Clairton officials hoping to repurpose former bank building

City council leaders may hold a public meeting to discuss potential uses for the spaces.

By THOMAS LETURGEY
For the MVI

Clairton officials are optimistic about the possibility of finding new use for a former bank building in the city.

At council’s legislative meeting Tuesday, Mayor James Cerqua said he and others are “collectively finding a purpose” for the former PNC Park building at the corner of St. Clair and Miller avenues he called “a white elephant.”

Solicitor Gary Matta said the city’s previous administration acquired the building and “spent a considerable amount of money” without formulating a plan.

“The inside is not big enough for a rec center,” he said. “Maybe for a meeting room.”

Cerqua said it could become a facility to train boxers. They hope to have engineers take a look at the facility for future plans.

They also planted the seeds for a public meeting to discuss a potential recreation center. Matta said something “the size of a hockey rink” would be ideal. “Where kids can play football, they could play basketball and maybe have a batting cage or a walking track. A lot of things to have the kids come off the street.”

A public forum has not been scheduled, but Matta said it would be necessary to gauge interest of the residents, what they’d like, and how to move forward with acquiring funding for a project. He added that two properties are being scouted, but no decision has been made.

In other matters, council approved a motion to approve U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Requisition and Certificate Numbers 2 and 3 for the City’s Library Build-Out Project. The move authorizes the release of federal funding for specific construction costs. Council approved $384,440.14 to DiMarco Construction Co. for two different phases of work. They also ratified two change orders in the amount of $43,236.99 for the Library Build-Out project.

Councilwoman Marla Bradford urged any city homeowner with property taxes in arrears to arrange a payment plan with the finance department. “We will work with people,” she said.

In other business

In other business, council discussed the following:

• Deputy Mayor Lamont Lewis reported children are “running rampant” without helmets on scooters and bicycles in the city and he fears someone will be hurt.

• Cerqua noted that U.S. Steel has been a sponsor with upcoming Memorial Day festivities. They are also looking for World War II and Korean War veterans to honor on May 25. He urges anyone who qualifies to contact city hall.

• Cerqua said the city has two licensed drone pilots and three more “are learning.” He hopes that the drones will be able to assist police investigations and other activities. “They are great, valuable tools,” he said.

• A full slate of concerts and community festivals are planned for residents.

• Resident Ahmad Craig was appointed to an unexpired term on the Zoning Hearing Board which will run through Dec. 31, 2027.

• Several residents were appointed to the Clairton Library Board. Patrice Bristo and Anitra Lyles were appointed with their terms concluding Dec. 31, 2027. Deborah Marshall and Rebecca Shoemaker were appointed with terms running through Dec. 31, 2028.

• Cerqua and Bradford were appointed to the Board of the Steel Valley Authority.

• Council approved resolutions approving the acquisition and disposition of parcels of properties at 417 Miller Ave., 151 Ravine Ave., and another along Ravine Avenue through the Allegheny County Vacant Property Program in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of the city.

• Two properties were earmarked for demolition. Council approved a motion to award $68,500 in Act 152 Demolition Grant Project funding to Piccolomini Contractors Inc. for 557 Miller Ave., and $27,000 to Minniefield Demolition Services Inc. for 763 Miller Ave.

• Several council members, including Tony Kurta and Bradford said that both litter, skunks and raccoons are concerns in the city. Lewis added that “garbage is everywhere” and “it’s time to take Clairton back.”

• A change order of $4,389 was approved with Shiloh Industrial Contractors for the installation of a liner at the Clairton Community Pool.

• Last Chance Agreements were approved for three unidentified city employees. The move was described by City Manager Howard Bednar as a formality regarding possibility terminating the employment of some workers “immediately.”

• Council approved ordinances authorizing the execution of Cable Franchise Agreements with both Comcast and the Verizon. In addition to that, Bradford said the city’s website needs “revamped.”

• Resident and Pa. Lions District Gov. Ralph Imbrogno gave a brief presentation about the importance of the organization. He said that the Clairton branch has a healthy number of members; however, they are always looking for more. “We have about 30 members,” he said. “They do one heck of a job.” He added, they “have a lot of initiatives” including plans to paint some park benches in the city and annual scholarships for Clairton High School students. He said they raise funds through candy sales, lottery tickets and at a concert in the park.

Lions Club is the world’s largest service club organization, focusing on community service, hearing and sight issues, diabetes awareness and supporting young people.

“They do a lot of right things for right people,” said Cerqua.