Coyle Theater demolition allowed to resume

CHARLEROI – After a short pause in the demolition of the borough’s Coyle Theater, contractors will resume razing the building.
Councilwoman Jody Cheplic said Wednesday that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) received a complaint from an anonymous caller yesterday morning, alleging contractors were not properly disposing hazardous materials and were working without a permit.
“Following an inspection by OSHA, the contractors passed the test with flying colors,” said Cheplic. “I also called Building Inspector Underwriters (BIU) to take a look and they said (the contractors) absolutely were in compliance with everything. They (the contractors) did buy a permit in July but they didn’t have it posted.”
Cheplic added that copies of the permits will be displayed on the doors of the Coyle Theater until demolition is completed. The Mon Valley Alliance owns the Coyle Theater property.
The borough issued a permit to demolish the 128-year-old theater on McKean Avenue in August. The project marks the end of decades of unfulfilled efforts to save the theater.
In other business, council:
n Agreed to postpone selection of an auditor for the 2019 municipal audit until a future meeting.
n Approved the article of agreement with the Authority of the Borough of Charleroi to assist the borough in the cost of the internal CCTV inspection project. Costs are not to exceed $50,000.
n Authorized the borough to pay $400 to the Charleroi School District’s art department for painting downtown business windows for the Veteran’s Day Parade.
n Clarified the use of CDBG monies in the Recreation Improvement Project to include Woodland, Crest and 13th Street parks.
n Officials noted that ROCKtoberfest will be held on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at 4th Street & Fallowfield Avenue in the borough. Sponsored by Four Points Brewing and 4th Street BBQ, the event features live music and food and drink vendors.