Mahoning Twp. community benefits from police effort

By Mary Grzebieniak

A sewage plant will serve the planned Edinburg sewer line with $5 million in state grant money.

HILLSVILLE, Pa. — Increased police attention has improved things considerably in a neighborhood that was the subject of numerous complaints last month to Mahoning Township supervisors.

Some of the problems included domestic violence, fights, nuisances from four-wheelers and intimidation of elderly residents.

Roberta Penwell-Kellish told supervisors Tuesday that things are “definitely better” and that several of the problem tenants have moved from properties on Overlook Drive and Churchill Road. She said some of the properties have been cleaned, and “it’s the quietest it’s been in years.”

Another resident said that three of the tenants who moved referred to the ongoing neighborhood-watch meetings as their reason for leaving.

Supervisor Gary Pezzuolo said the main thing supervisors have done is to encourage residents to call police through the 911 center instead of just complaining to supervisors. Township Solicitor Louis Perrotta added that the supervisors met with Police Chief James Morris and a patrolman and have extended the resources of the police department to the neighborhood watch.

Residents also have scheduled a neighborhood meeting for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at St. Lawrence Church Hall to discuss vandalism and other security issues. State Trooper Matt Roth will answer questions.

Also Tuesday, Supervisor Gary Pezzuolo said supervisors will seek permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to start construction on a sewage plant to serve the planned Edinburg sewer line with the $5 million state grant money awarded to the project. The plant will be located on the north side of U.S. Route 224 west of the blue bridge in Edinburg.

Supervisor Vito Yeropoli announced that the Northwest Lawrence County Regional Police Department, which serves Mahoning and Pulaski townships, has been awarded a $45,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development. The money will be used for equipment and supplies.

Supervisors also accepted a land-development plan for the OakPointe Christian Center on Harbor-Edinburg Road at Sankey Road. The project still needs Department of Environmental Protection, Conservation District and PennDOT approvals before the township issues a building permit.

Vince Borrelli, a church member and engineer, said the 7,000-square-foot church will seat 200 and is being built by the former Calvary Temple congregation. Construction on the $700,000 structure is expected to start this fall.