Monessen: Property buyer objects to delay in approval of sale

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

At a special meeting Monday, Monessen council addressed the controversy surrounding the sale of a handful of city properties to an entrepreneur who claims the city is trying to derail his efforts.

Kareem Straughtan is the owner of the former Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant at 474 Donner Ave., where he now operates a flower shop. Straughtan is trying to purchase houses at 1017 and 1021 Knox Ave., as well as 533 and 539 Sixth St. from the Westmoreland County Repository.

Straughtan claims the city has gone beyond a 40-day consent period that is required by the city, the county and the Monessen School District.

“I’ve been totally disrespected by this town for no reason at all,” Straughtan told council. “Y’all want me to fix decades of dilapidation on your watch in a couple weeks? No problem, bro, I’m up to the challenge. I’m not going nowhere.”

Ron Mozer, treasurer of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Monessen, spoke in support of Straughtan.

According to Mozer, Straughtan entered into a contract to purchase the properties from the Westmoreland County Repository in August. The repository lists unsold properties that anyone may bid on.

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