Politics

Ralph Chiappetta, Ellwood City borough’s code enforcement officer, addressed yard maintenance issues at council’s agenda meeting on Monday. He urged council to request the state government to enact stronger code laws. According to Chiappetta, most complaints are grass and trash related and the major issue is dealing with out of state owners. Several borough properties have owners from as far away as Texas, California, or Oregon, and Chiappetta said it is exceedingly difficult to eradicate blight in these properties. The owners often ignore letters and fines and are difficult to contact. He specified one property is up to $17,000 in…

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough council meeting held on Monday, June 21: Zoning Ordinance Amended Council amended the Zoning Ordinance to remove a limitation on non-pedestrian use businesses on downtown Lawrence Avenue. The ordinance, passed in 2016, limited businesses such as doctor and lawyer offices to the 2nd floor. Council considered allowing setbacks on Lawrence Avenue, but ultimately decided to maintain the requirement that storefronts be flush with the sidewalk. Vice president Jim Barry said setbacks wouldn’t conform to the look of the downtown. According to council president Judi Dici, the 2016 ordinance has…

At Monday’s regular meeting, council defeated a motion to rescind an address change to nearly 40 street addresses, including 11 that converted from Beechwood Boulevard to Constitution Avenue. The motion was proposed by Michelle Lamenza and supported by George Celli. The other five members voted against rescinding the change  despite considerable backlash from several residents from Beechwood/Constitution, who felt the action was unnecessary and detrimental and accused council of targeting Beechwood and not responding to citizens’ concerns. Several council members emphasized the decision was done in the interest of public safety at the urging from the Lawrence County government and…

After considerable contention, council voted to suspend a zoning ordinance and permit Scott and Caroline Golmic, owners of Sweet Caroline’s  on 507 Lawrence Ave, to host events on an empty adjacent lot. The Golmics originally requested permission in a letter dated June 6. However, a motion approving the event was pulled immediately prior to council’s agenda meeting on Monday, June 11. The Golmics attended the meeting to question why their request had been pulled and were told their event violated several ordinances. Council member George Celli offered to meet with the Golmics to work out a solution. However, by the…