Belle Vernon approves two ordinances to prevent neighborhood blight
BELLE VERNON — During its monthly meeting Tuesday, council approved a vacant and abandoned property ordinance and also voted to adopt the 2015 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
The vacant and abandoned property ordinance will establish an abandoned residential property registration and a mechanism to compel mortgagees and others in the execution process to maintain their properties to protect Belle Vernon’s residential neighborhoods from becoming blighted.
The ordinance also pertains to abandoned personal property, such as motor vehicles, boats, refrigerators, furniture and other articles. In addition, the ordinance spells out maintenance requirements for yards and pools.
Penalties for violations will range from $100 to $1,000, including attorney’s fees.
The International Property Maintenance Code regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing buildings to ensure those structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use.
In other business, the council:
n Approved payment of $291 for the borough’s share for the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority. According to Mayor Gerald Jackson, the borough has 2,000 bus stops.
n Announced that the Farmer’s Market will start on May 10 and will continue each Wednesday until early November at Ted Kuhn’s Memorial Park.
n Discussed a pending flood plain ordinance. At the request of the council, terms for the ordinance will be less restrictive so economic development will not be impeded. Council intends to pass the ordinance before the middle of July.
n In addition, Mayor Jackson announced that a Canoe Race will be held on July 15, with the race starting at Brownsville and ending in Belle Vernon. Participants will make stops at various towns along the Monongahela River. After the race, festivities will continue with a bluegrass/country music festival in Belle Vernon.