Sep 7, 2013 By Antonia Cekada for The 3 min read

FAIRCHANCE — Borough council held a special meeting to discuss an increased concern of vandalism, loitering, possible drug activity and illegal riding of all-terrain vehicles on borough streets.

Officials say those actions are not only taking place in Fairchance Community Park, but throughout the borough as well.

About a dozen residents, including the borough’s sole police officer, came together Thursday to discuss the current incidents and, to explore avenues to keep the community safe.

“This has been going on for a long time, but it’s gotten much worse in the last six to eight months,” Borough President Howard McGhee said.

Damaging signs, benches and picnic tables are a few examples of the recent acts of vandalism occurring in the park, McGhee added.

Mayor Tom Tanner also said he believes young teenagers from not only Fairchance, but other areas such as Uniontown and Masontown are using the park as a staging area for fighting and drug activity.

There is already a curfew in effect at the park that prohibits people there after dusk, but the mayor explored an additional option.

“I don’t want to have to block parking up there, but we may have to,” he said.

The borough is considering blocking off parking until summer in all but one lot so walkers can still use the park.

Excessive ATV riding is also a dilemma for the Fairchance community.

McGhee noted that he has received several complaints concerning ATV riding, and that riders are often staying out until 4 a.m.

Council made a motion to amend the borough’s previous ordinance, which stated that an ATV rider could be fined a minimum of $300.

Council more than tripled the price of the fine to $1,000, noting that an offender’s ATV will now also be impounded until the fine is paid in full.

“I won’t write a warning at all. None,” said Brian Miller, borough police officer.

Without commenting on specific matters, council noted that Miller has had to call for backup from state police a few times over recent months, but his requests were not able to be filled due to the state police having a high call volume.

This led council members also entertain the idea of hiring either a second, part-time police officer, or a code enforcement officer.

“We can’t have enough police. You wouldn’t believe how irate people in this town are getting,” Miller responded in agreement.

Also at the meeting, council voted to remove the basketball court at the park, saying that it is in poor condition and will cost more to repair than to demolish.

Members also hope that removing the court will help keep unwanted activity out of the park.

That area could be used for additional parking, officials said.