UNION TWP. PROPERTY Supervisors to adopt maintenance code

Officials expect the new code to be in effect by Nov. 1.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township supervisors expect to adopt a new property maintenance code when they meet Oct. 18. A final hearing on the code will be held just before that meeting.
They held a first public hearing on the code just before their regular meeting Thursday. Eight residents attended. The code, which replaces the township's dangerous buildings ordinance, gives the township a new tool to use against dilapidated buildings and junk cars.
The ordinance says violators would receive a letter notifying them of the violation and ordering them to make reasonable repairs within a reasonable time. If the work is not done, the police or code enforcement officer would then cite the violator into court. They can be fined up to $300 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 or 30 days in jail for the third. Violations would be misdemeanors, and enforcement would be by the district magistrate. Those cited under the ordinance may appeal.
Although all money from fines would go to the township, Galizia said he is not looking at the ordinance as a source of money.
Too strict?
But Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh said he fears the new code is too strict. He pointed out that the code was taken, with some deletions and changes, from Cranberry Township, near Pittsburgh, a more affluent community than Union. He said, for example that one section, which requires that interior peeling paint be "corrected," was unreasonable and commented, "Union Township has a lot of peeling paint."
Supervisor Steve Galizia said, "We are not going to hire a dog to start sniffing around for things." He explained that the township will not go out inspecting homes for compliance, but instead would investigate only when complaints are received. In addition, police could initiate complaints when noticing violations. Those calling in complaints will have to identify themselves, but their names will not be revealed to the subject of the complaint.
Larger purpose
But Galizia said the ordinance has a larger purpose. He said that the township is the best commercial setting with the most potential in the county. But he added that some areas, especially West Washington Street where it borders the city of New Castle, has some dilapidated properties that "are not a very good welcome mat" for prospective investors. He said, "The nicer the township looks, the better off we are."
Supervisor Pat Angiolelli said provisions of the ordinance that govern interior problems, such as requirements that interior surfaces be clean and that paint, plaster, decayed wood, broken steps and rickety stairs and railings, as well as porches and decks be maintained adequately are mainly to protect renters.
The code governs both residential and nonresidential structures. Galizia said it will make Union Township's standards stricter than the new Pennsylvania Building Code, which became effective statewide last summer.
Galizia said that once the ordinance is adopted, he expects it to be effective Nov. 1. He said, however, that a code enforcement officer will probably not be in place until next year. Angiolelli said budget constraints will determine whether the township hires its own, or whether it shares one with other communities.