By Elizabeth Perry
The Borough of Coraopolis is in arbitration with the owners of the Montour Sports Complex over noise and traffic levels near the structure.
State Avenue resident Diana Angelo says she has had ongoing issues with traffic and with “outrageous” noise that continues until 11 p.m. at night.
“Something needs to be done about that situation. Otherwise, the neighborhood is very quiet and it’s a shame we have to deal with this,” Angelo said at the July 12 borough meeting.
“Something needs to be done about that situation.”
Borough Solicitor Richard Start assured Angelo at the meeting the borough was in negotiations with management of the sports complex to remedy the situation.
“I don’t know if it’s going to change anything, but we’re going to work our butts off to make a change,” Start said.
In an interview after the meeting, Start said the borough entered into litigation with the owner of the sports complex, Tuffy Shallenberger, after the borough denied an application to be accommodated under current local zoning ordinances. Start said the borough did not want them to continue to “use the premises in the way it’s being used.” This prompted an appeal from Shallenberger’s side. Start said both parties are now involved in “private negotiation.”
“We’ve been discussing the settlement with the lawyer that represents the owner of the complex, we may have to let the judge decide this,” Start said.
He wishes to avoid that outcome because of the financial cost, which would impact taxpayers in Coraopolis. Though Angelo called the police because of the issues with noise near her property, Start said the borough has decided not to cite them during the negotiation period.
“So far we haven’t cited them but it may reach that point,” Start said.
Start said he is still hopeful the issue will be resolved amicably.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC released the following statement in response to questions about the situation:
"The opening of AHN Montour has been a wonderful boost for the Riverhounds, Allegheny Health Network and the neighboring communities, and we're grateful to call the Borough of Coraopolis our home. As there are steps still to be completed regarding zoning at the property, the Riverhounds do not wish to comment on that ongoing process until after its completion."