in the Pittston City Hall Basement Conference Room.
Please visit this link to view the agenda: Blighted Property Board Meeting Agenda 10.13.21
The Pittston City Redevelopment Authority will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00PM in the Pittston City Hall Basement Conference Room.
Please visit this link to view the agenda: RDA – AGENDA 10.5.21
The North East Pennsylvania Land Bank Authority will hold their next meeting on Monday, September 27th at 6:00PM in the Pittston City Hall Basement Conference Room.
Please visit this link to view the agenda: 9.27.2021 AGENDA
Pittston’s Community Development Office is pleased to announce our second Community Cookout taking place in West Park on Saturday, September 25th from 12:00PM-2:00PM. Come meet some City staff and enjoy the afternoon with your fellow residents! All are welcome!
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FY 2021 CDBG PROGRAM
CITY OF PITTSTON
Notice is hereby given by that the City of Pittston will hold its second public hearing for the 2021 CDBG application on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 4:00 P.M. The hearing will be held virtually. To join the Zoom Meeting, please go to
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81157409610
or call in
1-301-715-8592 US (Washington DC)
1-312-626-6799 US (Chicago)
1-646-558-8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 811 5740 9610
This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities and/or persons with Limited English Proficiency. If you wish to attend and require special accommodations, please notify Joseph Chacke, Director of the Pittston Redevelopment Authority, at least 72 hours in advance at 570-654-4601 or jchacke@pittstonrda.com or TDD users 7-1-1 PA Telecommunications Relay Center.
The CDBG program is a state-administered federal grant program for local communities to do infrastructure and housing improvements that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The City of Pittston proposes to use the FY 2021 grant of $ 317,772 as follows:
Administration- $49,772
Rehabilitation at Lincoln Heights Senior Apartment- $200,000
Housing Acquisition for Blight -$68,000
Anyone having an interest in historic resources may also make themselves known and review and comment on the proposed activities. Those individuals will receive future notices regarding program activities and their potential impact on historic resources.
All interested parties are invited to attend the public meeting and give oral testimony at the public meeting or present written comments concerning the needs of the community, proposed CDBG activities, the prior use of funds, as well as the CDBG program in general. Comments may be submitted by October 11, 2021, to Joseph Chacke, City Hall, 35 Broad Street, Pittston, PA 18640 or jchacke@pittstonrda.com. City Council may approve the CDBG application at the general business meeting on October 20, 2021.
By order of
Michael Lombardo, Mayor
Please review the link for the city council meeting agenda for the meeting on September 15, 2021
Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston
35 Broad Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Open Space Elevator Installation Project – REBID
City of Pittston, Luzerne County, PA
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids for the Open Space Elevator Installation Project will be received online via the PennBid Program by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston, at 35 Broad Street, Pittston, PA 18640, until 10:00 AM local time on September 28, 2021, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened electronically and read virtually. The Project consists of Base Bid: Installation of new elevator along with construction of CMU elevator shaft and associated demolition, architectural, electrical, and mechanical work with Add Alternate Bids for Façade Improvements including windows, painting, siding improvements, stone veneer and lighting.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis as indicated in the Online Bid Form.
All bidding documents are available at no cost on the PennBid Website
A pre-bid conference will not be held for this project.
Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
The following wage rate requirements are applicable to this contract: PA Prevailing Wage Rates
Bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, religion, color, handicap, national origin, age or sex.
City of Pittston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or familial status in employment or the provision of services.
City of Pittston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
The Blighted Property Board Meeting scheduled for 2:00PM on August 11th at 2:00PM in the City Hall Conference Room has been cancelled. The next Blighted Property Board meeting will be held on September 8th at 2:00 PM in the City Hall Conference Room.
If you have any questions, please contact Cara Wengen at cwengen@pittstonrda.com or by calling (570)654-4601 ext.245.
CITY OF PITTSTON
Civil Service Examinations
Entry-Level
Police Officer
The Civil Service Commission for the City of Pittston is now accepting applications to take the civil service examination for Entry-Level Police Officer in the Police Department. Applications may be obtained from the City Administrator’s Office at Pittston City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640 or online at www.pittstoncity.org. If you would like an application mailed to you, please contact 570-654-4601 ext. 245. Applications and required documentation along with a non-refundable processing fee of fifty ($50) dollars, check or money order made payable to the City of Pittston must be submitted by mail or in person at the City Administrator’s Office.
Submission deadline is Thursday, August 12th at 4:00pm. Qualified applicants will be invited to test on Saturday August 28, 2021.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Entry-Level Police Officer
The City of Pittston is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CITY OF PITTSTON
Civil Service Examinations
Entry-Level
Firefighter in the Bureau of Fire
The Civil Service Commission for the City of Pittston is now accepting applications to take the civil service examination for Entry-Level Firefighter in the Bureau of Fire. Applications may be obtained from the City Administrator’s Office at Pittston City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640 or online at www.pittstoncity.org. Application can be downloaded below. If you would like an application mailed to you, please contact 570-654-4601 ext. 245. Applications and required documentation along with a non-refundable processing fee of fifty ($50) dollars, check or money order made payable to the City of Pittston must be submitted by mail or in person at the City Administrator’s Office.
Submission deadline is Thursday, August 12th at 4:00pm. Qualified applicants will be invited to test on Saturday August 28, 2021.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Entry-Level Firefighter
The City of Pittston is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This notice will serve to advise all residents of City of Pittston and all municipalities therein that the following actions, if based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status (families with children), or handicap (disability) is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Federal Fair Housing Act) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act adds the additional protected classes of age, ancestry and use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals are considered discriminatory:
If you’re a person with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please contact the below Fair Housing Officer/Agency.
If you’re Limited English Proficient and require a document translation, please contact the below Fair Housing Officer/Agency.
All residents are hereby notified, that any complaints regarding a discriminatory action under one of the above conditions may be filed with the:
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Harrisburg Regional Office
333 Market Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210
(717) 787-9780
(717) 787-7279 TTY users
And
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
FHEO/Regional III Office Mid-Atlantic Office
100 Penn Square East, 12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 861-7643
Fax: (215) 656-3449
TTY: (800) 927-9275
The Redevelopment Authority is accepting contractor bids on a home rehab project in Pittston. Please see below scope of work documents and reach out to Shannon at sbonacci@pittstonrda.com or 570-654-4601 ext 237 to request a full bid packet. Arrangements can be made to do a site visit to the home to prepare your bid.
Work includes:
DATE OF NOTICE: June 5, 2021
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY: City of Pittston
ADDRESS: City Hall, 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640
TELEPHONE: 570-654-4601
On or about June 14, 2021 the City of Pittston will request that the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) release federal HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds under Section 228 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) to undertake the below projects:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Housing Rehabilitation Program, Citywide, Multi-Year (2020-2024).
Purpose: Homeowner rehab
Location: Within the City of Pittston, specific addresses will be assessed in the site-specific reviews.
Project/Program Description: Rehabilitation will include but not be limited to window/door removal and replacement, replacement of flooring, removal/replacement of roof components and gutters, improvements to HVAC systems, improvements to electrical and plumbing systems, improvements to kitchen areas including removal/replacement of cabinets and appliances, implementation of lead-based paint hazard controls and/or other environmental hazard remediation/mitigation measures, improvements to bathrooms including removal/replacement of tubs, sinks, vanities and toilets as well as ADA improvements, improvements to interior walls including new sheetrock and painting, exterior improvements including the installation of vinyl siding and painting, porch improvements and sidewalk/walkway improvement, as well as other similar general housing improvement work. Program rehabilitation activities will not increase density beyond four units, change the land use, or increase a building footprint in a floodplain or wetland. Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)(i)
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Contamination and Toxic Substances, Historic Preservation, Noise and Environmental Justice.
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): not applicable
Estimated Project Cost: Estimated DCED funding: $400,000 (FY20 $300,000 HOME; FY21 $25,000 CDBG; FY22 $25,000 CDBG, FY23 $25,000 CDBG; FY24 $25,000 CDBG)
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Joseph Chacke at 35 Broad St., Pittston, PA 18640 or jchacke@pittstonrda.com. All comments received by June 13, 2021 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
The City certifies to DCED that Michael Lombardo, in his capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. DCED’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use HOME Program funds.
DCED will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Pittston’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the name of the City of Pittston; (b) the City of Pittston has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DCED; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the Department of Community and Economic Development at: chrhowe@pa.gov. Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Tier ERR HOME Housing Rehab
Michael Lombardo, Mayor
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston is inviting development teams (or a
developer) with experience in single family home rehabilitation to submit proposals for
the Rehabilitation Toward Homeownership for 65-67 ½ Parsonage Street, Pittston,
Pennsylvania (72-E11NE2-024-005-000).
All proposals for this project are due by 12:00Noon on Friday, July 16th 2021.
For extensive information on this project and it’s requirements, please view the formal Request for Proposals below.
The City’s Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) will continue inspections again this Summer.
The City 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.
Property owners receiving notices are required to contact Code Enforcement at 570.654.0513 extension 221 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 (except possibly habitual offenders). The purpose of the sweeps is 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.
The Police enforce parking regulations and abandoned vehicles. 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 City and its officials are mindful of the COVID pandemic and the limits it has placed on all of us and will be willing to work with everyone on any issue they may have in this respect. The importance is to communicate this to the appropriate officials if you are notified of a violation.