Dawson resident complains about parked garbage truck
DAWSON – A six-year problem on McGill Avenue continues to plague one family and annoy several other residents. A McGill Avenue woman, who did not wish to have her name published in the newspaper Monday, told council that she has just about had enough of her neighbor parking one of his smaller garbage trucks so close to her home.
“You are all aware of this problem because it has continued for years,” said the woman, who claims that neighbor Sam Geary of Geary’s Refuge Co. of Dawson often pulls the truck onto his property and allows it to sit there over night leaking some kind of liquid.
“The smell is awful and neighbors on both sides of the street are also upset with the problem but for some reason they haven’t come to a council meeting,” continued the woman.
The woman said a second problem behind Geary’s house, in a swamp or wetland with high weeds, has caused a rat problem in the neighborhood.
“I don’t know why he can’t pull on a pair of boots like everyone else and chop down the weeds,” said the woman.
“Something needs to be done about these problems.”
Council agreed and Councilman Dennis Carter made a motion to have code enforcement officer Mike Garlowich do whatever is necessary to correct the problem.
“I don’t care what it takes,” said Carter “this needs to be dealt with. If he (Geary) has to be fined month after month after month then that’s what Mike needs to do.”
The woman told council if they send a registered letter to Geary he would not pick it up at the post office. Carter agreed that the problem has gone on long enough and said if he (Geary) pays enough fines “maybe he will get the message.”
Geary could not be reached by phone Monday night.
Council also agreed to have Garlowich attend monthly meetings or a meeting ever two months. Although Mayor Barbara Wilhelm gives Garlowich’s monthly report, council said they want to talk to Garlowich themselves.
Solicitor Richard Husband also suggested that Garlowich get in touch with DEP officials, who are the licensing agent for garbage haulers to find out if he is in violation of state regulations.
The woman said Geary has a place to park his garbage hauling trucks just outside Vanderbilt, but he doesn’t always use that place.
In other unrelated matters, newly appointed Councilman Jay Nelson asked if he could apply for a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant. Nelson was informed that the borough has already applied for a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant in the amount of $18,000.
Husband told Nelson that the DCED grant will be used to purchase property on Diamond Alley to Galley Street along Railroad Street, where they want to establish a park-like atmosphere with possibly benches, a gazebo, lights and flowers.
Husband said he has been in contact with the property owner, Cheryl Newell, and the two have come to an agreement.
“Cheryl originally agreed to sell the borough the property for $18,000,” said Husband.
“After we found out that there was a Fayette County $5,950 lien on the property for demolition of a building, Cheryl agreed to sell us the property for $12,500.”
Husband said the county agreed to forgive the lien since the borough was interested in buying and upgrading the property.
Council also agreed to get in touch with a property owner to have some overextended bushes trimmed on an alleyway.