McKeesport tightens rules for property purchases in the city

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

McKeesport council this week passed multiple ordinances and a resolution related to real estate and development in the city.

Council approved an ordinance requiring anyone purchasing real estate in the city to apply for a certificate of occupancy within 90 days of the purchase.

“We wanted to just clarify a little bit in regards to occupancy. Once again, we do have an ongoing issue where people purchase property, they don’t apply for occupancy,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “We want to make sure that if for some reason someone does sneak in without following proper protocol, that we have a little more leverage to help remedy the situation.”

In another matter related to real estate and development, council also approved an ordinance permitting the city to transfer a property at 626 Market St. to the McKeesport Redevelopment Authority. Cherepko said the property is located at the corner of Seventh and Market streets and is known by McKeesporters as “the old Eagles property.”

“Years ago, that property got put in the names of McKeesport Preservation Society and the City of McKeesport,” the mayor said. “That has all since been resolved. Now, it’s the City of McKeesport’s (property) and obviously we want to get it into the redevelopment’s authority for redevelopment.”

Although he didn’t give further information, Cherepko said “someone” is interested in purchasing the property.

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