Hits & misses
Hit: It’s been a long time coming, but the first step in revitalizing a valuable piece of property in South Strabane Township is about to be taken with the demolition of the dilapidated eyesore that was once home to Washington Mall. The Washington County commissioners this week said that federal stimulus funds will be used to raze the old mall and attract new development – a big box store, perhaps? – to the site near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 79. The action comes on the heels of an announcement of a recreation vehicle dealer’s intent to locate at the former Toys ‘R Us and Giant Eagle. “By early spring, you’ll see wrecking balls swinging and excavators grabbing things,” said county commission Chairman Nick Sherman.
Miss: For the third time since September, the World Kitchen plant in Charleroi has postponed the plant’s shutdown and told the remaining employees to report to work for at least another three months. The long and protracted closing has left many wondering about the company’s ability to move operations to another plant in Ohio. “You had workers leaving there to start their next phase of their work life or to try to find work,” borough Councilman Larry Celaschi said last week. “Now, they’re held hostage for three more months without any solid long-term answers. They have to come back or they’re not eligible to get any unemployment. I don’t think there’s enough communication between corporate, the International Steelworkers Union and the employees to give them a very clear picture here. … It’s unfair, and it’s unhealthy.” Frankly, we agree.
Hit: A warm welcome is extended to Thomas Boyd, the new director of the Fayette County Veterans Affairs office. In a recent interview, Boyd said he and his staff will continue to give local veterans support and help them get the benefits to which they are entitled. In a recent interview, Boyd said veterans are often hesitant to seek help or benefits out of fear that doing so might take away resources from other service members. A former Marine, Boyd has a wealth of advocating experience and intends to build on the progress made by his predecessor, Brian Bensen. A priority will be to ensure the county’s newest veterans – those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan – are aware of what they earned after they leave duty.