Elks Place homes due for demolition
By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Flood-damaged homes in the Elks Place section of Pricedale in Rostraver Township are slated to be demolished as part of a flood-mitigation plan, with the area to be used for recreation.
The plans have been well known to local residents, according to John Lorenzo, chair of the township commissioners, so it was a bit surprising to township officials when graffiti appeared on some of the buildings. Signs popped up on the houses, “We pay taxes, too.”
“Some people who drive by see a graffiti opportunity. People driving by didn’t know they were to be demolished,” Lorenzo said.
The Westmoreland County Land Bank will tear down the homes in October, but in the meantime, the Rostraver Central Fire Department received permission from the commissioners to use the houses for training purposes.
Lorenzo said the area will be cleared and the new park will be constructed using the township’s $86,000 Community Development Block Grant to carry out its Small Parks program in 2021. Lorenzo said the park will offer activities geared to both young and old, including pickleball, bocce and basketball.
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