Neighbors seek help with roach problem in Donora

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

A major roach infestation is once again a topic of frustration for Donora residents.

This time it’s in the area of the 200 blocks of Meade Street and Castner Avenue. According to residents and borough officials, the problem is coming from an occupied home on Meade Street.

The occupant of that home, who was not named by borough officials or residents who attended this week’s council meeting to complain about the conditions, has been cited many times, dating back at least as far as 2018.

Matt Vitalbo, who lives nearby, asked council Thursday what is being done about the situation.

Borough Administrator Terri Petroske said the neighboring residents have all been asked to hire exterminators and provide proof of extermination. 

Petroske said code enforcement officer Michelle Harris has found proof of other areas of concern in that neighborhood. Some of the homes in the area are rentals and the borough has received no proof of extermination from those addresses. Petroske is trying to reach landlords now.

Vitalbo said when he calls the borough about it, he’s always told their hands are tied. He asked why the borough can’t get a warrant to go inside the home for code violations. 

Vitalbo said he talked to someone in Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson’s office who said they can issue warrants in such cases. Petroske said that may be true, but then afterward Wilson called Harris and told her that’s incorrect and he won’t issue a warrant in such a case.

Solicitor Steve Toprani said the borough can’t get a warrant in such a situation because it’s not a police matter.

Vitalbo said the roaches are all through his house and he regularly finds them on the floor of his kitchen. He’s afraid to let his infant crawl on the floor of his home.

“There’s nothing you people can do?” Vitalbo said.

He showed all the council members several photos of the house in question that were taken three house before the meeting. 

Council President Mike McDowell said the house was in deplorable condition and asked Toprani what could be done on an emergency basis.

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