Complaint filed against library
A Chartiers Township resident filed a civil complaint Wednesday against the Frank Sarris Public Library and its governing board.
Kathleen Norton cited issues regarding the library’s construction of a parking lot along Murdock Street behind the library and subsequent damage to her property at 113-115 W. Pike St.
The library board entered a contract June 24 to construct a private, fenced-in parking lot, and construction began July 1, according to Norton.
It was halted July 9 when a search of public records allegedly revealed that the library failed to conjoin adjacent properties prior to beginning construction, which is a requirement under Canonsburg Borough’s zoning regulations.
Construction started again July 16 and blocked access to a public alley that connects Norton’s property to a major roadway, leaving Norton with no way to access to her property, according to the complaint.
Norton also said contractors dug up her property and storm drain.
The complaint states that the use of the alleyway “was without the express permission or the necessity or license of the defendant” and that the contractor intended to dismantle and divert Norton’s sewer lines without her permission.
The library has also planned to install a fence surrounding the parking lot, which would be placed behind several buildings facing West Pike Street, including Norton’s property.
Norton expressed concern that a once-public space will be closed off, and gates could restrict residents from leaving their apartments in case of an emergency.
“If there’s an emergency, they’re stuck between a fence and potentially a burning building,” Norton told the Observer-Reporter in April. “That’s a big concern.”
Library Board President Manuel Pihakis said in April that the parking lot must be fenced in and parking must be restricted from 8 p.m. to 11 a.m. in order to curb criminal activity late at night.
Norton told the Observer-Reporter last week that she was willing to compromise with the library board, but that “this whole thing has been very hostile and contentious.”
Norton is requesting a temporary injunction to haltconstruction and for the library to restore all land and sewer lines to their original state.
She is also requesting that the parking lot “allow public access at all times … and remove all obstruction to this access.”