Sep 11, 2002 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

WEST BROWNSVILLE – Council members heard from citizens Tuesday who were concerned about unsafe or undesirable conditions within the borough. Rose Wozinak submitted a list of issues that she said were in need of the council’s attention. Among these problems was that of her cellar drain, which she said “backs up with storm water and raw sewage.”

The board assured her the issue of sewage backup would be taken care of immediately.

Wozinak also said she was concerned about the condition of some of the sidewalks in the area.

“Some of the sidewalks in the borough are in terrible shape and are unsafe for walking,” she said.

Councilman Dan Kendall said the condition of sidewalks was under the jurisdiction of the property owner, although the borough has attempted to repair some of the walks whenever possible.

“We were going to try to do some every year, but it somehow always falls out of the budget,” said Kendall.

Wozinak also told the council that owners of abandoned properties should be fined if the property is not taken care of. President Pat Maxon thanked her for attending the meeting and bringing her concerns to their attention.

“The council will review the list and touch base with you when we find out what can be done about the issues,” said Maxon.

In relation to abandoned properties, the council received correspondence from a family on Madison Street whose residence is across from an abandoned store. They said they had lived in that home for many years and had “not had so much as an insect problem.”

However, in the past seven months, they reported, they had captured 16 rats on their property, which they believe came from the abandoned store.

Secretary Jack Sabo quoted the residents, saying it “is a health hazard to my family as well as others in the neighborhood.” The residents said they would appreciate the council’s immediate attention to the issue.

“The individual who owns the store has been cited repeatedly,” said Mayor Martin Brockman. “There is something being done.”

Maxon pointed out that the owner of the abandoned store faces a hearing, and suggested that the secretary respond to the residents to make them aware of the hearing.

In other matters, Maxon invited the board to a dinner given by the library board in honor of one of their workers, Betty Herbeterson.

The library board also sent a letter to the council to thank them for donations, Maxon said.

Additionally, the board received a letter from the animal control office, stating that its new name is Noah’s Ark Fayette County Animal Protection Society. The shelter has relocated and is in need of some work. They can be reached by phone at 724-439-8620.