May 12, 2018 3 min read

Charleroi Councilman Randy DiPiazza called Thursday for revocation of the landlord’s license of the owner of a “nuisance” rental property in the borough.

The property in question has had two dozen 911 calls for domestic incidents, juvenile complaints and stolen property incidents, among other issues. DiPiazza said the numerous calls to 911 are a violation of the borough’s landlord ordinance. Councilman Jerry Jericho said the landlord must be notified before any action can be taken by council.

At last month’s meeting, two landlord rental licenses were revoked by the borough. Carl Miklos, a representative of the owner of the 337 Washington Ave. property, said he never received notification. “Your ordinance states that if a landlord lives out of town, they must have a local representative,” said Miklos. “I never received a letter.”

The owner of the property was notified, but Miklos said it wasn’t fair to revoke a license when he could have been notified by phone. Charleroi Regional Police Chief Eric Porter said the property in question was the site of illegal activities.

“That property had guns and drugs,” the chief said.

The borough ordinance states the borough can immediately revoke a landlord’s license if there is a violation of health and safety on the premises, and if the property negatively affects the neighborhood. Once the landlord receives notice, they must begin the eviction process.

DiPiazza said he is sick and tired of “slumlords” in Charleroi. “We are not going to put up with this any longer,” he said.

Council also discussed renovations on the third floor of the municipal building. Councilman Larry Celaschi said the borough has $30,000 for the project that must be spent by June 2019. Options include upgrades to the electrical system or painting. Celaschi believes the approval of the renovations was a disservice by a past council. “We shouldn’t be spending money without a return. Unless we lease out the third floor, this money has not been well spent,” he said.

Councilwoman Debbie Buck asked if the money would be enough to upgrade the electrical system. “I am afraid we would get into a project and there would be added costs,” she said, adding that painting might be a better option. Council decided to have further discussions before making any decisions.

Council approved an ordinance authorizing the borough to join the Mid Mon Valley Council of Governments.

Finally, it was announced there will be a cornhole tournament at Market House today. Registration begins at noon, and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Relay for Life.