Tarentum leaders to residents: Clean up or pay up

Tarentum leaders want residents to clean up.

Council is scheduled in March to vote on a Quality of Life ordinance that would outline health and safety requirements that include cutting high grass, removing junk vehicles and keeping homes in proper condition.

“Over the last few years, there has been a positive response from property owners and tenants with regard to improved property maintenance and upkeep,” borough manager Michael Nestico said. “But there is still a handful of bad actors who do not comply with warnings and notices.”

As proposed, the ordinance would establish penalties for violators that begin with a $25 ticket.

“It’s similar to a parking ticket,” Nestico said. “If they do not pay within 15 days, an additional $10 penalty is added.”

Violations include letting grass and weeds grow out of control, having excessive garbage on the property, placing couches or other indoor furniture outdoors and allowing ice or snow to build up on sidewalks.

Nestico said the ordinance targets common-sense safety items some violators have refused to take care of until they are issued a citation.

“The hope is that the ticketing system will expedite the abatement and cleanup process,” he said.

Councilwoman Carrie Fox favors the proposed ordinance and feels it will help nudge procrastinators.

“I believe this is a much-needed tool,” Fox said. “This will be very useful to clean up a number of nuisances.”

Council members said the borough has spent a lot of money trying to fight blight over the past couple of years, and the proposed ticketing system is hoped to be an efficient way to keep properties tidy and safe.

“It is not uncommon to receive complaints about a nuisance property where we have already sent several notices and violation letters,” Nestico said. “We inform the caller that the borough is working to address the concerns. But residents are justifiably dissatisfied when they do not see any progress or results.

“This is our town’s way of committing to the process, and we believe it will help to further our efforts.”