Cure Mon Valley aims to stop culture of violence

The group addressed Clairton Council following a fatal weekend shooting.

By THOMAS LETURGEY
For the MVI

The fatal shooting of two men over the weekend near The Village Inn on Miller Avenue wasn’t far from the minds of those who attended Clairton’s council meeting Tuesday night.

Angelique Nesbit and Neil Chandler of Cure Mon Valley were given a few minutes before the meeting to talk about the organization and its efforts to “get in front of potential beefs” that otherwise might lead to violence.

Cure Mon Valley, a resource from the Steel Rivers Council of Governments that’s financed with a Department of Human Services grant, is a “boots on the ground” organization that is active in Clairton, McKeesport, Duquesne and Homestead.

Clairton Council is shown on July 28, 2026. Thomas Leturgey / For the MVI

Working with volunteers and others, the group visits communities to aid in communication with youths and others who are at risk.

Nesbit said one of the group’s goals is to “change the norm” of gun violence. They encourage residents in Clairton and beyond to call the authorities when they witness something that could lead to bigger problems.

Chandler said the threeyear-old organization is eager to “partner with community events.” Residents at Tuesday’s meeting said they were happy to see the organization, as there have been others like “Mad Dads” who have helped guide young people.

During citizens comments, some residents questioned why The Village Inn was open for business Sunday afternoon following the fatal shooting Saturday night. Mayor James Cerqua and Council said there was nothing the city could do to stop the business from operating.

Councilman Eric Hatchett said he received the Emergency Response System message on Saturday about the shooting around 6:35 p.m. He and others encouraged residents to go to clairtonfire. com to sign up for the free feature. Officials say that 200 residents have signed up so far, and the fire department will not renew the service if that number doesn’t pick up,.

The police department and fire departments are involved with the service, which expires in October.

Hatchett added that another group, Neighborhood Resilience, which provides similar services to Cure Mon Valley, has also been the city. He said the group, based in Marion Circle, is looking for office space in Clairton.

Councilwoman Marla Bradford encouraged residents in attendance and elsewhere in the city to “take time and pray for the families” of the men who were shot and killed last weekend.

Also Tuesday, Councilman Tony Kurta reported that through the second quarter — with $115,074 in delinquent trash collection and year-to-date of $157,000 in collections as well as delinquent real estate collection — the city is up “$300,000 we didn’t have last year.”

Deputy Mayor Lamont Lewis asked residents for help. He and Mayor Cerqua agreed that trash tonnage has increased and “when more garbage piles up, the higher the fees.”

Cerqua said the city’s garbage tonnage will be 100,000 more than last year, adding, “When the scales go up, we have to pay more.”

The mayor reported that the city received a $250,000 grant for the demolition of 480 Park Avenue.

“That one will be addressed and coming down,” he said.

Cerqua congratulated the city’s public works department, staff, ticket sellers and others who helped with the successful “Stars Over Clairton” event that was entertaining, enjoyable and “cost the city zero dollars.” There was also a recent clothing giveaway that went well, and organizers are hoping for create a “free store” concept in Clairton.

He also promised “something special in September,” but did not elaborate.

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for a $1,290,185.20 Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Grant for from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the reconstruction of Worthington Avenue.

Council and the mayor nominated Amber Farr to the Board of the Clairton Public Library.

Council approved paying $27,000 for Minnefield Demolition Service to raze 763 Miller Ave. and a $111,889.49 payment to DiMarco Construction Company for work on the Clairton Library Build-Out Project. They also approved the U.S. Department of Agriculture Requisition and Certificate for the Build-Out Project.

Council also approved a $179,284.50 payment to Delrey Windows, Inc. for work on the city hall window replacement project.

Council terminated the contract with ASPIRE Grant and Development. Cerqua said the organization did a good job, but ultimately it was a “duplicate” service.