Council OK’s Mon-Fayette Name for Duquesne

By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
March 10, 2023
Posted in: Duquesne News

After months of consideration, Duquesne officials announced that they have chosen names for their portion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.

The main stretch of expressway that is set to travel through the city will be dubbed, “The Duquesne Veterans Memorial Highway,” while the connector to Route 837 will be named in memory of longtime municipal leaders Carl and Rosemary Denne. “It’s a way to show appreciation and gratitude to our veterans,” said Mayor R. Scott Adams.

In related Mon-Fayette Expressway construction news, council discussed having a crossover on the roadway at Oakmont Street and Route 837. There’s expected to be a crosswalk there for a bus stop and Duquesne would be charged with painting and maintaining the walk way. Council voted 4-0 to accept those responsibilities.

Adams noted that he had other discussions with PennDOT which included bridge construction over the next several years.

There was talk about the possibility of waiving curfewed city noise ordinances for seven weeks a year in 2024 to 2026. It wouldn’t be consecutive weeks, according to the mayor. But construction work would probably start in the spring of each year.

According to Solicitor Myron Sainovich, the municipality and police department could “choose not to enforce” noise violations as a courtesy. However, if the overnight construction noise becomes “unbearable,” there would have to be discussions before potential citations and fines. No measure was taken, as a “wait and see” attitude prevailed.

In Public Works news, Councilwoman Elaine Washington noted that the Street Department has two positions currently open. As part of an executive session held after the public meeting, council was to discuss the possibility of rehiring a former employee.

Councilman Aaron Adams noted in his Water Department report that delinquent water and sewage service shut-offs have begun and will continue.

He also noted that talks are still being held concerning leveling as many as 23 properties in the city. He stated that estimates are around $420,000 to demolish abandoned and dilapidated properties, including several in the historic district.

Council passed a motion to accept a $25,000 bid to replace backflow preventers. A repair bid of $16,000 was also suggested. Adams said that it was more cost-effective to pay the extra money for new equipment, as opposed to simply making repairs that might not last as long.

Labor is included in the estimate and money to pay for the expenditure would come from the general fund, according to Adams. Officials would then look for other revenue to replace that money.

In police business, the council confirmed the hiring of Officer Hunter Scherf to the department. Mayor Adams, as well as Council Members Derek Artim and Elaine Washington all voted yes via email on Feb. 19. Another prospective officer is making his way through the ranks and could be hired soon, the mayor said.

The mayor also noted that through Allegheny County District Attorney funding, police officers in the city will soon be wearing body cameras.

Originally published March 10, 2023.

In other news:
"Duquesne City Manager…" || "League Urges Turnout …"