Municipal News

Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 May 2017 17:17

By Charlotte Hopkins

Progress to the new garage has been halted while West Elizabeth Council waits for West Penn Power to disconnect the electricity from the building.

Jay Atkinson was elected to run for the position of town council member in the November elections. He hopes to do what is best for the residents and their needs.

Several calls were made to West Penn Power requesting that the electricity to the building be turned off so the work inside can be complete. They did set up one appointment, and when Councilman Ray Dodds went to the garage to meet with them, no one from West Penn Power showed up. Council members are going to continue to reach out to West Penn Power to have the electricity to the garage turned off so they can complete the project.

Next, West Elizabeth resident Jay Atkinson was elected to run for the Town Council in the November elections. This will be his first time running for Town Council. He is from Jefferson Hills, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1981. He and his family fell in love with West Elizabeth. Three years ago they chose West Elizabeth as their new home. His mother, Betty LuEgulf, is from West Elizabeth. Atkinson works for West Jefferson Hills School District. He also invented the AUXLOC a safety device that protects children in their classrooms, in the event of an active shooter. He is excited at the opportunity of helping the residents of West Elizabeth in any way that he can.

Additionally, Jefferson Hills has continued with their plans to place a sanitation plant on the border of West Elizabeth and Jefferson Hills. West Elizabeth residents expressed that they are unhappy with this, particularly since it does not seem like the concerns of the West Elizabeth residents are being considered. They asked for a lid to be placed over the tank because of the smell, and Jefferson Hills has refused to agree to that. Residents also questioned why they chose the location, which is directly across from a restaurant, since they had three other locations to choose from. They were also offered a free tank, which would eliminate the need for placing one in town.

According to those present at this council meeting, Jefferson Hills has refused to answer the questions of why they would not use the free tank or any of the three location spots that were offered to them. One part of the agreement that upset several residents stated that, though it is their project, Jefferson Hills “is in no way responsible for inspection fees” incurred by West Elizabeth. Jefferson Hills did agree to erect a privacy fence and trees around the tank, though residents are concerned that they may not stand true to their word, due to a perceived lack of concern for West Elizabeth residents.
In other news:
• Dumpsters will be available for West Elizabeth residents to dispose of unwanted items on June 16 from 1 – 7 p.m. and on June 17 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• West Elizabeth Town Council has chosen Sable Kennel to serve as their Animal Control Officer. However, it was pointed out that she was unable to assist on a call in Glassport because she does not take in cats. This could be a concern, since West Elizabeth has a problem with their cat population.