Latrobe uncovers over 100 property maintenance code violations during investigation of Main Street apartment building

After receiving multiple complaints about the condition of the six-story apartment building at 333 Main St. in Latrobe, it was the city’s duty to investigate.

“We did what I call a blitz” Sept. 21, City Manager Terry Carcella said. “We looked at four apartment buildings.”

The one on Main Street was the “most egregious,” he said, as the blitz uncovered more than 100 violations of the property maintenance code in the building.

The blitz involved the city manager’s office, as well as the code enforcement department, the police department and the fire chief. The group went into the building and documented its state with photographs.

The inspection uncovered serious violations of the fire suppression system, which wasn’t functioning, as well as issues with the sprinkler system, smoke detectors, exposed wires, broken windows and shards of glass, Carcella said.

The owner of the property, Jay Pan LLC, was told what needs to be fixed prior to reinspection — namely the fire suppression, which is the most critical part of the building, Carcella said.

“We’ve given (them) time and appeals rights to correct this,” Carcella said.

Jay Pan LLC did not return messages seeking comment.

There are about 43 residents living in the Main Street apartment building. Carcella said while the group of officials was at the building, they received more complaints.

“It is concerning,” Carcella said. “I’ve never been in that building before … and it’s probably the worst conditions I’ve ever seen — it’s that bad.”

The other three apartment buildings, which are on Chestnut Street, are under the same owner. They received fewer complaints, and the three buildings had four total violations among them.

Carcella reported to Latrobe City Council on Tuesday that code enforcement actions are being taken on the various violations at all four properties. The situation is still under investigation.

As for the Main Street property, Carcella said there was one reinspection completed already, but the city wasn’t satisfied. There will be one more reinspection before a final reinspection Nov. 2, he said.

The owner of the property is working with the city to correct the “most serious issues,” according to Carcella — the ones that are critical to the health, safety and welfare of the residents.

Carcella’s intention is not to have to condemn the building, but he stressed the importance of following the law.

Currently, there have been two citations issued, but Carcella said the value of the citations’ fines won’t be determined until the case goes to magistrate court.

“The owner hasn’t paid anything yet other than the cost to make the corrections,” Carcella said.

Legal action would be determined and more citations would be issued if the owner refuses to correct the violations, said Carcella, but the owner is complying.

The No. 1 reason Carcella said the city is taking action is for residents’ safety.

“The issue is: Where do we find housing for 43 residents in the city right now when housing’s tight everywhere?” Carcella said.

There is no regular inspection of rental units in Latrobe, Carcella said, but rental registration is required.

Carcella said the current state of the apartment building won’t be allowed to continue, and he’s taking the process “very seriously.”

“When we have numerous violations that are not being addressed, then that’s the duty of the city to say, ‘Look, enough’s enough — we have to do something here.’ ”