Nov 16, 2018 4 min read

MONONGAHELA – A city house that has been sliding since early fall will soon be torn down.

On Wednesday, city council voted to proceed with demolition of a house on Second Street that was damaged when heavy rains swept through the area in September.

Gretchen Delopez, who lives next door to the damaged house, told council members she is concerned about further slippage to the hillside.

“This is causing a lot of stress for my mother and me,” said Delopez, who addressed council at the start of its meeting. “We have some great concern about what could happen.”

Delopez added she spoke with Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan, but was directed back to city officials for assistance.

“She told me that the county can’t do anything to help,” said Delopez. “And that this is something that the City of Monongahela and I have to resolve. So, I’m here to ask what the city will do to help. It’s not just my problem; the city has a problem, too. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Solicitor Todd Pappasergi said the city is still investigating the situation.

“This is something that has some urgency, but there also has to be a very careful investigation, as well,” he said. “Councilwoman (Claudia) Williams and I have been in constant communication with the city engineer. There may be some portion of public or city property or city right-of-way in that area. You’re talking about maps that may or may not have been recorded in Washington County 150 years ago. It’s not an easy thing to uncover, and we’re still looking into it.”

Delopez said her legal counsel told her someone needs to investigate the cause of the hillside slippage.

“My understanding is that an engineer’s assessment, drilling and other things need to be done to determine the cause. But they told me I should not be voluntarily doing that on my own,” she said

”Again, the best I can tell you is that the city is investigating the matter,” replied Pappasergi. “If it turns out there is city responsibility, we will take upon any necessary engineering studies that need to be done. But we have not made that determination yet.”

Delopez, who told the council the land subsidence continues to change, added there is 9-foot drop-off at the dead-end portion of the road.

Mayor Bob Kepics told Delopez the city is trying to help her in any way it can. Councilman Ken Kulak also thanked Delopez for her patience and graciousness through the process.

In other business:

• Police chief Brian Tempest cautioned residents to watch out for coyotes that have been seen in the area, especially near Monongahela Valley Hospital. In addition, Tempest said he met with Ringgold police about some school buses that have been exceeding the speed limit in Monongahela. The Ringgold police department indicated it will periodically follow buses in marked and unmarked cars. Drivers who are in violation will be cited.
• Tempest also told the council the Monongahela Police Department was one of 24 departments in the state to receive a grant to purchase software that will enable officers to quickly scan documents and electronically send records to the district judge’s office.
• Kepics thanked EQT Corp. for donating $1,500 to the city.
• Council voted to purchase a bucket truck for $9,500.
• Councilman Rusty Polinoli reminded residents to sweep leaves near the end of their yards for pickup.
• Council announced that the “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Santa Claus will be traveling on Main Street from Monongahela to New Eagle during that time.