Charleroi, Donora to tackle blight together

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com

Charleroi and Donora officials will work together to address blight and other issues within their communities.
During an agenda meeting last week, Charleroi council discussed a possible partnership with Donora for upcoming demolitions, after several structures within the borough have become safety concerns.
The first property up for considerations sits at 512 Washington Ave. and has continued to lean over the past several months, jeopardizing neighboring properties.
After Charleroi Council President Mark Alterici brought up a potential partnership with Donora last week, Solicitor Steve Toprani, who provides legal services to both municipalities, passed along the message to Donora council. Donora officials agreed it could be a good idea.
The potential use of Donora’s equipment to complete demolitions was not new to council and had been brought up to Toprani and Donora Councilman Joe Greco before.
Last night, Charleroi took the first step to make the partnership a reality when council unanimously passed a motion to enter into an inter-municipal cooperation agreement with Donora.
Toprani will research and draft the agreement, at a cost to be split by both communities.
The agreement will outline costs, types of work and other issues concerning pay rates, insurances and liabilities.
In return for use of their equipment, Charleroi Street Department workers could offer their services in Donora as needed.
Toprani also suggested council put together a committee that could discuss potential projects to help with communication between the two boroughs, but said everyone appears to be on board.

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Watch the video from the Charleroi council meeting on our website at www.monvalleyindependent.com.