Borough Landlords Challenge New Ordinance

A small group of landlords appeared before Canonsburg Borough Council Monday to challenge a new ordinance requiring inspection of all borough housing when there is a change of occupants, the borough website indicates.

Council passed the ordinance in March with the intent of controlling addition of   illegal units, as well as keeping a handle on available parking spaces in the borough.

The purpose of the inspections will also help control blight and ensure that the units are safe. h

Landlords had previously opposed a proposed ordinance that ultimately died because it mandated an annual inspection. Bevec pointed out that the current fee applies only when occupants change.

After considerable discussion, Bevec told the landlords that the ordinance was on the books, but that council might be open to altering it if the landlords came back with a workable alternative. "This isn't going away," Bevec said. "but we will certainly listen to your concerns."

Council also gave the green light to replacing the public works position vacated by Carl T. Lawrence when he was promoted to public works director.

It further instructed the safety committee to come back with a recommendation on a proposal to tie in one or more borough streets with a new development in North Strabane Township.