Demolition plans outlined in Monessen
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Monessen City Council held a public hearing Friday during which the city explained why it intends to demolish six blighted residential properties.
Councilwoman Lois Thomas, councilmen Don Gregor and Gil Coles, City Administrator John Harhai and about a half dozen residents listened as Solicitor Tim Witt and city engineer Tony Vitale of WEC Engineers detailed the condition of vacant homes at 900 Knox Ave., 1212 Walnut St., 720 Rostraver St., 710 Sixth St., 683 Reed Ave. and 20 Terrace Ave., which are slated for demolition.
Witt, who read WEC Engineers’ reports, said certified engineers have found that all six of the properties are unstable and pose safety risks to pedestrians.
“These are properties that have continual code enforcement issues,” Witt said. “The city has received multiple complaints on them. … Just a cursory review of the properties will identify that there are major property maintenance issues with each of them.”
The majority of the structures, such as the single-story home at 900 Knox Ave. and a 2 1/2-story home at 683 Reed Ave., are partially collapsed.
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