Blight study meeting on tap for Lower Burrell

Results of a blight study in Lower Burrell might be eye-opening to some, city Manager Greg Primm said.

The public and elected officials will have a chance to review those findings at a meeting Wednesday afternoon in Fisher Hall at Burrell Lake Park.

Primm said the city passed on participating in the study last year but changed course in May. Council then entered into the agreement with Westmoreland County, joining the study as part of the Alle-Kiski Intergovernmental Council.

The study was paid for with grants, Primm said. It includes an online mapping tool of blighted properties and establishes a task force to find solutions to eliminate blight. He said 52 properties were rated in “poor” condition.

The maps developed as a result of the study will be on display at Wednesday’s meeting, Primm said.

“The county actually walked the entire city and identified properties that are in ‘poor’ condition, ‘OK’ condition and ‘good’ condition, and they’ve delineated all that on a map,” Primm said. “Those maps will be available to review … for the public to question.”

Consultants also will provide the city with an outline for what steps officials should take to combat blight.

Mayor Chris Fabry said conducting the study was important for the city “as it sets us up better for future funding.”

“I was pleased with the thoroughness of the report and found it very insightful into what all areas there are issues,” he said.

“We’d like to see a good turnout on Wednesday to give residents an opportunity to see the results for themselves and ask any questions that they may have.”