Apr 10, 2019 2 min read

I was surprised to see in the Tribune-Review newspaper that the City of Monessen received $25,000 for the demolition of 612/614 McKee Avenue, seeing as I’m typically not informed of happenings directly. The city was awarded the money from the Westmoreland County Demolition Fund. I think it is good news that the city acquired these funds, and the fund is a worthwhile thing for the county.

On another note, I do not think Monessen Council is choosing property demolitions, based on properties that actually need to come down. There are numerous houses that have caught fire, throughout the city over the last few years, which are half-burned down that still have yet to be demolished. A woman even died in one of them. Not only are they safety issues for residents, especially neighborhood children, but it is also disgraceful that they have been left for so long. I don’t understand the logic behind any of that. It makes more sense to sell properties that are salvageable to people who have the ability to do something with them, instead of the city spending funds on them. It’s harder to sell vacant lots, than it is to sell structures — unless those lots are sold to people’s friends…

In addition, it is also unfortunate that our code office has been so overwhelmed with the amount of code issues in Monessen, and that we have lost money in the past several years, due to code issues — this is not at the fault of our code officer. I look forward to the day when code violations, demolition, and rehab of properties will be handled in a logical way, that will enhance neighborhoods, and bring new residents and tax revenue to Monessen — until then, I suppose we wait — although, at this rate, there may not be anything left. I’m sure city council will say that I have no right to say anything, but last I checked, I won the election, and whether certain members of council like it or not, I’m still the Mayor, and Gil Coles is still on council, despite their failed efforts.

Matt Shorraw

Mayor of Monessen