September 28, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Three New Castle Area School Board members want to invite a semi-professional football team back to Taggart Stadium.
However, board President Fred Mozzocio must first approve the trio’s request for a special session.
Philip Conti, Donna Donati and Mark Kirkwood are asking the district to make the stadium available Oct. 7 for the New Castle Thunder’s playoff game against the Columbus Fire. A letter on the issue was presented to board members before the start of an expulsion hearing Tuesday.
“I see no legitimate reason not to honor the request,” Conti said.
Neither he nor his two colleagues had been asked by Thunder officials to act on the team’s behalf, he said.
Attempts to contact team owner Anthony Razzano for comment were unsuccessful.
Superintendent George Gabriel sought input from district solicitor Charles Sapienza to outline circumstances that permit a board president to call a special meeting.
In a response sent Tuesday, Sapienza said one of Mozzocio rights as president is to call for a special meeting. Three board members may seek a meeting by submitting a written correspondence to the president.
If Mozzocio refuses to act on or denies the request, then five board members are needed to initiate a special session.
“(Mozzocio’s) authority is absolute unless a majority of the board decides otherwise,” Sapienza wrote to Gabriel.
When contacted yesterday, Mozzocio said he responded to the letter. However, he would not disclose its contents.
“As a professional courtesy, I want the board members to see the letter first,” he said.
Donati said the team deserves the community’s support.
“Since they are in the national playoffs, it would be nice if we held that game,” she said.
The battle to use Taggart dates back to April when the defunct New Castle Knights asked the board for permission to use the field.
In one meeting, team owner David Gailbreath fought with the board, Gabriel and Sapienza. Gailbreath was tossed from the session. Hopes for any team other than the New Castle Red Hurricane to use the field appeared to be dead.
Citing differences with Gailbreath, the Knights players and staff left his control in May. Razzano, a New Castle accountant, announced the formation of the Thunder, a member of the North American Football League.
Gailbreath, a Smithfield Street resident, was charged in July with taking about $1,500 from the Knights for personal use. A trial date has not been set.
After approaching several Lawrence County school districts, the Thunder eventually reached an agreement with Slippery Rock University to play its home games there.
“We’ve had a great relationship ... with Anthony Razzano,” said Paul Lueken, SRU’s athletic director. “They’re more than welcome to come back next year.”
After negotiations with the district and receiving board approval, the Thunder played one game at Taggart on Sept. 16.
“I didn’t see any problems,” New Castle athletic director Sam Flora said. “Everything went well.”
If Taggart is not made available, the Thunder will be scurrying for other home-field options.
Lueken said SRU will not be available for the team’s playoff game. The Rock hosts Shippensburg Oct. 7.
“It’s not a matter that we don’t want them at The Rock.”
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Felasco’s bankruptcy case dismissed
September 26, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Gary F. Felasco’s latest legal action prevents further public scrutiny of his financial dealings.
The former Lawrence County treasurer, convicted of theft charges, had his Chapter 13 bankruptcy case dismissed at his request on Sept. 13 in U.S. bankruptcy court in Pittsburgh.
In August, the New Castle News asked the court’s bankruptcy trustee, attorney Ronda J. Winnecour, for information regarding Felasco’s filing. The initial request dealt specifically with Felasco’s criminal trial and the payment of services for his defense attorney, James Ross of Beaver County.
The state filed criminal charges against Felasco on Sept. 7, 2005. A month later, the former Cunningham Avenue resident sought bankruptcy relief in the form of a Chapter 13 filing.
The cost of Ross’ services was not among Felasco’s debts provided to the court. Nor were Ross’ charges listed in updates with the court.
The News asked the court if financial details involving Ross should have been included.
“The Trustee is interested in matters such as you have raised in your inquiry,” court representative Richard J. Bedford wrote to The News in an e-mail. “The Trustee will ask debtor’s counsel to provide additional information in this case.”
A conciliation conference between Felasco’s bankruptcy attorney, Jason J. Mazzei, and the court took place Aug. 10 in Pittsburgh. During the conference, Mazzei agreed that Felasco would pay $1,655 a month on his debt plan.
A letter dated Aug. 17 to the county’s payroll administrator confirmed that amount.
A News representative, who attended the conference, asked Mazzei how Felasco would be able to repay his debt, because he is in prison.
Mazzei said it was Felasco’s intention to honor his financial obligations.
At that point, Mazzei was asked if he is required to divulge the identity of any person who would make payments in Felasco’s stead. Mazzei responded that the bankruptcy court would be interested in that information.
The News sent a follow-up e-mail to the bankruptcy court seeking clarification on how it would deal with issues raised by The News.
“(The Trustee) cannot answer your specific questions concerning any actions she might take in this case as these actions are not of public record,” David J. Schrempf wrote to The News in an e-mail.
Schrempf is the trustee office’s director of operations.
“This office can only provide that which are of public record.”
A representative of Mazzei’s office would not comment on why Felasco pursued a dismissal.
“We can’t comment because of the attorney-client privilege.”
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Gary F. Felasco’s latest legal action prevents further public scrutiny of his financial dealings.
The former Lawrence County treasurer, convicted of theft charges, had his Chapter 13 bankruptcy case dismissed at his request on Sept. 13 in U.S. bankruptcy court in Pittsburgh.
In August, the New Castle News asked the court’s bankruptcy trustee, attorney Ronda J. Winnecour, for information regarding Felasco’s filing. The initial request dealt specifically with Felasco’s criminal trial and the payment of services for his defense attorney, James Ross of Beaver County.
The state filed criminal charges against Felasco on Sept. 7, 2005. A month later, the former Cunningham Avenue resident sought bankruptcy relief in the form of a Chapter 13 filing.
The cost of Ross’ services was not among Felasco’s debts provided to the court. Nor were Ross’ charges listed in updates with the court.
The News asked the court if financial details involving Ross should have been included.
“The Trustee is interested in matters such as you have raised in your inquiry,” court representative Richard J. Bedford wrote to The News in an e-mail. “The Trustee will ask debtor’s counsel to provide additional information in this case.”
A conciliation conference between Felasco’s bankruptcy attorney, Jason J. Mazzei, and the court took place Aug. 10 in Pittsburgh. During the conference, Mazzei agreed that Felasco would pay $1,655 a month on his debt plan.
A letter dated Aug. 17 to the county’s payroll administrator confirmed that amount.
A News representative, who attended the conference, asked Mazzei how Felasco would be able to repay his debt, because he is in prison.
Mazzei said it was Felasco’s intention to honor his financial obligations.
At that point, Mazzei was asked if he is required to divulge the identity of any person who would make payments in Felasco’s stead. Mazzei responded that the bankruptcy court would be interested in that information.
The News sent a follow-up e-mail to the bankruptcy court seeking clarification on how it would deal with issues raised by The News.
“(The Trustee) cannot answer your specific questions concerning any actions she might take in this case as these actions are not of public record,” David J. Schrempf wrote to The News in an e-mail.
Schrempf is the trustee office’s director of operations.
“This office can only provide that which are of public record.”
A representative of Mazzei’s office would not comment on why Felasco pursued a dismissal.
“We can’t comment because of the attorney-client privilege.”
He Said/She Said tackle Thunder football practice
September 23, 2006
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
You aren't going to believe this one. Please try not to laugh too hard.
But first, a quick quiz.
What do Terry Bradshaw, Joe Namath, Bob Griese and Lisa Micco have in common?
Three were famous quarterbacks who donned the No. 12 in their storied NFL careers. The last one? No so much.
What the heck is Lisa doing wearing that fabled jersey?
Apparently one half of the not-so-relevant He Said/She Said duo thought it would be fun to "play with the boys." So she asked New Castle Thunder owner Anthony Razzano if she and her sidekick, the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz, for permission to practice with the players as they prepare for their playoff drive.
Much to Pat's credit -- and the advice of several physicians, The News' human resources department and an unnamed psychiatrist -- he turned down the offer. Instead, he "practiced" being team owner.
This can't be good. You know that Vince Lombardi is turning over in his grave.
*
We interrupt this column for a statement from The News.
"The New Castle News recognizes and upholds the importance of football in western Pennsylvania, particularly Lawrence County.
"While we encourage the practice of participatory journalism, we feel that the reporters participating should actually be capable of taking part. Neither Lisa Micco nor Pat Litowitz have shown any athletic skills whatsoever.
"Lastly, we disavow any knowledge of Micco or Litowitz actually being employed by The New Castle News or any of its subsidiaries."
We return you to our regularly scheduled column.
*
Please join Lisa and Pat as they head to the gridiron and discuss, "No, the Center Does Not Punt the Football" or "Are You Ready for Some Really Bad Football?"
LITOWITZ: To Mr. Razzano, the coaches, staff and players, I have only one thing to say: "I'm so, so sorry."
I tried talking Lisa out of it.
"They're going to hurt you," I said.
"You have no clue what football is about," I told her.
"You can't throw," I chided her.
Does she listen? No.
We interrupted valuable practice time so Lisa could "quarterback" the team. Thankfully, everyone involved with the Thunder were gentlemanly and kind. Especially, coaches Frank Makarevich and Bob Razzano.
Get this. She actually asked Coach Makarevich if it was proper procedure to put her hands under center. I wanted to die. I thought the man was going to pop a vein.
I, on the other hand, learned invaluable team ownership skills from Anthony Razzano.
I didn't "chicken out" as Lisa will try to claim. The Thunder players are big, mean and serious about football. That's the way it should be.
I chose not to die that day.
MICCO: Ah, you chose to be a wimp. Simple as that.
You would have fell to your knees if Jim Kuhn, one of the equipment managers, put the shoulder pads on you.
I, on the other hand, took it like a man.
A-hem.
Anyway ... Yes, the Thunder players are big, tough and all football. But they were great sports letting me run through a few plays with them. (OK, so the coach rolled his eyes when I asked if I could use crib notes.) To me, that says a lot. They know when to be serious, and yet have a sense of humor to let a girl crash their practice.
Don't hate the playa just because you chose to ride the sidelines, Litowitz.
As an aside, a special thanks to Jonathon "Kirby" Warren, No. 64, who volunteered as center, for not eating beans before practice.
LITOWITZ: Or you, I might add.
I played football way back when. OK, perhaps the word "play" is a misnomer. I was the official tackling dummy. And that was fine.
Couldn't run. Couldn't catch. Occasionally blocked.
(Although I did have one spectacular backyard game where I jumped high into the air (2 inches), pulled in a pass with one hand and avoided the concrete-encased, metal clothesline pole. Good times. Good times.)
I know my role in the world. I love football. Love the history of the game, the characters and the strategy. But I harbor no illusions. A Michael Strahan I am not. Sure, we might weigh the same, but that's about it.
Except for the reward of winning, the Thunder players receive no pay and risk their bodies because they love the sport. I respect that.
They just didn't need to have me there interrupting practice.
If you enjoyed yourself, great. It's a good thing the playoffs are three weeks away instead of today, because Coach Makarevich -- a mountain of a man -- would have chewed you up and spit you out.
OK, that would have been fun to watch.
By the way, do you even know who Michael Strahan is?
MICCO: Would that be the New York Giants' defensive end Michael Straham, former hot shot at Texas Southern?
Yeah, that's right. I know how to use Google.
I'm not going to lie. Coach Makarevich intimidated the poo of out me. As soon as the coach gave me the play, I immediately forgot it. There were numbers mixed with words, complicated by field directions. I was lost from the moment I stepped out onto the field.
I admit it, I couldn't even get the "hut" right.
Makarevich told me the cadence was "Red (pause), Set, Go!"
I was so befuddled that I actually said, "Red, Pause, Set, Go!"
The horror. The horror.
But in all fairness to the coaches and team -- with a playoff looming on the horizon -- they took time out to indulge me. Yet all was not lost. While I've always enjoyed the game, I have a newfound respect for the guys making it happen on the field and behind the scenes. They work hard, play hard and love the sport. On top of that, they have to memorize plays, know their position and think quick on their feet. I couldn't do it.
I was impressed. The term "dumb jock" should be banned from the English lexicon.
By the way, that athletic cup I gave you was not a nose guard.
LITOWITZ: That may have been a problem for you. I am quite familiar with the function of the cup.
Just a final thought. Football players, generally speaking, don't get overly excited over the prospect of a "good job" butt slap.
Hold back -- just a bit.
MICCO: No way. That was the best part of playing. Besides, if linebacker Jack Callahan didn't mind, I sure didn't.
OK, so I won't make the cut as a Thunder quarterback. Maybe there's an opening on the Thunder danceline for a 40-year-old former cheerleader?
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Interested in advertising in this space? Contact The News advertising department at (724) 654-6651. Ask for Bryan Zeigler.)
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
You aren't going to believe this one. Please try not to laugh too hard.
But first, a quick quiz.
What do Terry Bradshaw, Joe Namath, Bob Griese and Lisa Micco have in common?
Three were famous quarterbacks who donned the No. 12 in their storied NFL careers. The last one? No so much.
What the heck is Lisa doing wearing that fabled jersey?
Apparently one half of the not-so-relevant He Said/She Said duo thought it would be fun to "play with the boys." So she asked New Castle Thunder owner Anthony Razzano if she and her sidekick, the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz, for permission to practice with the players as they prepare for their playoff drive.
Much to Pat's credit -- and the advice of several physicians, The News' human resources department and an unnamed psychiatrist -- he turned down the offer. Instead, he "practiced" being team owner.
This can't be good. You know that Vince Lombardi is turning over in his grave.
*
We interrupt this column for a statement from The News.
"The New Castle News recognizes and upholds the importance of football in western Pennsylvania, particularly Lawrence County.
"While we encourage the practice of participatory journalism, we feel that the reporters participating should actually be capable of taking part. Neither Lisa Micco nor Pat Litowitz have shown any athletic skills whatsoever.
"Lastly, we disavow any knowledge of Micco or Litowitz actually being employed by The New Castle News or any of its subsidiaries."
We return you to our regularly scheduled column.
*
Please join Lisa and Pat as they head to the gridiron and discuss, "No, the Center Does Not Punt the Football" or "Are You Ready for Some Really Bad Football?"
LITOWITZ: To Mr. Razzano, the coaches, staff and players, I have only one thing to say: "I'm so, so sorry."
I tried talking Lisa out of it.
"They're going to hurt you," I said.
"You have no clue what football is about," I told her.
"You can't throw," I chided her.
Does she listen? No.
We interrupted valuable practice time so Lisa could "quarterback" the team. Thankfully, everyone involved with the Thunder were gentlemanly and kind. Especially, coaches Frank Makarevich and Bob Razzano.
Get this. She actually asked Coach Makarevich if it was proper procedure to put her hands under center. I wanted to die. I thought the man was going to pop a vein.
I, on the other hand, learned invaluable team ownership skills from Anthony Razzano.
I didn't "chicken out" as Lisa will try to claim. The Thunder players are big, mean and serious about football. That's the way it should be.
I chose not to die that day.
MICCO: Ah, you chose to be a wimp. Simple as that.
You would have fell to your knees if Jim Kuhn, one of the equipment managers, put the shoulder pads on you.
I, on the other hand, took it like a man.
A-hem.
Anyway ... Yes, the Thunder players are big, tough and all football. But they were great sports letting me run through a few plays with them. (OK, so the coach rolled his eyes when I asked if I could use crib notes.) To me, that says a lot. They know when to be serious, and yet have a sense of humor to let a girl crash their practice.
Don't hate the playa just because you chose to ride the sidelines, Litowitz.
As an aside, a special thanks to Jonathon "Kirby" Warren, No. 64, who volunteered as center, for not eating beans before practice.
LITOWITZ: Or you, I might add.
I played football way back when. OK, perhaps the word "play" is a misnomer. I was the official tackling dummy. And that was fine.
Couldn't run. Couldn't catch. Occasionally blocked.
(Although I did have one spectacular backyard game where I jumped high into the air (2 inches), pulled in a pass with one hand and avoided the concrete-encased, metal clothesline pole. Good times. Good times.)
I know my role in the world. I love football. Love the history of the game, the characters and the strategy. But I harbor no illusions. A Michael Strahan I am not. Sure, we might weigh the same, but that's about it.
Except for the reward of winning, the Thunder players receive no pay and risk their bodies because they love the sport. I respect that.
They just didn't need to have me there interrupting practice.
If you enjoyed yourself, great. It's a good thing the playoffs are three weeks away instead of today, because Coach Makarevich -- a mountain of a man -- would have chewed you up and spit you out.
OK, that would have been fun to watch.
By the way, do you even know who Michael Strahan is?
MICCO: Would that be the New York Giants' defensive end Michael Straham, former hot shot at Texas Southern?
Yeah, that's right. I know how to use Google.
I'm not going to lie. Coach Makarevich intimidated the poo of out me. As soon as the coach gave me the play, I immediately forgot it. There were numbers mixed with words, complicated by field directions. I was lost from the moment I stepped out onto the field.
I admit it, I couldn't even get the "hut" right.
Makarevich told me the cadence was "Red (pause), Set, Go!"
I was so befuddled that I actually said, "Red, Pause, Set, Go!"
The horror. The horror.
But in all fairness to the coaches and team -- with a playoff looming on the horizon -- they took time out to indulge me. Yet all was not lost. While I've always enjoyed the game, I have a newfound respect for the guys making it happen on the field and behind the scenes. They work hard, play hard and love the sport. On top of that, they have to memorize plays, know their position and think quick on their feet. I couldn't do it.
I was impressed. The term "dumb jock" should be banned from the English lexicon.
By the way, that athletic cup I gave you was not a nose guard.
LITOWITZ: That may have been a problem for you. I am quite familiar with the function of the cup.
Just a final thought. Football players, generally speaking, don't get overly excited over the prospect of a "good job" butt slap.
Hold back -- just a bit.
MICCO: No way. That was the best part of playing. Besides, if linebacker Jack Callahan didn't mind, I sure didn't.
OK, so I won't make the cut as a Thunder quarterback. Maybe there's an opening on the Thunder danceline for a 40-year-old former cheerleader?
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Interested in advertising in this space? Contact The News advertising department at (724) 654-6651. Ask for Bryan Zeigler.)
Group thwarts agency's effort
September 23, 2006
By PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Six Lawrence County businessmen played an unexpected role in derailing a housing agency's effort in common pleas court.
Joseph Mazzant, Joseph DeRosa, James A. Mims Jr., Louis Suisi and Carl Rossi purchased seven properties during an auction Sept. 9 at the Shenango Township fire hall. Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, which placed the structures up for sale, earned $56,200 at event's end.
The Lawrence County Housing Authority, which created Affordable Housing in 2003, sought an injunction following the auction. In filing its complaint, the authority named the five men, auctioneer Raymond Mazzanti and Affordable Housing as defendants.
Attorney Louis Perrotta, representing the authority, asked the court to consider several actions. Among them were to block the sale, return the sales proceeds to the defendants and have a real estate agent sell the properties.
During the second day of hearings on Tuesday, the authority withdrew its complaint.
"This is frivolous," Mazzant told Judge J. Craig Cox as the hearing opened Monday.
Twice, Cox asked the defendants if they wanted to retain legal counsel. In each case, the men said they would represent themselves.
At first, the move appeared to be questionable.
"When do I make an objection? Anytime I want?" Mazzanti asked Perrotta.
Perrotta did not answer.
Later, Mazzanti asked to be dropped from the complaint.
"I'll wait for the judge's motion to dismiss," he said.
"I've already denied your motion to dismiss," the judge responded.
On several occasions Cox had to keep Mazzant on task.
"Mr. Mazzant, you have to ask questions and not make speeches."
Despite stumbling early, the collective group of novice attorneys rebounded. Robert Evanick, the housing authority's executive director, was the target of their ire.
Of particular interest was the amount Affordable Housing paid for eight properties in 2005 and the zoning violations assessed against each. Evanick had served as Affordable Housing's president when the houses were bought. He resigned a day after loan papers were signed with First Commonwealth Bank.
"Do you think you paid too much?" Mazzant asked Evanick. "You have a big shortfall here.
"If the money came out of your own pocket, would you spend it?"
Evanick responded that he relied on consultant Robert Ratkovich's recommendation in approving the purchases, which totaled $340,000. Ratkovich, who serves as New Castle City Council president, is employed as the authority's maintenance superintendent.
"I think you spent way too much money to buy it."
Suisi jumped into the fray asking if Evanick had ever visited the properties.
When Evanick answered "no," Suisi expressed disbelief considering that the sites were within a 15-minute driving distance of the housing authority.
Perrotta cited Evanick's testimony as one reason for withdrawing the authority's complaint.
"I think they did a great job," said Affordable Housing attorney Timothy McNickle.
Considering the nuances and complexity of law, First Commonwealth attorney Michael Flaherty said he generally recommends against defendants representing themselves. He lauded Cox for showing patience with the defendants and allowing them to participate.
By PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Six Lawrence County businessmen played an unexpected role in derailing a housing agency's effort in common pleas court.
Joseph Mazzant, Joseph DeRosa, James A. Mims Jr., Louis Suisi and Carl Rossi purchased seven properties during an auction Sept. 9 at the Shenango Township fire hall. Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, which placed the structures up for sale, earned $56,200 at event's end.
The Lawrence County Housing Authority, which created Affordable Housing in 2003, sought an injunction following the auction. In filing its complaint, the authority named the five men, auctioneer Raymond Mazzanti and Affordable Housing as defendants.
Attorney Louis Perrotta, representing the authority, asked the court to consider several actions. Among them were to block the sale, return the sales proceeds to the defendants and have a real estate agent sell the properties.
During the second day of hearings on Tuesday, the authority withdrew its complaint.
"This is frivolous," Mazzant told Judge J. Craig Cox as the hearing opened Monday.
Twice, Cox asked the defendants if they wanted to retain legal counsel. In each case, the men said they would represent themselves.
At first, the move appeared to be questionable.
"When do I make an objection? Anytime I want?" Mazzanti asked Perrotta.
Perrotta did not answer.
Later, Mazzanti asked to be dropped from the complaint.
"I'll wait for the judge's motion to dismiss," he said.
"I've already denied your motion to dismiss," the judge responded.
On several occasions Cox had to keep Mazzant on task.
"Mr. Mazzant, you have to ask questions and not make speeches."
Despite stumbling early, the collective group of novice attorneys rebounded. Robert Evanick, the housing authority's executive director, was the target of their ire.
Of particular interest was the amount Affordable Housing paid for eight properties in 2005 and the zoning violations assessed against each. Evanick had served as Affordable Housing's president when the houses were bought. He resigned a day after loan papers were signed with First Commonwealth Bank.
"Do you think you paid too much?" Mazzant asked Evanick. "You have a big shortfall here.
"If the money came out of your own pocket, would you spend it?"
Evanick responded that he relied on consultant Robert Ratkovich's recommendation in approving the purchases, which totaled $340,000. Ratkovich, who serves as New Castle City Council president, is employed as the authority's maintenance superintendent.
"I think you spent way too much money to buy it."
Suisi jumped into the fray asking if Evanick had ever visited the properties.
When Evanick answered "no," Suisi expressed disbelief considering that the sites were within a 15-minute driving distance of the housing authority.
Perrotta cited Evanick's testimony as one reason for withdrawing the authority's complaint.
"I think they did a great job," said Affordable Housing attorney Timothy McNickle.
Considering the nuances and complexity of law, First Commonwealth attorney Michael Flaherty said he generally recommends against defendants representing themselves. He lauded Cox for showing patience with the defendants and allowing them to participate.
Housing authority drops court action
September 20, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority yesterday withdrew its request for the courts to overturn the sale of properties.
Attorney Louis Perrotta advised Common Pleas Judge J. Craig Cox of the authority’s decision to end litigation against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, its nonprofit spin-off agency.
The announcement came as the hearing reconvened following the lunch recess.
Perrotta cited Robert Evanick’s testimony and the limited potential for financial recovery as reasons behind the decision.
“I looked at the testimony,” Perrotta said last night. “My main (witness) didn’t testify as well as I thought.”
Evanick is the authority’s executive director, who had helped to create Affordable Housing and once served as its president.
On Sept. 9, Affordable Housing conducted a public auction, selling seven of its properties for $56,200.
A sales agreement involving the eighth property, a Dewey Avenue duplex, was entered into prior to the auction.
During testimony yesterday, Affordable Housing board member Deno DeLorenzo told Perrotta the purchase price for the remaining rental property was $15,000.
Almerinda Feola, a tenant at the Dewey Avenue site, made the offer, with DeLorenzo drawing up the sales agreement. She is seeking financing, DeLorenzo said.
The $71,200 that the eight sites garnered is far short of the $290,000 Affordable Housing owes to First Commonwealth Bank. The bank agreed to the auction and has released the mortgages to the new owners.
The agency also has a $200,500 promissory note due to the housing authority.
“Zero from zero is zero,” Perrotta said in reference to what the authority would see from the proceeds.
Although Affordable Housing offered to pay the authority $500 per structure, no funds have been transferred.
A settlement sheet presented during the hearing showed the disbursement of proceeds from the auction. The housing authority was not among those listed.
“They had no intention of paying us,” Perrotta said. “We wouldn’t have uncovered it without the hearing.”
Attorney Timothy McNickle, representing Affordable Housing, said he had planned to request a dismissal of the authority’s complaint if Perrotta hadn’t.
“We thought from the very beginning of the process the injunction would be dismissed (by the court),” he said.
The day’s proceedings began with Perrotta calling DeLorenzo to testify.
Under examination, DeLorenzo stated he had provided documentation at Affordable Housing’s request that was used to secure a $250,000 loan from First Commonwealth.
DeLorenzo, an accountant, said Affordable Housing consultant Robert Ratkovich sought his assistance. He provided DeLorenzo with financial data and information on the structures.
DeLorenzo said he was not given the location of the properties or the owners’ identities.
“It was not necessary for me to ask who the seller was,” he said.
Ratkovich is New Castle City Council president and the authority’s maintenance superintendent. At the time of the purchase, Ratkovich was not an authority employee.
Although he projected an initial shortfall, DeLorenzo said, Affordable Housing required an 80 percent occupancy of its properties to meet income objectives.
Those objectives were never met, DeLorenzo said.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority yesterday withdrew its request for the courts to overturn the sale of properties.
Attorney Louis Perrotta advised Common Pleas Judge J. Craig Cox of the authority’s decision to end litigation against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, its nonprofit spin-off agency.
The announcement came as the hearing reconvened following the lunch recess.
Perrotta cited Robert Evanick’s testimony and the limited potential for financial recovery as reasons behind the decision.
“I looked at the testimony,” Perrotta said last night. “My main (witness) didn’t testify as well as I thought.”
Evanick is the authority’s executive director, who had helped to create Affordable Housing and once served as its president.
On Sept. 9, Affordable Housing conducted a public auction, selling seven of its properties for $56,200.
A sales agreement involving the eighth property, a Dewey Avenue duplex, was entered into prior to the auction.
During testimony yesterday, Affordable Housing board member Deno DeLorenzo told Perrotta the purchase price for the remaining rental property was $15,000.
Almerinda Feola, a tenant at the Dewey Avenue site, made the offer, with DeLorenzo drawing up the sales agreement. She is seeking financing, DeLorenzo said.
The $71,200 that the eight sites garnered is far short of the $290,000 Affordable Housing owes to First Commonwealth Bank. The bank agreed to the auction and has released the mortgages to the new owners.
The agency also has a $200,500 promissory note due to the housing authority.
“Zero from zero is zero,” Perrotta said in reference to what the authority would see from the proceeds.
Although Affordable Housing offered to pay the authority $500 per structure, no funds have been transferred.
A settlement sheet presented during the hearing showed the disbursement of proceeds from the auction. The housing authority was not among those listed.
“They had no intention of paying us,” Perrotta said. “We wouldn’t have uncovered it without the hearing.”
Attorney Timothy McNickle, representing Affordable Housing, said he had planned to request a dismissal of the authority’s complaint if Perrotta hadn’t.
“We thought from the very beginning of the process the injunction would be dismissed (by the court),” he said.
The day’s proceedings began with Perrotta calling DeLorenzo to testify.
Under examination, DeLorenzo stated he had provided documentation at Affordable Housing’s request that was used to secure a $250,000 loan from First Commonwealth.
DeLorenzo, an accountant, said Affordable Housing consultant Robert Ratkovich sought his assistance. He provided DeLorenzo with financial data and information on the structures.
DeLorenzo said he was not given the location of the properties or the owners’ identities.
“It was not necessary for me to ask who the seller was,” he said.
Ratkovich is New Castle City Council president and the authority’s maintenance superintendent. At the time of the purchase, Ratkovich was not an authority employee.
Although he projected an initial shortfall, DeLorenzo said, Affordable Housing required an 80 percent occupancy of its properties to meet income objectives.
Those objectives were never met, DeLorenzo said.
Hearing focuses on Affordable Housing
September 19, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A preliminary hearing on a disputed auction transformed into a heated examination of a failed housing agency.
The Lawrence County Housing Authority is seeking an injunction against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County. The authority wants the court to void the auction of seven Affordable Housing properties and the pending sale of an eighth.
Judge J. Craig Cox granted the housing authority’s request for a temporary restraining order last week. Cox is presiding over the hearing, which resumed today at 9 a.m.
Former property owner John A. Orlando and housing authority executive director Robert Evanick provided the majority of the day’s testimony.
Orlando and Nick DeRosa sold two duplexes and a fourplex to Affordable Housing in December 2005 for $165,000. DeRosa, who was not present, recently retired as the New Castle Area School District’s assistant superintendent.
Seeking to illustrate the properties’ income potential, authority solicitor Louis Perrotta asked Orlando to provide rent information.
From 1998 through November 2005, the Orlando-DeRosa partnership collected approximately $200,000. However, from 2003 until the sale, the rental income dropped from $30,395 to $13,775.
“Owning real estate property is very time-consuming,” Orlando said.
Prior to the Affordable Housing sale, Orlando said, an unsuccessful effort was made to market the properties for $172,000 in 2003.
Under examination from Affordable Housing’s attorney Timothy McNickle, Orlando said he learned in May or June about a pending sale with the nonprofit group.
“I’m not aware of any negotiations,” he said. “(DeRosa) and I agreed whatever the appraiser appraised it at was what we sell.”
Castle Realty appraised the properties on behalf of First Commonwealth Bank.
Orlando continued that the pending sale had an effect on finding tenants for the properties.
“We really weren’t very active in seeking tenants,” said Orlando, a retired Pennsylvania American Water Co. manager.
Orlando’s relationship with Affordable Housing consultant Robert Ratkovich was also addressed.
Attorney Michael Flaherty, representing First Commonwealth, asked if Ratkovich talked about the sale with him.
Orlando said the pair had a business dealing 12 years ago and belonged to the same club, whose identity was not disclosed.
“He was an acquaintance,” he said. “I never discussed the deal with him.”
Evanick, who started Affordable Housing and once served as its president, also faced scrutiny.
Although he had signed loan papers that concluded the sale, Evanick said it was Ratkovich who selected the properties for Affordable Housing.
“The finances were negotiated by Mr. Ratkovich,” he said. “We left it up to him.
“From what I understand, the appraisals justified buying the properties.”
Evanick then testified that he had resigned from Affordable Housing a day after signing the loan papers because he disagreed with the direction the agency was taking.
In disputing the auction of the seven properties, Evanick said a real estate agent would bring in more money than an absolute auction.
While not opposing an auction in principle, he was against an auction where there was no minimum purchase price.
After being repeatedly asked how much the properties should have attracted, Evanick said $75,000 on top of the $56,200 that the auction had collected.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A preliminary hearing on a disputed auction transformed into a heated examination of a failed housing agency.
The Lawrence County Housing Authority is seeking an injunction against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County. The authority wants the court to void the auction of seven Affordable Housing properties and the pending sale of an eighth.
Judge J. Craig Cox granted the housing authority’s request for a temporary restraining order last week. Cox is presiding over the hearing, which resumed today at 9 a.m.
Former property owner John A. Orlando and housing authority executive director Robert Evanick provided the majority of the day’s testimony.
Orlando and Nick DeRosa sold two duplexes and a fourplex to Affordable Housing in December 2005 for $165,000. DeRosa, who was not present, recently retired as the New Castle Area School District’s assistant superintendent.
Seeking to illustrate the properties’ income potential, authority solicitor Louis Perrotta asked Orlando to provide rent information.
From 1998 through November 2005, the Orlando-DeRosa partnership collected approximately $200,000. However, from 2003 until the sale, the rental income dropped from $30,395 to $13,775.
“Owning real estate property is very time-consuming,” Orlando said.
Prior to the Affordable Housing sale, Orlando said, an unsuccessful effort was made to market the properties for $172,000 in 2003.
Under examination from Affordable Housing’s attorney Timothy McNickle, Orlando said he learned in May or June about a pending sale with the nonprofit group.
“I’m not aware of any negotiations,” he said. “(DeRosa) and I agreed whatever the appraiser appraised it at was what we sell.”
Castle Realty appraised the properties on behalf of First Commonwealth Bank.
Orlando continued that the pending sale had an effect on finding tenants for the properties.
“We really weren’t very active in seeking tenants,” said Orlando, a retired Pennsylvania American Water Co. manager.
Orlando’s relationship with Affordable Housing consultant Robert Ratkovich was also addressed.
Attorney Michael Flaherty, representing First Commonwealth, asked if Ratkovich talked about the sale with him.
Orlando said the pair had a business dealing 12 years ago and belonged to the same club, whose identity was not disclosed.
“He was an acquaintance,” he said. “I never discussed the deal with him.”
Evanick, who started Affordable Housing and once served as its president, also faced scrutiny.
Although he had signed loan papers that concluded the sale, Evanick said it was Ratkovich who selected the properties for Affordable Housing.
“The finances were negotiated by Mr. Ratkovich,” he said. “We left it up to him.
“From what I understand, the appraisals justified buying the properties.”
Evanick then testified that he had resigned from Affordable Housing a day after signing the loan papers because he disagreed with the direction the agency was taking.
In disputing the auction of the seven properties, Evanick said a real estate agent would bring in more money than an absolute auction.
While not opposing an auction in principle, he was against an auction where there was no minimum purchase price.
After being repeatedly asked how much the properties should have attracted, Evanick said $75,000 on top of the $56,200 that the auction had collected.
He said /she said: Hollywood
September 15, 2006
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Quiet on the set.
"That Old Elks Building: The Musical."
Act one. Scene one.
Cue the lights. Actors, on your marks.
Orchestra, remember this a peppy little number.
In three, two, one. Action.
*
THE MAYOR: I have a building.
CITY COUNCIL CHORUS: A pretty little building.
MAYOR: It's made of brick.
CHORUS: He wants to sell it quick ...
MAYOR: Before it falls apart.
CHORUS: Part. Part. Part. Part.
MAYOR: Oh, it's a fixer-upper.
CHORUS: A real fixer-upper.
MAYOR: I'd like to let you in ...
CHORUS: But the roof's caved in.
MAYOR: Can't let you sue the city.
CHORUS: No. No. No. No.
MAYOR: For a dollar down.
CHORUS: Just a dollar down.
MAYOR: You'll own a piece of the city ...
CHORUS: That used to be pretty.
MAYOR: And that'll be great.
CHORUS: Great. Great. Great. Great.
(The big finish)
MAYOR AND CHORUS: We don't want to hassle, but will ya move to New Castle? And if you do ...
SOLICITOR: (in baritone voice) We ... promise ... not ... to ... sue.
*
What happened? Well, that's just embarrassing.
If you haven't heard by now, a California company wants to purchase the former Elks Club. Tri-Cinema Inc. wants to renovate the site and use it for its home studio. Stop laughing. It's true.
A once grand, old structure, the building is in disrepair. Dating back to the early 1900s, the building has switched ownership several times. There are those who would consider the condition of the building a disgrace.
Speaking of disgraces, let's introduce you to the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco. Join our shameful duo as they discuss "When the Walls Come Tumbling Down" or "Didn't They Sell This Property at the Affordable Housing Auction?"
LITOWITZ: Here's the problem -- the city has a number of great, old buildings. But it takes money to keep them up to par. Look at the cost involved in renovating the original Warner Bros. theater.
We're talking millions and millions of dollars.
Then there's the New Castle Area School District and the former Ben Franklin Junior High School. Great building but a financial burden on the taxpayers. The district is looking to unload it, but a few board members have other ideas.
Every day that building sits unoccupied you invite more problems.
Don't forget the brouhaha over the homes that were demolished to create the new junior-senior high school.
Antiques are great when you can afford them. But when you're strapped for cash, that's a difficult expense to justify.
I hope Tri-Cinema, which wants to purchase the former Elks building, delivers on its promises. But if it doesn't happen, then it's time to get rid of the building.
MICCO: You know, you're an expense to The News that's hard to justify. Can we get rid of you?
Here's the real problem -- everyone is always in a big hurry to tear down something historic in this town.
The Kurtz mansion. Gone. Made into a parking lot. Soon to be the downtown bus transfer station.
The former Lt. Gov. William M. Brown's monstrosity of a home near East Street. Destroyed. It's now a practice field.
The Phillips mansion. Fell into disrepair and demolished. A church now occupies its former site.
(I'm surprised the Scottish Rite Cathedral has lasted this long.)
So I was happy to see that a business outside the confines of Lawrence County is interested in the old Elks building. It's a grand structure, but what an eyesore. And it smells.
Will Tri-Cinema proceed with plans to refurbish the building or will it be used as the set for "Apocalypse Now, Part Deux"?
Did I mention the building smells?
LITOWITZ: Yes, but so do you.
Setting olfactory issues aside, I also do not like the thought of demolishing historical buildings.
But you failed to address the problem. How are you going to raise money to refurbish the structures?
There's no one coming in to save New Castle.
By the way, who's rushing to tear them down? They sit and sit and sit. Before you know it, someone sets them on fire. That's the New Castle way.
MICCO: Have "A Night at the Races" like everyone else does to raise money.
Besides, I'm not saying the city should fund the renovations. I'm talking about selling the old Elks building to Tri-Cinema -- or whomever else for that matter -- without creating a bureaucratic dog-and-pony show.
Why does the city have to complicate things? I mean, we politely asked to tour the former Elks building, and, after a meeting at Camp David, a dozen consultations with lawyers and a reading of tea leaves, the city says NO.
I don't like being told no. I was very put out.
LITOWITZ: Could it be that you are a spoiled child?
The building isn't the safest place to be. I respect the fact that city officials were looking out for our safety.
Or it could be that the mayor and Councilman Chet Orelli are still mad at you over the Cascade Lake tongue-lashing?
MICCO: Oh wait, I didn't recognize you there for a minute with your face not pressed up against a city official's buttocks. "Respect the fact ... Looking out for our safety ..." Puh-leeze.
If the mayor and Orelli are still mad at me, then they would've given me the key and let me fall to my death.
LITOWITZ: Would that be considered a civic improvement?
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Remember, Christmas is 14 weeks away. Gift certificates may be sent to Pat and Lisa in care of "A He Said/She Said Christmas," P.O. Box 60, 27 N. Mercer St., New Castle, Pa. 16103. Gifts are not tax deductible.)
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Quiet on the set.
"That Old Elks Building: The Musical."
Act one. Scene one.
Cue the lights. Actors, on your marks.
Orchestra, remember this a peppy little number.
In three, two, one. Action.
*
THE MAYOR: I have a building.
CITY COUNCIL CHORUS: A pretty little building.
MAYOR: It's made of brick.
CHORUS: He wants to sell it quick ...
MAYOR: Before it falls apart.
CHORUS: Part. Part. Part. Part.
MAYOR: Oh, it's a fixer-upper.
CHORUS: A real fixer-upper.
MAYOR: I'd like to let you in ...
CHORUS: But the roof's caved in.
MAYOR: Can't let you sue the city.
CHORUS: No. No. No. No.
MAYOR: For a dollar down.
CHORUS: Just a dollar down.
MAYOR: You'll own a piece of the city ...
CHORUS: That used to be pretty.
MAYOR: And that'll be great.
CHORUS: Great. Great. Great. Great.
(The big finish)
MAYOR AND CHORUS: We don't want to hassle, but will ya move to New Castle? And if you do ...
SOLICITOR: (in baritone voice) We ... promise ... not ... to ... sue.
*
What happened? Well, that's just embarrassing.
If you haven't heard by now, a California company wants to purchase the former Elks Club. Tri-Cinema Inc. wants to renovate the site and use it for its home studio. Stop laughing. It's true.
A once grand, old structure, the building is in disrepair. Dating back to the early 1900s, the building has switched ownership several times. There are those who would consider the condition of the building a disgrace.
Speaking of disgraces, let's introduce you to the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco. Join our shameful duo as they discuss "When the Walls Come Tumbling Down" or "Didn't They Sell This Property at the Affordable Housing Auction?"
LITOWITZ: Here's the problem -- the city has a number of great, old buildings. But it takes money to keep them up to par. Look at the cost involved in renovating the original Warner Bros. theater.
We're talking millions and millions of dollars.
Then there's the New Castle Area School District and the former Ben Franklin Junior High School. Great building but a financial burden on the taxpayers. The district is looking to unload it, but a few board members have other ideas.
Every day that building sits unoccupied you invite more problems.
Don't forget the brouhaha over the homes that were demolished to create the new junior-senior high school.
Antiques are great when you can afford them. But when you're strapped for cash, that's a difficult expense to justify.
I hope Tri-Cinema, which wants to purchase the former Elks building, delivers on its promises. But if it doesn't happen, then it's time to get rid of the building.
MICCO: You know, you're an expense to The News that's hard to justify. Can we get rid of you?
Here's the real problem -- everyone is always in a big hurry to tear down something historic in this town.
The Kurtz mansion. Gone. Made into a parking lot. Soon to be the downtown bus transfer station.
The former Lt. Gov. William M. Brown's monstrosity of a home near East Street. Destroyed. It's now a practice field.
The Phillips mansion. Fell into disrepair and demolished. A church now occupies its former site.
(I'm surprised the Scottish Rite Cathedral has lasted this long.)
So I was happy to see that a business outside the confines of Lawrence County is interested in the old Elks building. It's a grand structure, but what an eyesore. And it smells.
Will Tri-Cinema proceed with plans to refurbish the building or will it be used as the set for "Apocalypse Now, Part Deux"?
Did I mention the building smells?
LITOWITZ: Yes, but so do you.
Setting olfactory issues aside, I also do not like the thought of demolishing historical buildings.
But you failed to address the problem. How are you going to raise money to refurbish the structures?
There's no one coming in to save New Castle.
By the way, who's rushing to tear them down? They sit and sit and sit. Before you know it, someone sets them on fire. That's the New Castle way.
MICCO: Have "A Night at the Races" like everyone else does to raise money.
Besides, I'm not saying the city should fund the renovations. I'm talking about selling the old Elks building to Tri-Cinema -- or whomever else for that matter -- without creating a bureaucratic dog-and-pony show.
Why does the city have to complicate things? I mean, we politely asked to tour the former Elks building, and, after a meeting at Camp David, a dozen consultations with lawyers and a reading of tea leaves, the city says NO.
I don't like being told no. I was very put out.
LITOWITZ: Could it be that you are a spoiled child?
The building isn't the safest place to be. I respect the fact that city officials were looking out for our safety.
Or it could be that the mayor and Councilman Chet Orelli are still mad at you over the Cascade Lake tongue-lashing?
MICCO: Oh wait, I didn't recognize you there for a minute with your face not pressed up against a city official's buttocks. "Respect the fact ... Looking out for our safety ..." Puh-leeze.
If the mayor and Orelli are still mad at me, then they would've given me the key and let me fall to my death.
LITOWITZ: Would that be considered a civic improvement?
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Remember, Christmas is 14 weeks away. Gift certificates may be sent to Pat and Lisa in care of "A He Said/She Said Christmas," P.O. Box 60, 27 N. Mercer St., New Castle, Pa. 16103. Gifts are not tax deductible.)
Housing Authority sues Affordable Housing
September 15, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The auction of seven properties and the pending sale of an eighth are being challenged in common pleas court.
Judge J. Craig Cox granted a temporary restraining order against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County pending a 9:30 a.m. hearing Monday at the county government center. A judge has not been assigned in the case.
During its session yesterday, the Lawrence County Housing Authority board directed solicitor Louis Perrotta to file suit against the nonprofit housing organization and board members Deno DeLorenzo and William Bonner.
Also named in the complaint were the five winning bidders, Joseph Mazzant, Joseph DeRosa, James A. Mims Jr., Louis Suisi and Carl Rossi, and auctioneer Raymond Mazzanti.
After meeting in executive session, the housing authority board approved three motions dealing with litigation against Affordable Housing.
In the first, the board decided to seek an injunction to prevent the sale of the properties and the transfer of deeds to the new owners.
Perrotta filed paperwork on that request.
The board also approved seeking a $200,500 judgment on a nonsecured promissory note the authority provided to Affordable Housing. The final action involves a civil complaint against Affordable Housing.
Perrotta said he has not moved forward on the last two matters. He said the economics involved in the litigation will determine whether or not the lawsuits are initiated.
Board chairman Robert Heath and Ernestine Wise and Michael Mancuso approved the motions. William Betz was absent.
Affordable Housing, created by the housing authority in 2003, auctioned the seven properties for $56,200 on Saturday.
The group purchased the structures last year for $295,000.
An eighth building, located on Dewey Avenue, was purchased in 2005 for $45,000. That property was sold Sept. 5. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing secretary and treasurer, declined to comment on the litigation.
Attempts to reach the five bidders were unsuccessful.
The housing authority’s complaint came approximately two hours after the deed transfers were filed with the county’s register and recorder.
“That’s something we’re going to have to address on Monday,” Perrotta said.
The housing authority wants the court to set aside the auction sales and return the money to the bidders. At that point, the board wants the properties to be sold through a real estate agent.
“As a creditor of Affordable Housing Inc., the Housing Authority ... does not believe an absolute auction is an economical method to transfer and sell the properties,” Perrotta wrote on behalf of the board to DeLorenzo on Sept. 6.
“This logic is supported by inquiries made with the Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence by property owners and potential investors.”
By not suing Affordable Housing, the housing authority would have seen as little as $4,000, or $500 per property, as repayment on the promissory note.
Heath said he hopes the litigation will increase that figure.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The auction of seven properties and the pending sale of an eighth are being challenged in common pleas court.
Judge J. Craig Cox granted a temporary restraining order against Affordable Housing of Lawrence County pending a 9:30 a.m. hearing Monday at the county government center. A judge has not been assigned in the case.
During its session yesterday, the Lawrence County Housing Authority board directed solicitor Louis Perrotta to file suit against the nonprofit housing organization and board members Deno DeLorenzo and William Bonner.
Also named in the complaint were the five winning bidders, Joseph Mazzant, Joseph DeRosa, James A. Mims Jr., Louis Suisi and Carl Rossi, and auctioneer Raymond Mazzanti.
After meeting in executive session, the housing authority board approved three motions dealing with litigation against Affordable Housing.
In the first, the board decided to seek an injunction to prevent the sale of the properties and the transfer of deeds to the new owners.
Perrotta filed paperwork on that request.
The board also approved seeking a $200,500 judgment on a nonsecured promissory note the authority provided to Affordable Housing. The final action involves a civil complaint against Affordable Housing.
Perrotta said he has not moved forward on the last two matters. He said the economics involved in the litigation will determine whether or not the lawsuits are initiated.
Board chairman Robert Heath and Ernestine Wise and Michael Mancuso approved the motions. William Betz was absent.
Affordable Housing, created by the housing authority in 2003, auctioned the seven properties for $56,200 on Saturday.
The group purchased the structures last year for $295,000.
An eighth building, located on Dewey Avenue, was purchased in 2005 for $45,000. That property was sold Sept. 5. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing secretary and treasurer, declined to comment on the litigation.
Attempts to reach the five bidders were unsuccessful.
The housing authority’s complaint came approximately two hours after the deed transfers were filed with the county’s register and recorder.
“That’s something we’re going to have to address on Monday,” Perrotta said.
The housing authority wants the court to set aside the auction sales and return the money to the bidders. At that point, the board wants the properties to be sold through a real estate agent.
“As a creditor of Affordable Housing Inc., the Housing Authority ... does not believe an absolute auction is an economical method to transfer and sell the properties,” Perrotta wrote on behalf of the board to DeLorenzo on Sept. 6.
“This logic is supported by inquiries made with the Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence by property owners and potential investors.”
By not suing Affordable Housing, the housing authority would have seen as little as $4,000, or $500 per property, as repayment on the promissory note.
Heath said he hopes the litigation will increase that figure.
Thunder will rumble at Taggart
September 14, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Eleven games into its inaugural season, the New Castle Thunder will play a true home game.
In a 6-1-1 vote last night, the New Castle Area School Board granted permission for the minor league football team to use Taggart Stadium Saturday for a North American Football League contest.
Peter Yerage, Donna Donati, Karen Humphrey, Allan Joseph, Mark Kirkwood and Richard Panella Jr. supported the action.
Philip Conti voted against the measure. Board president Fred Mozzocio abstained and Charlotte Sheffield was absent.
“Taggart Stadium ... is built to play football,” Thunder owner Anthony Razzano said during the meeting’s pubic participation session. “That’s why it’s there.”
Thunder officials sought use of Taggart on Saturday and Sept. 23. Yerage amended the original measure to reduce the number of games from two to one.
Conti, who backed the Thunder’s two-game request, opposed the change.
“What are you trying to prove by limiting (the Thunder) to one game?” Conti asked the board.
He received no response.
District solicitor Charles Sapienza met last week with Razzano and team attorney Carmen Lamancusa to discuss the district’s rental agreement. Sapienza said the team met the standards set by the district.
However, before giving its approval, the board needed to address a district policy adopted in 2004. At issue was an exemption that prevents “commercial groups who primary aim is the sale of a product or service” the use of school facilities.
“We’re not a product; we’re not a service,” Lamancusa said to the board prior to its vote. “Keep that in mind.”
Razzano also rejected the notion that the Thunder is, in simplest terms, a commercial venture.
“To try to draw the analogy that football is a service is wrong,” he said. “It’s sports entertainment.”
Approving the rental agreement meant the board was violating its own policy, Sapienza said. However, board members have the right to waive policy provisions and re-examine them later.
“What we have now is a policy in place that limits the use of our facilities,” he said.
“You are the ultimate interpreter of your own policy.”
In supporting the Thunder’s request, Donati said that school property does not solely belong to the district’s board members, administrators and employees.
“Schools are owned by everyone in our community,” she said.
The Thunder, sporting an 8-2 mark, will host the Ohio Invaders. Playing in the NAFL’s Grass Roots Division, New Castle has qualified for post-season play.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Eleven games into its inaugural season, the New Castle Thunder will play a true home game.
In a 6-1-1 vote last night, the New Castle Area School Board granted permission for the minor league football team to use Taggart Stadium Saturday for a North American Football League contest.
Peter Yerage, Donna Donati, Karen Humphrey, Allan Joseph, Mark Kirkwood and Richard Panella Jr. supported the action.
Philip Conti voted against the measure. Board president Fred Mozzocio abstained and Charlotte Sheffield was absent.
“Taggart Stadium ... is built to play football,” Thunder owner Anthony Razzano said during the meeting’s pubic participation session. “That’s why it’s there.”
Thunder officials sought use of Taggart on Saturday and Sept. 23. Yerage amended the original measure to reduce the number of games from two to one.
Conti, who backed the Thunder’s two-game request, opposed the change.
“What are you trying to prove by limiting (the Thunder) to one game?” Conti asked the board.
He received no response.
District solicitor Charles Sapienza met last week with Razzano and team attorney Carmen Lamancusa to discuss the district’s rental agreement. Sapienza said the team met the standards set by the district.
However, before giving its approval, the board needed to address a district policy adopted in 2004. At issue was an exemption that prevents “commercial groups who primary aim is the sale of a product or service” the use of school facilities.
“We’re not a product; we’re not a service,” Lamancusa said to the board prior to its vote. “Keep that in mind.”
Razzano also rejected the notion that the Thunder is, in simplest terms, a commercial venture.
“To try to draw the analogy that football is a service is wrong,” he said. “It’s sports entertainment.”
Approving the rental agreement meant the board was violating its own policy, Sapienza said. However, board members have the right to waive policy provisions and re-examine them later.
“What we have now is a policy in place that limits the use of our facilities,” he said.
“You are the ultimate interpreter of your own policy.”
In supporting the Thunder’s request, Donati said that school property does not solely belong to the district’s board members, administrators and employees.
“Schools are owned by everyone in our community,” she said.
The Thunder, sporting an 8-2 mark, will host the Ohio Invaders. Playing in the NAFL’s Grass Roots Division, New Castle has qualified for post-season play.
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County faces potential lawsuits
September 13, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Legal action is looming against a failed nonprofit housing group.
The threat of lawsuits comes as Affordable Housing of Lawrence County auctioned seven properties for $56,200 over the weekend.
The group purchased the structures last year for $295,000.
An eighth building, located on Dewey Avenue and bought in 2005 for $45,000, was sold prior to the auction. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer, said yesterday he plans to obtain legal counsel to investigate the original purchases. He wants to determine if either the group’s former board members, its consultant Robert Ratkovich, the appraisal company or the properties’ previous owners are liable for damages.
“What role did the board have in this transaction?” DeLorenzo asked. “It seems like the board was relying on Mr. Ratkovich to make prudent decisions on the (properties).”
Ratkovich, who is New Castle City Council president, declined comment last night. He also is maintenance director at the Lawrence County Housing Authority, which created Affordable Housing.
During the housing authority’s work session yesterday, solicitor Louis Perrotta discussed the auction with board members.
He and the authority’s executive director, Robert Evanick, “thought the properties should have been listed with a Realtor to maximize the selling price.
“There were some Realtors that were interested,” he said.
In April, Affordable Housing placed one advertisement in the New Castle News listing the properties for sale.
The authority holds a $200,000 unsecured promissory note with Affordable Housing. The funds were used to help start the group in 2003.
Perrotta said the board will have to decide if it wishes to file an injunction to prevent the properties from being transferred or to sue Affordable Housing in an effort to recoup funds.
“I don’t have a problem trying to get money back from Affordable Housing,” board chairman Robert Heath said.
DeLorenzo had offered the housing authority, through its solicitor, $500 for each property sold at Saturday’s auction. The board did not respond to that proposal.
Auctioneer Ray Mazzanti received $7,000 for his services. Funds from the sale also were used to pay legal fees, property taxes and sanitation liens.
DeLorenzo said he would set aside $3,500 for the housing authority. The remaining funds are earmarked for First Commonwealth Bank, which holds the mortgage.
“The bank agreed to this,” he said of the auction. “If they believed an auction was sufficient enough, they obviously saw that a Realtor wouldn’t have brought in much more.”
DeLorenzo said the deeds listing the new owners would be recorded today at the county government center.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Legal action is looming against a failed nonprofit housing group.
The threat of lawsuits comes as Affordable Housing of Lawrence County auctioned seven properties for $56,200 over the weekend.
The group purchased the structures last year for $295,000.
An eighth building, located on Dewey Avenue and bought in 2005 for $45,000, was sold prior to the auction. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer, said yesterday he plans to obtain legal counsel to investigate the original purchases. He wants to determine if either the group’s former board members, its consultant Robert Ratkovich, the appraisal company or the properties’ previous owners are liable for damages.
“What role did the board have in this transaction?” DeLorenzo asked. “It seems like the board was relying on Mr. Ratkovich to make prudent decisions on the (properties).”
Ratkovich, who is New Castle City Council president, declined comment last night. He also is maintenance director at the Lawrence County Housing Authority, which created Affordable Housing.
During the housing authority’s work session yesterday, solicitor Louis Perrotta discussed the auction with board members.
He and the authority’s executive director, Robert Evanick, “thought the properties should have been listed with a Realtor to maximize the selling price.
“There were some Realtors that were interested,” he said.
In April, Affordable Housing placed one advertisement in the New Castle News listing the properties for sale.
The authority holds a $200,000 unsecured promissory note with Affordable Housing. The funds were used to help start the group in 2003.
Perrotta said the board will have to decide if it wishes to file an injunction to prevent the properties from being transferred or to sue Affordable Housing in an effort to recoup funds.
“I don’t have a problem trying to get money back from Affordable Housing,” board chairman Robert Heath said.
DeLorenzo had offered the housing authority, through its solicitor, $500 for each property sold at Saturday’s auction. The board did not respond to that proposal.
Auctioneer Ray Mazzanti received $7,000 for his services. Funds from the sale also were used to pay legal fees, property taxes and sanitation liens.
DeLorenzo said he would set aside $3,500 for the housing authority. The remaining funds are earmarked for First Commonwealth Bank, which holds the mortgage.
“The bank agreed to this,” he said of the auction. “If they believed an auction was sufficient enough, they obviously saw that a Realtor wouldn’t have brought in much more.”
DeLorenzo said the deeds listing the new owners would be recorded today at the county government center.
Housing authority facing cutbacks
September 13, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority board is bracing for cutbacks next year.
If no action is taken, the deficit could reach $400,000.
During a work session yesterday, controller Holly Girdwood discussed preliminary federal funding with authority board members.
“This is a worst-case scenario,” Girdwood said. “We need to have a plan to address this.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the authority’s primary funding source. The federal agency wants the authority’s fiscal projections, including a preliminary budget, by Friday.
Usually, Girdwood said, the information is turned in by October.
“Now we have a warning, so we can work on it,” board chairman Robert Heath said.
Girdwood estimated HUD will furnish the authority with 78 percent of its 2007 funding. If that number remains unchanged, the authority will experience a $268,000 deficit. An increase in electricity prices is expected to add $132,000 to authority expenditures.
If HUD increases its contribution to 86 percent, Girdwood said the authority will have a balanced budget.
“This is in Congress’ hands,” she said.
Michael Mancuso, the board’s newest member, questioned the wisdom of quickly piecing together a budget.
“HUD will accept an out-of-balance budget?” he asked.
Girdwood said yes, because the authority has a reserve fund from which to withdraw funds if it faces a deficit scenario. Currently, authority reserves total $169,000. That number will grow to $300,000 to $400,000 next year.
“We really don’t want to tap into our reserves unless we have to,” Mancuso said.
While there is an urgency to give HUD its information, executive director Robert Evanick said the board has until December to address any issues with the 2007 budget.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority board is bracing for cutbacks next year.
If no action is taken, the deficit could reach $400,000.
During a work session yesterday, controller Holly Girdwood discussed preliminary federal funding with authority board members.
“This is a worst-case scenario,” Girdwood said. “We need to have a plan to address this.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the authority’s primary funding source. The federal agency wants the authority’s fiscal projections, including a preliminary budget, by Friday.
Usually, Girdwood said, the information is turned in by October.
“Now we have a warning, so we can work on it,” board chairman Robert Heath said.
Girdwood estimated HUD will furnish the authority with 78 percent of its 2007 funding. If that number remains unchanged, the authority will experience a $268,000 deficit. An increase in electricity prices is expected to add $132,000 to authority expenditures.
If HUD increases its contribution to 86 percent, Girdwood said the authority will have a balanced budget.
“This is in Congress’ hands,” she said.
Michael Mancuso, the board’s newest member, questioned the wisdom of quickly piecing together a budget.
“HUD will accept an out-of-balance budget?” he asked.
Girdwood said yes, because the authority has a reserve fund from which to withdraw funds if it faces a deficit scenario. Currently, authority reserves total $169,000. That number will grow to $300,000 to $400,000 next year.
“We really don’t want to tap into our reserves unless we have to,” Mancuso said.
While there is an urgency to give HUD its information, executive director Robert Evanick said the board has until December to address any issues with the 2007 budget.
Affordable Housing sells seven of its eight properties
September 12, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A nonprofit housing group unloaded seven of its eight properties during a contentious public auction.
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County raised $56,200 during Saturday’s auction, which took place at the Shenango Township fire hall. More the 50 people attended, including 15 registered bidders.
“We are out of the rental property business,” said Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer.
The funds raised represented less a fifth of the combined purchase price of the properties.
Affordable Housing, a spin-off agency created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, purchased the seven structures in 2005 for $295,000.
An eighth building, a Dewey Avenue duplex bought in 2005 for $45,000, was sold prior to the auction. DeLorenzo would not disclose the buyer or terms of the sale until the transaction is completed.
Before the sale started, a tenant living in an Affordable Housing property questioned attorney Louis Pomerico about the legitimacy of the sale.
“How can it be sold underneath me?” asked Patrick Scarnati, who lives at 1114 Cunningham Ave.
Scarnati claimed the Cunningham Avenue property was not a rental. He told the crowd that he and Affordable Housing had entered into an agreement to purchase the home at the end of a three-year lease.
Pomerico, who represented Affordable Housing at the auction, asked Scarnati to produce the contract. He could not.
Scarnati also said he had been paying on the lease through March and had built up approximately $300 in an escrow account. Under terms of the agreement, Scarnati said, he would purchase the house after the three-year period for $45,000.
Again, he could not provide paperwork to back up his claim.
“I tried to talk to Deno DeLorenzo, but he would not take my money.”
After the auction, DeLorenzo disputed Scarnati’s account.
“I didn’t refuse to accept rent,” he said, adding Scarnati stopped payments to Affordable Housing in December.
The home, which Affordable Housing purchased at a sheriff’s sale for $12,500 in March 2005, was sold to Louis Suisi for $11,000.
The sale to Suisi represented the best return for Affordable Housing. All the other sales fell far under Affordable’s purchase prices.
A Croton Avenue complex, which David L. Defibaugh sold to Affordable Housing for $28,000, went to Carl Rossi for $1,200.
James A. Mims Jr. picked up a triplex on East Wallace Avenue for $2,000. The nonprofit housing group purchased the structure, formerly owned by Nick DeRosa and John Orlando, for $45,500.
DeRosa recently retired as the New Castle Area School District’s assistant superintendent.
DeRosa and Orlando either owned or co-owned four of the eight properties sold to Affordable Housing. They received $214,000 for homes on Frank, Florence, East Wallace and Highland avenues.
Bidders paid $31,000 for the four — a loss of $183,000 from the purchase prices.
At the conclusion of the auction, Duquesne Street resident Daniel Cook asked why a Dewey Avenue duplex was not sold. Cook produced a letter showing that he had offered $30,000 for the property on Saturday.
DeLorenzo countered that on Sept. 5, he had received and accepted an offer on the property.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A nonprofit housing group unloaded seven of its eight properties during a contentious public auction.
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County raised $56,200 during Saturday’s auction, which took place at the Shenango Township fire hall. More the 50 people attended, including 15 registered bidders.
“We are out of the rental property business,” said Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer.
The funds raised represented less a fifth of the combined purchase price of the properties.
Affordable Housing, a spin-off agency created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, purchased the seven structures in 2005 for $295,000.
An eighth building, a Dewey Avenue duplex bought in 2005 for $45,000, was sold prior to the auction. DeLorenzo would not disclose the buyer or terms of the sale until the transaction is completed.
Before the sale started, a tenant living in an Affordable Housing property questioned attorney Louis Pomerico about the legitimacy of the sale.
“How can it be sold underneath me?” asked Patrick Scarnati, who lives at 1114 Cunningham Ave.
Scarnati claimed the Cunningham Avenue property was not a rental. He told the crowd that he and Affordable Housing had entered into an agreement to purchase the home at the end of a three-year lease.
Pomerico, who represented Affordable Housing at the auction, asked Scarnati to produce the contract. He could not.
Scarnati also said he had been paying on the lease through March and had built up approximately $300 in an escrow account. Under terms of the agreement, Scarnati said, he would purchase the house after the three-year period for $45,000.
Again, he could not provide paperwork to back up his claim.
“I tried to talk to Deno DeLorenzo, but he would not take my money.”
After the auction, DeLorenzo disputed Scarnati’s account.
“I didn’t refuse to accept rent,” he said, adding Scarnati stopped payments to Affordable Housing in December.
The home, which Affordable Housing purchased at a sheriff’s sale for $12,500 in March 2005, was sold to Louis Suisi for $11,000.
The sale to Suisi represented the best return for Affordable Housing. All the other sales fell far under Affordable’s purchase prices.
A Croton Avenue complex, which David L. Defibaugh sold to Affordable Housing for $28,000, went to Carl Rossi for $1,200.
James A. Mims Jr. picked up a triplex on East Wallace Avenue for $2,000. The nonprofit housing group purchased the structure, formerly owned by Nick DeRosa and John Orlando, for $45,500.
DeRosa recently retired as the New Castle Area School District’s assistant superintendent.
DeRosa and Orlando either owned or co-owned four of the eight properties sold to Affordable Housing. They received $214,000 for homes on Frank, Florence, East Wallace and Highland avenues.
Bidders paid $31,000 for the four — a loss of $183,000 from the purchase prices.
At the conclusion of the auction, Duquesne Street resident Daniel Cook asked why a Dewey Avenue duplex was not sold. Cook produced a letter showing that he had offered $30,000 for the property on Saturday.
DeLorenzo countered that on Sept. 5, he had received and accepted an offer on the property.
Agency proposes Ben Franklin purchase
September 12, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A Lawrence County community agency is offering $150,000 to obtain a vacant New Castle school building.
However, board members are uncertain what direction they want to take with the former Ben Franklin Junior High School.
Superintendent George Gabriel discussed the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership’s proposal during the board’s work session last night.
In particular, he wanted to bring district solicitor Charles Sapienza into the negotiations and seek the board’s input on any potential transaction.
“The board needs to decide what direction we’re going to take.”
Gabriel said he and business administrator Joseph Ambrosini have conducted preliminary discussions with Thomas Scott, the group’s chief executive officer.
Three community agencies form the partnership. They are Lawrence County Social Services, United Community Services of Lawrence County and Allied Coordinated Transportation Services.
Ben Franklin housed seventh- and eighth- grade students through the 2004-05 school year. With the opening of the district’s junior-senior high school, Ben Franklin was closed.
“Where buildings set for long periods of time, they’re subject to vandalism,” Gabriel said.
Uses for the structure are limited, Sapienza told board members.
“The city will not permit a nonconformed use to this building,” he said. “That lessens the desirability of this building.”
In essence, Sapienza explained, the vacated school building can be used for another school but not apartments, for example.
Head Start, a federally funded program operated by the partnership, provides qualified children ages 3 to 5 with free preschool education. Overall, the partnership operates or administers 13 programs.
Board member Philip Conti questioned the need to sell the building.
“I see no urgency at this point,” he said. “At $150,000, you might as well give it to them.”
Sapienza said there are three ways in which the district can dispose of the building.
The first is through a private sale, which the county’s common pleas court must approve. The district also may accept bids, which the board has the right to accept or reject. Finally, the facility may be sold at a public auction.
The board eventually agreed to a two-prong approach: continue negotiations with the partnership and aggressively market the site.
“Just because we agree (to continue negotiations) doesn’t mean we’re going to sell,” board member Mark Kirkwood noted.
Donna Donati, another board member, said she preferred to keep Ben Franklin under district ownership.
“It would be wonderful to lease the building but not to sell it.”
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A Lawrence County community agency is offering $150,000 to obtain a vacant New Castle school building.
However, board members are uncertain what direction they want to take with the former Ben Franklin Junior High School.
Superintendent George Gabriel discussed the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership’s proposal during the board’s work session last night.
In particular, he wanted to bring district solicitor Charles Sapienza into the negotiations and seek the board’s input on any potential transaction.
“The board needs to decide what direction we’re going to take.”
Gabriel said he and business administrator Joseph Ambrosini have conducted preliminary discussions with Thomas Scott, the group’s chief executive officer.
Three community agencies form the partnership. They are Lawrence County Social Services, United Community Services of Lawrence County and Allied Coordinated Transportation Services.
Ben Franklin housed seventh- and eighth- grade students through the 2004-05 school year. With the opening of the district’s junior-senior high school, Ben Franklin was closed.
“Where buildings set for long periods of time, they’re subject to vandalism,” Gabriel said.
Uses for the structure are limited, Sapienza told board members.
“The city will not permit a nonconformed use to this building,” he said. “That lessens the desirability of this building.”
In essence, Sapienza explained, the vacated school building can be used for another school but not apartments, for example.
Head Start, a federally funded program operated by the partnership, provides qualified children ages 3 to 5 with free preschool education. Overall, the partnership operates or administers 13 programs.
Board member Philip Conti questioned the need to sell the building.
“I see no urgency at this point,” he said. “At $150,000, you might as well give it to them.”
Sapienza said there are three ways in which the district can dispose of the building.
The first is through a private sale, which the county’s common pleas court must approve. The district also may accept bids, which the board has the right to accept or reject. Finally, the facility may be sold at a public auction.
The board eventually agreed to a two-prong approach: continue negotiations with the partnership and aggressively market the site.
“Just because we agree (to continue negotiations) doesn’t mean we’re going to sell,” board member Mark Kirkwood noted.
Donna Donati, another board member, said she preferred to keep Ben Franklin under district ownership.
“It would be wonderful to lease the building but not to sell it.”
New Castle Area School District pleased with test scores
August 25, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
New Castle students surpassed state standards in reading and math, a newly released report shows.
The effort vaults the district into adequate yearly progress status, the best ranking under Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines.
“This is where we want to be,” Superintendent George J. Gabriel said yesterday.
Signed into law in 2002, the federal No Child Left Behind Act has changed the emphasis of and consequences resulting from standardized testing. School districts throughout the state, like their counterparts nationwide, are graded on student performance.
Initially, New Castle found itself in “warning” status in 2003. The district witnessed improvement in 2004 and the following year was classified as “making progress.”
“My message to the staff on opening day is going to be, ‘Learning doesn’t reach a plateau; learning doesn’t reach an endpoint.’
“We are constantly searching for ways to improve.”
Seven grades took part in last year’s testing. However, data relating to the third-, fifth, eighth- and 11th-graders were used in measuring the district’s progress.
The results can be dissected in various ways.
For example, 11th-grade math and reading scores show a decline from 2005 to 2006.
The juniors from 2005, who graduated last year, scored 55 percent in math and 61.7 percent in reading. Compare that to the 11th-graders in 2006, who scored 41 and 53 percent respectively.
However, in charting the progress of each class using fifth-, eighth- and 11th-grade state tests, there is double-digit improvement from one year to the next.
“We want to keep raising the bar,” said Stan Magusiak, administrative assistant to the superintendent.
While the district obtained the state benchmarks, subgroups within the student population struggled. Most notably, black, economically disadvantaged and special needs students posted low scores.
With few exceptions, white students reached proficient and advanced levels in reading and math at a higher rate than blacks.
Gabriel said the data provided from the tests permits the district to identify and correct undesirable trends.
“Each building administrator will form and implement plans to address groups that are underperforming,” he said.
Federal dollars also are applied to students in need.
With that money, Magusiak said, “we run after-school programs. We also use that money to buy support programs for the students.”
Those efforts seem to be producing results. An intensive, scientifically based reading program is being credited for the exceptional showing of black third-grade students at Thaddeus Stevens Primary Center.
Eighty-nine percent of the black students reached were either proficient or advanced in math. In reading, that number was 79 percent. The results were better than their white peers.
“This is very refreshing information for us,” Gabriel said. “There’s no reason we can’t build on these results.”
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
New Castle students surpassed state standards in reading and math, a newly released report shows.
The effort vaults the district into adequate yearly progress status, the best ranking under Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines.
“This is where we want to be,” Superintendent George J. Gabriel said yesterday.
Signed into law in 2002, the federal No Child Left Behind Act has changed the emphasis of and consequences resulting from standardized testing. School districts throughout the state, like their counterparts nationwide, are graded on student performance.
Initially, New Castle found itself in “warning” status in 2003. The district witnessed improvement in 2004 and the following year was classified as “making progress.”
“My message to the staff on opening day is going to be, ‘Learning doesn’t reach a plateau; learning doesn’t reach an endpoint.’
“We are constantly searching for ways to improve.”
Seven grades took part in last year’s testing. However, data relating to the third-, fifth, eighth- and 11th-graders were used in measuring the district’s progress.
The results can be dissected in various ways.
For example, 11th-grade math and reading scores show a decline from 2005 to 2006.
The juniors from 2005, who graduated last year, scored 55 percent in math and 61.7 percent in reading. Compare that to the 11th-graders in 2006, who scored 41 and 53 percent respectively.
However, in charting the progress of each class using fifth-, eighth- and 11th-grade state tests, there is double-digit improvement from one year to the next.
“We want to keep raising the bar,” said Stan Magusiak, administrative assistant to the superintendent.
While the district obtained the state benchmarks, subgroups within the student population struggled. Most notably, black, economically disadvantaged and special needs students posted low scores.
With few exceptions, white students reached proficient and advanced levels in reading and math at a higher rate than blacks.
Gabriel said the data provided from the tests permits the district to identify and correct undesirable trends.
“Each building administrator will form and implement plans to address groups that are underperforming,” he said.
Federal dollars also are applied to students in need.
With that money, Magusiak said, “we run after-school programs. We also use that money to buy support programs for the students.”
Those efforts seem to be producing results. An intensive, scientifically based reading program is being credited for the exceptional showing of black third-grade students at Thaddeus Stevens Primary Center.
Eighty-nine percent of the black students reached were either proficient or advanced in math. In reading, that number was 79 percent. The results were better than their white peers.
“This is very refreshing information for us,” Gabriel said. “There’s no reason we can’t build on these results.”
He Said, She Said: New Castle hookers and Barbie’s Bling Bling
August 19, 2006
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Pop quiz.
Female, not a day over the age of 19, clad in a glitter halter top, micro miniskirt and high-heeled boots. Slathered in so much makeup that Tammy Faye Bakker Messner looks like a plain Jane in comparison.
Who — or what — is being described?
Is it:
A: Porn star Jenna Jameson?
B: A parent’s worst nightmare?
C: One of New Castle’s ... e-r-r-r ... finest, hanging out on the South Side?
D: None of the above.
Score one point if you answered “none of the above,” and add another two points to your score if you filled in the blank and answered “Barbie.”
Yes. That’s correct, Barbie. Mattel’s cash cow, who, for more than 40 years, has been making young girls all over the world feel inadequate has gone another step farther, emulating some of the less — ahem — flattering characteristics of such real-life celebutantes such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie.
Speaking of wannabe D-list celebrities, meet New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco and Pat Litowitz. Join our less-than-wholesome pair as they venture into the seedy world of children’s toys and discuss “Barbies Gone Wild” or “Streetwalker Barbie — Batteries Not Included.”
MICCO: Imagine my dismay when my 4-year-old daughter had a meltdown in a toy store over My Bling Bling Barbie. (Technically, the line is an offshoot of Barbie, called My Scene. The dolls are taller and their heads are giant, kinda like something you’d find on Easter Island.)
The doll comes with all the bling bling accessories that make young girls glaze over in glitter — purses, faux fur wrap, belly button ring, dangling earrings, sunglasses, the works. A “diamond” flower ring is included just for the child. Of course, my daughter was attracted to all the glitz. While I cringed at the $20 price tag, knowing the doll will eventually end up stripped naked and jammed in an Easy Bake Oven, Hayley happily skipped through the store clutching her doll. When I saw the exact same dolls marked down to $8 on a clearance shelf, I had to pry the one out of my daughter’s arms to replace it with the one with the sale sticker on it. (That’s just to avoid confusion at the cash register.)
I tell you all this because I’m trying to justify why I bought this in the first place.
First of all, I’m not a prude. Secondly, I like sequins and shiny things, too. With that said, I have to admit I was quite shocked at the My Bling Bling doll once she was out of her plastic case. Sure, I already saw the miniskirt that barely covers her plastic buttocks and the skimpy halter top that conveniently keeps coming undone.
It was what was underneath that rocked me. Not only did she have on a thong — hello? a thong — but her chest had glittery smudges strategically placed over two delicate areas. Perhaps they were there in case of a wardrobe malfunction, I don’t know.
My husband took one look at it and asked, “What’s up with the new Crack Ho Barbie?” I guess that says it all.
LITOWITZ: “I like sequins and shiny things.”
That, dear friends, captures the essence and beauty of Mrs. Micco. No higher thought processes in play here. No, siree.
Guess what I’ll be buying her for Christmas? That’s right — The Bedazzler! Lisa will be amused through the Fourth of July.
And here’s a sneak peek at the rest of Lisa’s gift list: aluminum foil, tinsel, Lite-Brite, tiara and one-piece majorette outfit.
Just a thought, Lisa, but who’s the parent here? Don’t be getting on Mattel’s crap for producing a doll based on New Castle hookers. That’s the marketplace in action.
Ya know, you didn’t have to buy it. You could have said, “No.”
My parents did and look how I turned out.
“No, you can’t have the Six-Million-Dollar-Man with engine-lifting bionic arm.”
“No, you have to stay home and baby-sit your sisters.”
“No, you can’t drive until you’re 18.”
“No, you do not have our permission to marry Becky.”
Sure, I’m bitter. But years of therapy have helped me to misdirect my anger toward Micco. And aren’t we all better for it?
MICCO: This explains so much. Memories of your youth take us to a dark and scary place.
So, when you’re on the rooftop of The News with a Tech-9, babbling incoherently, it’s safe to assume it’s because you didn’t get the Six-Million-Dollar-Man doll? (That’s too bad. He was so cool, too. He came with a red jogging suit and this really neat plastic “circuit board” you could pop out of his left arm. Your parents really messed up by not getting you Col. Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world’s first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster ...)
I also can hum the theme song to “S.W.A.T.”
But I digress.
See, I love my daughter. So when she wants something, I try to get it for her without going overboard and spoiling her. Obviously, your parents didn’t love you enough to get you your “man doll.”
But back to the issue at hand. When did Barbie and those of her ilk quit their day jobs and became hookers? When I was young, I got “Growing Up Skipper” for Christmas. Barbie’s younger sister was quite the controversy back in the 1970s. With a crank of her arm, she went from a child to a teen. Her body extended to a thinner waist and she sprouted little plastic breasts. (Ah, if growing them were that easy with a crank of an arm. Women would be windmilling their arms a la Pete Townshend all over the place.)
Sure, I’m guilty. I’m the parent. I bought the doll. I’m wiser for it now, but the question is how much is enough? What’s next? PMS Barbie? She’ll come equipped with a box of Midol and a cranky disposition. Of course, the Ken doll won’t be included. He’s at the bar.
LITOWITZ: So what you’re saying is, we can measure the love you have for your daughter based on the price and number of toys you buy her.
What does it say about you when you rip a $20 doll from your daughter’s hands and replace it with the same doll that is reduced to $8? That you love her ... but just a little less?
Can’t wait until Hayley becomes a teen. Will you be taking out a second mortgage?
By the way, I’m not touching your Pete Townshend breast-growing comment.
MICCO: I’d like to think I love her just as much, but at a fraction of the price. Anyway, should we be using the same standard of comparison for you? Can we measure the love of your parents by what they got you?
Now, what would that be? Ah yes, baby-sitting duties and the empty promises of a “man doll.”
LITOWITZ: Oh, I eventually got the Six-Million-Dollar-Man doll. My aunt bought it for my birthday.
Sure, it was fun. But, how I cherished my Farrah Fawcett poster.
Guess Mom and Dad loved me after all.
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Last week, their column registered more than 500 hits on the Internet. Woo woo!)
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Pop quiz.
Female, not a day over the age of 19, clad in a glitter halter top, micro miniskirt and high-heeled boots. Slathered in so much makeup that Tammy Faye Bakker Messner looks like a plain Jane in comparison.
Who — or what — is being described?
Is it:
A: Porn star Jenna Jameson?
B: A parent’s worst nightmare?
C: One of New Castle’s ... e-r-r-r ... finest, hanging out on the South Side?
D: None of the above.
Score one point if you answered “none of the above,” and add another two points to your score if you filled in the blank and answered “Barbie.”
Yes. That’s correct, Barbie. Mattel’s cash cow, who, for more than 40 years, has been making young girls all over the world feel inadequate has gone another step farther, emulating some of the less — ahem — flattering characteristics of such real-life celebutantes such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie.
Speaking of wannabe D-list celebrities, meet New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco and Pat Litowitz. Join our less-than-wholesome pair as they venture into the seedy world of children’s toys and discuss “Barbies Gone Wild” or “Streetwalker Barbie — Batteries Not Included.”
MICCO: Imagine my dismay when my 4-year-old daughter had a meltdown in a toy store over My Bling Bling Barbie. (Technically, the line is an offshoot of Barbie, called My Scene. The dolls are taller and their heads are giant, kinda like something you’d find on Easter Island.)
The doll comes with all the bling bling accessories that make young girls glaze over in glitter — purses, faux fur wrap, belly button ring, dangling earrings, sunglasses, the works. A “diamond” flower ring is included just for the child. Of course, my daughter was attracted to all the glitz. While I cringed at the $20 price tag, knowing the doll will eventually end up stripped naked and jammed in an Easy Bake Oven, Hayley happily skipped through the store clutching her doll. When I saw the exact same dolls marked down to $8 on a clearance shelf, I had to pry the one out of my daughter’s arms to replace it with the one with the sale sticker on it. (That’s just to avoid confusion at the cash register.)
I tell you all this because I’m trying to justify why I bought this in the first place.
First of all, I’m not a prude. Secondly, I like sequins and shiny things, too. With that said, I have to admit I was quite shocked at the My Bling Bling doll once she was out of her plastic case. Sure, I already saw the miniskirt that barely covers her plastic buttocks and the skimpy halter top that conveniently keeps coming undone.
It was what was underneath that rocked me. Not only did she have on a thong — hello? a thong — but her chest had glittery smudges strategically placed over two delicate areas. Perhaps they were there in case of a wardrobe malfunction, I don’t know.
My husband took one look at it and asked, “What’s up with the new Crack Ho Barbie?” I guess that says it all.
LITOWITZ: “I like sequins and shiny things.”
That, dear friends, captures the essence and beauty of Mrs. Micco. No higher thought processes in play here. No, siree.
Guess what I’ll be buying her for Christmas? That’s right — The Bedazzler! Lisa will be amused through the Fourth of July.
And here’s a sneak peek at the rest of Lisa’s gift list: aluminum foil, tinsel, Lite-Brite, tiara and one-piece majorette outfit.
Just a thought, Lisa, but who’s the parent here? Don’t be getting on Mattel’s crap for producing a doll based on New Castle hookers. That’s the marketplace in action.
Ya know, you didn’t have to buy it. You could have said, “No.”
My parents did and look how I turned out.
“No, you can’t have the Six-Million-Dollar-Man with engine-lifting bionic arm.”
“No, you have to stay home and baby-sit your sisters.”
“No, you can’t drive until you’re 18.”
“No, you do not have our permission to marry Becky.”
Sure, I’m bitter. But years of therapy have helped me to misdirect my anger toward Micco. And aren’t we all better for it?
MICCO: This explains so much. Memories of your youth take us to a dark and scary place.
So, when you’re on the rooftop of The News with a Tech-9, babbling incoherently, it’s safe to assume it’s because you didn’t get the Six-Million-Dollar-Man doll? (That’s too bad. He was so cool, too. He came with a red jogging suit and this really neat plastic “circuit board” you could pop out of his left arm. Your parents really messed up by not getting you Col. Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world’s first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster ...)
I also can hum the theme song to “S.W.A.T.”
But I digress.
See, I love my daughter. So when she wants something, I try to get it for her without going overboard and spoiling her. Obviously, your parents didn’t love you enough to get you your “man doll.”
But back to the issue at hand. When did Barbie and those of her ilk quit their day jobs and became hookers? When I was young, I got “Growing Up Skipper” for Christmas. Barbie’s younger sister was quite the controversy back in the 1970s. With a crank of her arm, she went from a child to a teen. Her body extended to a thinner waist and she sprouted little plastic breasts. (Ah, if growing them were that easy with a crank of an arm. Women would be windmilling their arms a la Pete Townshend all over the place.)
Sure, I’m guilty. I’m the parent. I bought the doll. I’m wiser for it now, but the question is how much is enough? What’s next? PMS Barbie? She’ll come equipped with a box of Midol and a cranky disposition. Of course, the Ken doll won’t be included. He’s at the bar.
LITOWITZ: So what you’re saying is, we can measure the love you have for your daughter based on the price and number of toys you buy her.
What does it say about you when you rip a $20 doll from your daughter’s hands and replace it with the same doll that is reduced to $8? That you love her ... but just a little less?
Can’t wait until Hayley becomes a teen. Will you be taking out a second mortgage?
By the way, I’m not touching your Pete Townshend breast-growing comment.
MICCO: I’d like to think I love her just as much, but at a fraction of the price. Anyway, should we be using the same standard of comparison for you? Can we measure the love of your parents by what they got you?
Now, what would that be? Ah yes, baby-sitting duties and the empty promises of a “man doll.”
LITOWITZ: Oh, I eventually got the Six-Million-Dollar-Man doll. My aunt bought it for my birthday.
Sure, it was fun. But, how I cherished my Farrah Fawcett poster.
Guess Mom and Dad loved me after all.
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter. Last week, their column registered more than 500 hits on the Internet. Woo woo!)
Group seeks to raise bar on learning for athletes
August 21, 2006
By PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Success as a high school athlete is meaningless if excellence on the field is not mirrored in the classroom.
"If we, as parents and educators, do not raise the bar, as far as education is concerned, then we are literally contributing to the negative activity that goes on in the streets of New Castle," Pastor David M. Young Sr. said Thursday.
Young and six members of the city's black community met with school district administrators and board members to devise a strategy that promotes learning as a necessity and not an option.
"All of the kids need our help," resident Sam Holmes said. "We're not coming together for the minority. We're coming together for the majority."
This remarkable meeting had its genesis during a contentious school board meeting in mid-June. To show its displeasure over the hiring of a new administrative assistant to the superintendent, backers of junior high principal Jacqueline M. Respress spoke in her favor.
Respress was one of four candidates for the position, which eventually went to Terence Meehan.
One of the issues that arose involved the treatment of black athletes. Critics complained that they were being exploited for their talents, but not encouraged to succeed an education.
Instead of summarily dismissing the charges, board President Fred Mozzocio and Superintendent George Gabriel arranged a meeting of the district's athletic committee and the black community to examine the issues.
Thursday's gathering was the second session to explore the problems and to propose solutions.
"This is the first time I've seen a group of men come to me and say, 'We want to help.'" Gabriel said.
While the group's initial focus is specific -- student-athletes -- its goal is to offer guidance and support to all district students.
"We do offer after-school tutoring programs," Gabriel said, "One of our biggest problems is getting students to attend."
Using state standardized testing as a guide, the district's black students historically score lower than their white counterparts. Last year's tests, which were recently released, show white students receiving higher scores in the advanced and proficient categories of math and reading for grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight and 11.
Black third-graders at Thaddeus Stevens Primary Center fared better in math and reading proficiency tests than white students in the same school.
State athletic guidelines offer little incentive for students to perform well in class. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association says a student-athlete must pass four classes in order to particpate in a given sport.
"We have to let these kids know we're serious about educating them," Young said.
When the group next meets, it will decide on a name for the organization, propose a mission statement, work on a board resolution that will recognize the group as a part of the school district and develop a referral process.
"It has to happen on the grass-roots level," resident Lawrence Brewton said. "No doubt."
By PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Success as a high school athlete is meaningless if excellence on the field is not mirrored in the classroom.
"If we, as parents and educators, do not raise the bar, as far as education is concerned, then we are literally contributing to the negative activity that goes on in the streets of New Castle," Pastor David M. Young Sr. said Thursday.
Young and six members of the city's black community met with school district administrators and board members to devise a strategy that promotes learning as a necessity and not an option.
"All of the kids need our help," resident Sam Holmes said. "We're not coming together for the minority. We're coming together for the majority."
This remarkable meeting had its genesis during a contentious school board meeting in mid-June. To show its displeasure over the hiring of a new administrative assistant to the superintendent, backers of junior high principal Jacqueline M. Respress spoke in her favor.
Respress was one of four candidates for the position, which eventually went to Terence Meehan.
One of the issues that arose involved the treatment of black athletes. Critics complained that they were being exploited for their talents, but not encouraged to succeed an education.
Instead of summarily dismissing the charges, board President Fred Mozzocio and Superintendent George Gabriel arranged a meeting of the district's athletic committee and the black community to examine the issues.
Thursday's gathering was the second session to explore the problems and to propose solutions.
"This is the first time I've seen a group of men come to me and say, 'We want to help.'" Gabriel said.
While the group's initial focus is specific -- student-athletes -- its goal is to offer guidance and support to all district students.
"We do offer after-school tutoring programs," Gabriel said, "One of our biggest problems is getting students to attend."
Using state standardized testing as a guide, the district's black students historically score lower than their white counterparts. Last year's tests, which were recently released, show white students receiving higher scores in the advanced and proficient categories of math and reading for grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight and 11.
Black third-graders at Thaddeus Stevens Primary Center fared better in math and reading proficiency tests than white students in the same school.
State athletic guidelines offer little incentive for students to perform well in class. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association says a student-athlete must pass four classes in order to particpate in a given sport.
"We have to let these kids know we're serious about educating them," Young said.
When the group next meets, it will decide on a name for the organization, propose a mission statement, work on a board resolution that will recognize the group as a part of the school district and develop a referral process.
"It has to happen on the grass-roots level," resident Lawrence Brewton said. "No doubt."
He said, She said: The Bedford Downs Affair
August 12, 2006
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Welcome to race day, folks.
Let’s take a look at the toteboard as the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission’s first-ever “No One Heard of Us Until Slots Came Along Classic” gets under way.
No Way Carmen, running out of the No. 1 slot, is the prohibitive favorite at 4-5 odds.
Running even is Something Fishy is Going On.
After stumbling early, Mike Veon’s Baby shows at 3-1.
Also taking the field are Gov. Rendell’s Appeal (6-1), Whatever Happened to Valley View (10-1), Anton’s Argument (15-1) and Fair Process (100-1).
Like Charlie Bucket in “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, Carmen Shick and the backers of Bedford Downs continue to search for the elusive golden ticket — a harness racing license.
But this battle isn’t about harness racing; it’s all about the slots. Whoever holds the license taps into a fountain of riches.
Speaking of riches, let’s meet New Castle News staffers Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco — two people who have no money, no class and no hope.
Join Pat and Lisa as they discuss “Even When You Win, You Lose” or “There’s Still Life in This Dead Horse.”
LITOWITZ: What was I thinking? No, really.
(OK, if you must know. The other day I was imagining Micco during her days as a cheerleader at Neshannock High School. I just laughed and laughed. But I digress.)
In athletics, the goal is to win. Work hard. Play fair. Give it your best. And the only performance-enhancing drug out there is a little blue pill that starts with a “V.”
At issue is a harness racing license and not the sport itself. Maybe that explains why our good friends at the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission act as if they were professional wrestling promoters.
The harness racing license — which is worthless without the slots to back it up — gave the commission new-found power.
When Carmen Shick and Bedford Downs appeared on the scene, they messed up the grand plan.
MICCO: I think you have a cheerleader fetish that only a qualified licensed medical practitioner can attempt to treat.
But speaking of licenses ...
Hmmm, seems to me that the grand plan was to quietly slip the harness racing license to state Rep. Mike Veon’s camp without much fanfare and fuss. But when Shick showed up with his Bedford Downs presentation that literally blew the other off the track, it no longer became a matter of pushing Centaur through a few political paces. Instead, the powers-that-be were forced to take notice of Bedford Downs.
They expected Shick to be the wallflower at a debutante ball. Sure, he was invited to the soirée, probably more out of a societal obligation than a sincere gesture to see what he had to offer. But a funny thing happened on the way to the slots, Shick rocked the house.
LITOWITZ: Veon — the all-powerful Democrat from Beaver County — played an important role in the passage of slots legislation. In fact, one of the law’s stipulations was that western Pennsylvania would receive a slots license.
Translation: Mike, here’s your reward for helping out.
It was a foregone conclusion that Beaver County would be awarded the state’s last harness racing license. The county’s own newspaper said as much in the early days of the project.
Don’t underestimate what Shick accomplished during his presentation. He set the bar so high that Centaur couldn’t touch it.
But there was no way the powers-that-be would let Shick win. Yet, they couldn’t award the prize to Centaur because of the Shick Effect.
MICCO: The Shick Effect? Are we talking about a razor or a racetrack?
Well, someone’s been trying to shake Shick down. First, the New Castle News receives an anonymous letter from Florida, attempting to directly tie Shick to convicted Youngstown mobster Lenny Strollo. Those allegations were unfounded. Although, it’s interesting to note that a racing commission employee called The News to complain that we were prolonging its investigation.
However, the commission had no problem finding fault with Shick’s grandfather, Carmen Ambrosia. They feared Ambrosia “may have had” ties to organized crime figures from Youngstown. Again, the commission worried that giving Shick the license “would be inconsistent with the best interests of racing.”
(Yeah, there’s a stretch. Mobsters and racing.)
Seriously, if you’re going rattle a few skeletons in some closets, I’m sure a politician or two will fall out.
LITOWITZ: I had faith in the process until I heard this little tale.
Remember when the NAACP’s New Castle chapter had a rally for Shick in the middle of February?
My people tell me (stop laughing, I have “people”) that a harness racing commission official was livid about the rally. This person calls an NAACP official to say the event was pointless and that there was no way Shick could get the license.
Now fast-forward to late June. Gov. Rendell’s office files an appeal on behalf of the commission. Rendell wants to overturn the Commonwealth Court ruling that kept Shick in the race for the license while sending Centaur to the sidelines.
And if you think Veon is loyal to his Centaur friends, guess again. He was willing to strip the slots from the harness racing license.
The message to Bedford Downs backers is obvious: “You Don’t Have a Friend in Pennsylvania.”
MICCO (laughing hysterically): Your people? I can’t get past that. I need a moment.
LITOWITZ: Go ahead. Take your time. Seriously, I have people.
MICCO: Stop it! You’re killing me.
So anyway, the million dollar question is: Who do we have to bribe to get a racetrack around here? Wait, a million dollars isn’t enough.
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter.)
By Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Welcome to race day, folks.
Let’s take a look at the toteboard as the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission’s first-ever “No One Heard of Us Until Slots Came Along Classic” gets under way.
No Way Carmen, running out of the No. 1 slot, is the prohibitive favorite at 4-5 odds.
Running even is Something Fishy is Going On.
After stumbling early, Mike Veon’s Baby shows at 3-1.
Also taking the field are Gov. Rendell’s Appeal (6-1), Whatever Happened to Valley View (10-1), Anton’s Argument (15-1) and Fair Process (100-1).
Like Charlie Bucket in “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, Carmen Shick and the backers of Bedford Downs continue to search for the elusive golden ticket — a harness racing license.
But this battle isn’t about harness racing; it’s all about the slots. Whoever holds the license taps into a fountain of riches.
Speaking of riches, let’s meet New Castle News staffers Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco — two people who have no money, no class and no hope.
Join Pat and Lisa as they discuss “Even When You Win, You Lose” or “There’s Still Life in This Dead Horse.”
LITOWITZ: What was I thinking? No, really.
(OK, if you must know. The other day I was imagining Micco during her days as a cheerleader at Neshannock High School. I just laughed and laughed. But I digress.)
In athletics, the goal is to win. Work hard. Play fair. Give it your best. And the only performance-enhancing drug out there is a little blue pill that starts with a “V.”
At issue is a harness racing license and not the sport itself. Maybe that explains why our good friends at the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission act as if they were professional wrestling promoters.
The harness racing license — which is worthless without the slots to back it up — gave the commission new-found power.
When Carmen Shick and Bedford Downs appeared on the scene, they messed up the grand plan.
MICCO: I think you have a cheerleader fetish that only a qualified licensed medical practitioner can attempt to treat.
But speaking of licenses ...
Hmmm, seems to me that the grand plan was to quietly slip the harness racing license to state Rep. Mike Veon’s camp without much fanfare and fuss. But when Shick showed up with his Bedford Downs presentation that literally blew the other off the track, it no longer became a matter of pushing Centaur through a few political paces. Instead, the powers-that-be were forced to take notice of Bedford Downs.
They expected Shick to be the wallflower at a debutante ball. Sure, he was invited to the soirée, probably more out of a societal obligation than a sincere gesture to see what he had to offer. But a funny thing happened on the way to the slots, Shick rocked the house.
LITOWITZ: Veon — the all-powerful Democrat from Beaver County — played an important role in the passage of slots legislation. In fact, one of the law’s stipulations was that western Pennsylvania would receive a slots license.
Translation: Mike, here’s your reward for helping out.
It was a foregone conclusion that Beaver County would be awarded the state’s last harness racing license. The county’s own newspaper said as much in the early days of the project.
Don’t underestimate what Shick accomplished during his presentation. He set the bar so high that Centaur couldn’t touch it.
But there was no way the powers-that-be would let Shick win. Yet, they couldn’t award the prize to Centaur because of the Shick Effect.
MICCO: The Shick Effect? Are we talking about a razor or a racetrack?
Well, someone’s been trying to shake Shick down. First, the New Castle News receives an anonymous letter from Florida, attempting to directly tie Shick to convicted Youngstown mobster Lenny Strollo. Those allegations were unfounded. Although, it’s interesting to note that a racing commission employee called The News to complain that we were prolonging its investigation.
However, the commission had no problem finding fault with Shick’s grandfather, Carmen Ambrosia. They feared Ambrosia “may have had” ties to organized crime figures from Youngstown. Again, the commission worried that giving Shick the license “would be inconsistent with the best interests of racing.”
(Yeah, there’s a stretch. Mobsters and racing.)
Seriously, if you’re going rattle a few skeletons in some closets, I’m sure a politician or two will fall out.
LITOWITZ: I had faith in the process until I heard this little tale.
Remember when the NAACP’s New Castle chapter had a rally for Shick in the middle of February?
My people tell me (stop laughing, I have “people”) that a harness racing commission official was livid about the rally. This person calls an NAACP official to say the event was pointless and that there was no way Shick could get the license.
Now fast-forward to late June. Gov. Rendell’s office files an appeal on behalf of the commission. Rendell wants to overturn the Commonwealth Court ruling that kept Shick in the race for the license while sending Centaur to the sidelines.
And if you think Veon is loyal to his Centaur friends, guess again. He was willing to strip the slots from the harness racing license.
The message to Bedford Downs backers is obvious: “You Don’t Have a Friend in Pennsylvania.”
MICCO (laughing hysterically): Your people? I can’t get past that. I need a moment.
LITOWITZ: Go ahead. Take your time. Seriously, I have people.
MICCO: Stop it! You’re killing me.
So anyway, the million dollar question is: Who do we have to bribe to get a racetrack around here? Wait, a million dollars isn’t enough.
(He Said/She Said is written by New Castle News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter.)
VIOLATIONS: Affordable Housing buildings had dozens of code problems
August 08, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The price of the repair was cheap — a pack of cigarettes.
However, a Frank Avenue family was left without answers and heat as it waited several weeks to have a furnace repaired last winter.
It was just one of the problems Jennifer Twaddle and Jason Smith faced as a rental property changed ownership in December from a New Castle Area School District administrator, now retired, to a nonprofit housing agency.
“(Nick DeRosa) told us to call a furnace man to come in and fix it,” Twaddle said.
Although he indicated he would reimburse her, Twaddle said, “he expected me to pay for it.” She didn’t have the money.
When Twaddle’s problems started in mid-December, she believed DeRosa owned the duplex. However, it had been sold Dec. 7 to Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, a group created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority.
“Me, my girlfriend and three kids have to live in a house with no heat,” Smith added.
Eventually, a friend helped Smith make repairs. During that time, he sent his family to live with relatives.
“All (he) charged us was a pack of cigarettes to get it up and running,” she said.
Attempts to reach DeRosa were unsuccessful.
As part of the sales process, the city of New Castle is required to inspect the property. The New Castle News requested and received the city’s code enforcement reports on the properties bought by Affordable Housing.
Anthony Cioffi, code enforcement officer, noted 149 violations involving the seven structures the nonprofit group had purchased for a total of $327,000.
The Frank Avenue duplex had 45 violations, including problems with a foundation wall, rodents, the electrical system and garbage inside.
“Frank Avenue was bad,” said Tony Carbone, who was hired by Affordable Housing to oversee the cleanup. “The basement was so full of stuff you wouldn’t believe it.”
“It took two truckloads to clear out basement,” Smith added.
Carbone said his workers needed 10 trucks to clean out six of the seven properties.
“These places were bad,” Carbone said. “They weren’t livable.
“Dewey was probably the cleanest of all.”
Previously owned by Harry DeRosa, the Dewey Avenue property had the fewest violations — five. The infractions were minor, such as electric outlet cover plates and porch roof shingles needing to be replaced and a damaged ceiling tile.
Harry DeRosa and Nick DeRosa are cousins.
Before declaring itself insolvent in March, Affordable Housing officials planned to rehabilitate the homes. Once repaired, the structures were to be rented to low-income and handicapped individuals. That never materialized.
Today, the group is nearly $500,000 in debt. The group’s two remaining officials, Bill Bonner and Deno DeLorenzo, are looking to sell off the properties, either privately or via auction.
Smith and Twaddle, who had lived at the Frank Avenue duplex since last year, paid $350 a month in rent. Affordable Housing officials stopped collecting payments in March.
They previously lived at 217 E. Wallace Ave., which Nick DeRosa and his business partner, John Orlando, owned before selling to Affordable.
“One day there was a storm with heavy rain,” Smith said. “Something came down through the roof and created a hole the size of a football.
“I tell Nick DeRosa. He doesn’t do nothing. All he does is say, ‘Do you want to move to a different house?’
Smith and Twaddle agreed to relocate to Frank Avenue.
“The best thing to do is tear these houses down.” Smith said.
BY THE NUMBERS
The city inspected seven properties prior to their purchase by and transfer to Affordable Housing of Lawrence County.
Anthony Cioffi, New Castle code enforcement officer, recorded 149 violations.
Listed below are the addresses of the houses he inspected and the number of code violations, along with the sale price and the names of the former owners:
•857-859 Frank Ave., 45 violations, bought for $49,000, formerly owned by Nick DeRosa
•502 Florence Ave., 30, $48,000, Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•445-445 1/2 N. Cascade St., 28, $40,000, Harry DeRosa
•217 E. Wallace Ave., 18, $45,000 Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•1806 Highland Ave., 15, $72,000, Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•446 Croton Ave., eight, $28,000, David L. Defibaugh
•1123-1125 Dewey Ave., five, $45,000 Harry DeRosa
(Source: New Castle code enforcement department.)
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The price of the repair was cheap — a pack of cigarettes.
However, a Frank Avenue family was left without answers and heat as it waited several weeks to have a furnace repaired last winter.
It was just one of the problems Jennifer Twaddle and Jason Smith faced as a rental property changed ownership in December from a New Castle Area School District administrator, now retired, to a nonprofit housing agency.
“(Nick DeRosa) told us to call a furnace man to come in and fix it,” Twaddle said.
Although he indicated he would reimburse her, Twaddle said, “he expected me to pay for it.” She didn’t have the money.
When Twaddle’s problems started in mid-December, she believed DeRosa owned the duplex. However, it had been sold Dec. 7 to Affordable Housing of Lawrence County, a group created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority.
“Me, my girlfriend and three kids have to live in a house with no heat,” Smith added.
Eventually, a friend helped Smith make repairs. During that time, he sent his family to live with relatives.
“All (he) charged us was a pack of cigarettes to get it up and running,” she said.
Attempts to reach DeRosa were unsuccessful.
As part of the sales process, the city of New Castle is required to inspect the property. The New Castle News requested and received the city’s code enforcement reports on the properties bought by Affordable Housing.
Anthony Cioffi, code enforcement officer, noted 149 violations involving the seven structures the nonprofit group had purchased for a total of $327,000.
The Frank Avenue duplex had 45 violations, including problems with a foundation wall, rodents, the electrical system and garbage inside.
“Frank Avenue was bad,” said Tony Carbone, who was hired by Affordable Housing to oversee the cleanup. “The basement was so full of stuff you wouldn’t believe it.”
“It took two truckloads to clear out basement,” Smith added.
Carbone said his workers needed 10 trucks to clean out six of the seven properties.
“These places were bad,” Carbone said. “They weren’t livable.
“Dewey was probably the cleanest of all.”
Previously owned by Harry DeRosa, the Dewey Avenue property had the fewest violations — five. The infractions were minor, such as electric outlet cover plates and porch roof shingles needing to be replaced and a damaged ceiling tile.
Harry DeRosa and Nick DeRosa are cousins.
Before declaring itself insolvent in March, Affordable Housing officials planned to rehabilitate the homes. Once repaired, the structures were to be rented to low-income and handicapped individuals. That never materialized.
Today, the group is nearly $500,000 in debt. The group’s two remaining officials, Bill Bonner and Deno DeLorenzo, are looking to sell off the properties, either privately or via auction.
Smith and Twaddle, who had lived at the Frank Avenue duplex since last year, paid $350 a month in rent. Affordable Housing officials stopped collecting payments in March.
They previously lived at 217 E. Wallace Ave., which Nick DeRosa and his business partner, John Orlando, owned before selling to Affordable.
“One day there was a storm with heavy rain,” Smith said. “Something came down through the roof and created a hole the size of a football.
“I tell Nick DeRosa. He doesn’t do nothing. All he does is say, ‘Do you want to move to a different house?’
Smith and Twaddle agreed to relocate to Frank Avenue.
“The best thing to do is tear these houses down.” Smith said.
BY THE NUMBERS
The city inspected seven properties prior to their purchase by and transfer to Affordable Housing of Lawrence County.
Anthony Cioffi, New Castle code enforcement officer, recorded 149 violations.
Listed below are the addresses of the houses he inspected and the number of code violations, along with the sale price and the names of the former owners:
•857-859 Frank Ave., 45 violations, bought for $49,000, formerly owned by Nick DeRosa
•502 Florence Ave., 30, $48,000, Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•445-445 1/2 N. Cascade St., 28, $40,000, Harry DeRosa
•217 E. Wallace Ave., 18, $45,000 Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•1806 Highland Ave., 15, $72,000, Nick DeRosa and John Orlando
•446 Croton Ave., eight, $28,000, David L. Defibaugh
•1123-1125 Dewey Ave., five, $45,000 Harry DeRosa
(Source: New Castle code enforcement department.)
He Said/She Said: Route 224 closing creates chaos
August 05, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Panic. Confusion. Outrage.
No, we're not talking about Gary Felasco's criminal sentencing.
This is much more important. Lawrence County's access to the outside world has been cut off. Residents are trapped in their homes. Life has come to a screeching halt.
Why? Route 224 into Boardman is closed for roadwork.
A direct route into "civilization" is denied. Motorists are driving aimlessly through Bessemer, Coitsville, Lowellville and Struthers in an effort to reach the promised land.
Oh, sure. "They" say the work will be completed by mid-September. But who believes "them"?
Woe, woe, woe is us.
Wait just one minute. Are the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco together again? This can't be good.
After a lengthy hiatus, this award-winning duo (yes, they remind everyone daily that they have won awards) is back together. For how long? Who knows? Does anybody really care? Does anybody really know what time it is?
If you know what's good for you, start writing letters to The News' publisher Max Thomson and have these bums tossed off the news pages.
In the meanwhile, join Pat and Lisa as they discuss "The Long and Winding Road" or "Reunited and It Feels Not So Good."
LITOWITZ: Excuse me. I don't recall agreeing to work with what's-her-name. I'm way too busy investigating "stuff." Lisa was holding me back.
Besides, I've moved on. I've grown. I've matured.
MICCO: Yes, excuse you. Let's take a station identification break from Fantasy Island. Unless you count your treks to Eckards for the buy one, get one free bags of Bugles as moving on, the last time I checked you were still here at The News annoying me on a daily basis.
But on to more important matters. I blame you for the closing of Route 224 into Boardman. You travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania every day. I sense a conspiracy to keep the rest of us out.
LITOWITZ: Just you, honey. Otherwise, we welcome our friends from the Keystone State with open arms. Just remember, we accept cash, checks and credit cards.
Really, what's the big deal? Lawrence County has everything Boardman has to offer.
We have a Wal-Mart. You have a Wal-Mart.
We have a Lowe's. You have a Lowe's.
We have a Pizza Joes. You have a Pizza Joes.
We have three movie theaters. You have a movie theater.
We have a Stone Cold Creamery. You ...
Well, you're not worthy of a Stone Cold Creamery.
MICCO: You can keep your Stone Cold. We have Forbush's.
With the exception of some great locally owned eateries, Lawrence County is missing out on a few things. A mall, for starters. (And, no, Wal-Mart does not count.) That's why the closing of Route 224 is so frustrating to the majority of shoppers. It is our main artery to civilization. It's where the cup runneth over.
New Castle, on the other hand, has more dollar stores per square inch than any city in the United States. It's drowning in debt. No one wants to declare it a distressed city, even though it more than qualifies for that distinction. We're about four missing teeth away from being called Appalachia.
So, yeah, the closing of 224 is detrimental to well-being of power shoppers.
LITOWITZ: Have you heard of a little place called "Neshannock"? It's where all the rich people live.
So if New Castle distresses and depresses you, head north.
The roads are clear of construction workers. The people are friendly. The stores are stocked with merchandise. Why you could bowl, buy a car, eat great Italian food and enjoy discounted gas prices with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card (where you get 10 cents off per gallon when you purchase $50 worth of groceries) all on a half-mile stretch along Route 18.
Did you ever think that if you shopped here, you would entice retailers to Lawrence County?
MICCO: Ah, yes, the county's entire economic development is based on whether or not I shop here. Actually, I DO shop here and it hasn't enticed one American Eagle, one Outback or one Hot Topic to open here. In fact, I prefer to shop here because of that ridiculous clothing sales tax your home state inflicts on us.
My point is (and I do have one, actually two) that Boardman offers lots of choices for Keystone consumers and your attitude toward us stinks. After all, we are contributing to your tax base, not to mention the gobs of money the Poland police make off us with those ridiculous speed traps. What is up with that? For 10 feet, it's 20 mph. The next 20 feet, it's 35 mph. Then it's 5 mph between a big oak tree and a brick building. You know what? You're right. I'm shopping here, keeping my dollars in Lawrence County.
LITOWITZ: That's right. Stay with your own people. We don't want you. In the meantime, I'll be taking the super secret detour from home to work. And yes, there is a super secret detour.
MICCO: I don't think anyone is interested in the dirt tunnel you slither in to and from work.
(He Said/She Said is written by News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter.)
By Pat Litowitz
and Lisa Micco
New Castle News
Panic. Confusion. Outrage.
No, we're not talking about Gary Felasco's criminal sentencing.
This is much more important. Lawrence County's access to the outside world has been cut off. Residents are trapped in their homes. Life has come to a screeching halt.
Why? Route 224 into Boardman is closed for roadwork.
A direct route into "civilization" is denied. Motorists are driving aimlessly through Bessemer, Coitsville, Lowellville and Struthers in an effort to reach the promised land.
Oh, sure. "They" say the work will be completed by mid-September. But who believes "them"?
Woe, woe, woe is us.
Wait just one minute. Are the New Castle News' Pat Litowitz and Lisa Micco together again? This can't be good.
After a lengthy hiatus, this award-winning duo (yes, they remind everyone daily that they have won awards) is back together. For how long? Who knows? Does anybody really care? Does anybody really know what time it is?
If you know what's good for you, start writing letters to The News' publisher Max Thomson and have these bums tossed off the news pages.
In the meanwhile, join Pat and Lisa as they discuss "The Long and Winding Road" or "Reunited and It Feels Not So Good."
LITOWITZ: Excuse me. I don't recall agreeing to work with what's-her-name. I'm way too busy investigating "stuff." Lisa was holding me back.
Besides, I've moved on. I've grown. I've matured.
MICCO: Yes, excuse you. Let's take a station identification break from Fantasy Island. Unless you count your treks to Eckards for the buy one, get one free bags of Bugles as moving on, the last time I checked you were still here at The News annoying me on a daily basis.
But on to more important matters. I blame you for the closing of Route 224 into Boardman. You travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania every day. I sense a conspiracy to keep the rest of us out.
LITOWITZ: Just you, honey. Otherwise, we welcome our friends from the Keystone State with open arms. Just remember, we accept cash, checks and credit cards.
Really, what's the big deal? Lawrence County has everything Boardman has to offer.
We have a Wal-Mart. You have a Wal-Mart.
We have a Lowe's. You have a Lowe's.
We have a Pizza Joes. You have a Pizza Joes.
We have three movie theaters. You have a movie theater.
We have a Stone Cold Creamery. You ...
Well, you're not worthy of a Stone Cold Creamery.
MICCO: You can keep your Stone Cold. We have Forbush's.
With the exception of some great locally owned eateries, Lawrence County is missing out on a few things. A mall, for starters. (And, no, Wal-Mart does not count.) That's why the closing of Route 224 is so frustrating to the majority of shoppers. It is our main artery to civilization. It's where the cup runneth over.
New Castle, on the other hand, has more dollar stores per square inch than any city in the United States. It's drowning in debt. No one wants to declare it a distressed city, even though it more than qualifies for that distinction. We're about four missing teeth away from being called Appalachia.
So, yeah, the closing of 224 is detrimental to well-being of power shoppers.
LITOWITZ: Have you heard of a little place called "Neshannock"? It's where all the rich people live.
So if New Castle distresses and depresses you, head north.
The roads are clear of construction workers. The people are friendly. The stores are stocked with merchandise. Why you could bowl, buy a car, eat great Italian food and enjoy discounted gas prices with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card (where you get 10 cents off per gallon when you purchase $50 worth of groceries) all on a half-mile stretch along Route 18.
Did you ever think that if you shopped here, you would entice retailers to Lawrence County?
MICCO: Ah, yes, the county's entire economic development is based on whether or not I shop here. Actually, I DO shop here and it hasn't enticed one American Eagle, one Outback or one Hot Topic to open here. In fact, I prefer to shop here because of that ridiculous clothing sales tax your home state inflicts on us.
My point is (and I do have one, actually two) that Boardman offers lots of choices for Keystone consumers and your attitude toward us stinks. After all, we are contributing to your tax base, not to mention the gobs of money the Poland police make off us with those ridiculous speed traps. What is up with that? For 10 feet, it's 20 mph. The next 20 feet, it's 35 mph. Then it's 5 mph between a big oak tree and a brick building. You know what? You're right. I'm shopping here, keeping my dollars in Lawrence County.
LITOWITZ: That's right. Stay with your own people. We don't want you. In the meantime, I'll be taking the super secret detour from home to work. And yes, there is a super secret detour.
MICCO: I don't think anyone is interested in the dirt tunnel you slither in to and from work.
(He Said/She Said is written by News staffers Lisa Micco, design editor, and Pat Litowitz, investigative reporter.)
Housing panel nears new personnel policy
August 02, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority has moved closer to implementing an overhauled and expanded personnel policy.
The remaining issue for the authority’s board to resolve focused on compensatory time for its 19 salaried employees.
Board members and staff met in a work session yesterday to make final adjustments to manuals affecting administrative and maintenance workers. The board will vote on the new guidelines at its Aug. 10 meeting.
“We’ve spent enough time hashing and rehashing this,” solicitor Louis Perrotta said.
Chairman Robert Heath has pressed his colleagues since January to revamp authority personnel procedures. Citing significant shortcomings in the current manual, Heath said items such as grievance procedures, vehicle use and comp time needed to be defined.
Although illegal in the private sector, comp time is a tool public agencies are permitted to use in place of paying overtime. Like overtime, comp time is paid back at a minimum time-and-a-half rate.
“It’s not like it’s a business,” James Phelps said of agencies such as the housing authority. “It’s a tax-based ‘industry.’
“In the private sector, we don’t allow comp time. Each work week stands alone.”
Phelps is an investigator with the U.S. Department of Labor’s wage and hour division in Pittsburgh.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the housing authority is required to have a written understanding or agreement with its salaried employees before comp time can be issued. The current policy does not address the topic.
“I want to set the exact standard,” Heath said of the new policy.
Executive director Robert Evanick has authorized comp time to employees in the past.
Maintenance supervisor Rob Ratkovich is owed 34 hours. Nick Mariano, the authority’s public housing inspector and safety officer, has accumulated 31 hours. Clerk Mary Fishe and Dennis Marlowe, assistant maintenance supervisor, have 13 and six hours, respectively, owed to them.
As a supervisor, Ratkovich is exempt from federal regulations regarding comp time. If and when Ratkovich does receive it, it will be at Evanick’s discretion.
“We don’t have to give it to him if we don’t want to,” Evanick said.
Ratkovich’s predecessor, Angelo Burrelli, had received comp time and overtime pay.
Board members and Evanick took a different view with regard to Mariano. In his role as security director, Mariano is on-call 24 hours a day.
“It’s really unfair to a guy like Nick, who gets called out in the middle of the night” not to give him comp time, Evanick said.
Because part of Mariano’s duties involves law enforcement, Perrotta said he must research how federal regulations would apply to him.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The Lawrence County Housing Authority has moved closer to implementing an overhauled and expanded personnel policy.
The remaining issue for the authority’s board to resolve focused on compensatory time for its 19 salaried employees.
Board members and staff met in a work session yesterday to make final adjustments to manuals affecting administrative and maintenance workers. The board will vote on the new guidelines at its Aug. 10 meeting.
“We’ve spent enough time hashing and rehashing this,” solicitor Louis Perrotta said.
Chairman Robert Heath has pressed his colleagues since January to revamp authority personnel procedures. Citing significant shortcomings in the current manual, Heath said items such as grievance procedures, vehicle use and comp time needed to be defined.
Although illegal in the private sector, comp time is a tool public agencies are permitted to use in place of paying overtime. Like overtime, comp time is paid back at a minimum time-and-a-half rate.
“It’s not like it’s a business,” James Phelps said of agencies such as the housing authority. “It’s a tax-based ‘industry.’
“In the private sector, we don’t allow comp time. Each work week stands alone.”
Phelps is an investigator with the U.S. Department of Labor’s wage and hour division in Pittsburgh.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the housing authority is required to have a written understanding or agreement with its salaried employees before comp time can be issued. The current policy does not address the topic.
“I want to set the exact standard,” Heath said of the new policy.
Executive director Robert Evanick has authorized comp time to employees in the past.
Maintenance supervisor Rob Ratkovich is owed 34 hours. Nick Mariano, the authority’s public housing inspector and safety officer, has accumulated 31 hours. Clerk Mary Fishe and Dennis Marlowe, assistant maintenance supervisor, have 13 and six hours, respectively, owed to them.
As a supervisor, Ratkovich is exempt from federal regulations regarding comp time. If and when Ratkovich does receive it, it will be at Evanick’s discretion.
“We don’t have to give it to him if we don’t want to,” Evanick said.
Ratkovich’s predecessor, Angelo Burrelli, had received comp time and overtime pay.
Board members and Evanick took a different view with regard to Mariano. In his role as security director, Mariano is on-call 24 hours a day.
“It’s really unfair to a guy like Nick, who gets called out in the middle of the night” not to give him comp time, Evanick said.
Because part of Mariano’s duties involves law enforcement, Perrotta said he must research how federal regulations would apply to him.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Agency still owns houses, but not collecting rent
July 31, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A nonprofit housing group is still in the rental business, albeit in name only.
Despite declaring itself insolvent in late March, Affordable Housing of Lawrence County remains the owner of eight properties in New Castle.
Four have tenants. However, Affordable Housing officials have not collected rent since the beginning of the year.
The other properties have transformed into neighborhood eyesores and potential hazards.
Garbage bags and boxes fill the porch of a vacant Highland Avenue triplex. About two miles away, a Croton Avenue structure no longer resembles a home, after vandals have damaged the interior. Three- and four-unit apartment complexes on East Wallace and Florence avenues are in varying stages of decline.
“Bill Bonner and myself have not made any decisions (about the properties),” said Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer. “There are a variety of parties involved.”
Bonner, Affordable’s president, took over for Robert Evanick in January. Evanick is the executive director of the Lawrence County Housing Authority.
The authority created the spin-off agency in August 2003. The authority also provided it with approximately $200,000 in loans and additional funds from its coin-laundry operations.
Under Evanick’s leadership, Affordable Housing purchased the eight properties last year for $340,000. First Commonwealth Bank entered into two mortgages with Affordable Housing that total $290,000.
With approximately a half-million dollars in debt, the nonprofit group said in late March it could no longer pay its bills. The housing authority has since ended its association with Affordable Housing and resumed control of its coin-laundry machines.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides the housing authority with its funding, has been investigating the issues involving the two groups.
Maria Bynum, HUD’s regional public affairs director in Philadelphia, said that probe continues. She would not provide additional information.
DeLorenzo said he and Bonner will be meeting this week with representatives of HUD and First Commonwealth.
“We’re going to decide jointly what were going to do,” he said. “Those decisions will be made in the next few days.”
He expects the houses to be out of Affordable’s name in the next three weeks.
First Commonwealth has yet to foreclose on the properties, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
DeLorenzo said one tenant paid rent in March and that was the last check he had received.
“Nobody is paying rent.”
The condition of the properties will have an adverse affect as Affordable Housing attempts to sell them off.
The Florence Avenue apartment building on the city’s East Side illustrates that point.
“It decreases the value over the whole neighborhood,” said Betsy Fisher, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna.
The structure was purchased from Nicholas DeRosa and John A. Orlando for $48,000 on Dec. 7, 2005. The county had valued the property at $30,800 while the state said it was worth approximately $34,000.
It would be difficult imagining the property recouping its sale price. Two homes on Florence Avenue recently sold for $15,000 and $17,000. They had been originally listed at $26,000 and $29,900.
“I don’t want to put a value on those houses,” DeLorenzo said. “That would be inappropriate.”
He said the properties would first be offered at a private sale and then at an auction.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A nonprofit housing group is still in the rental business, albeit in name only.
Despite declaring itself insolvent in late March, Affordable Housing of Lawrence County remains the owner of eight properties in New Castle.
Four have tenants. However, Affordable Housing officials have not collected rent since the beginning of the year.
The other properties have transformed into neighborhood eyesores and potential hazards.
Garbage bags and boxes fill the porch of a vacant Highland Avenue triplex. About two miles away, a Croton Avenue structure no longer resembles a home, after vandals have damaged the interior. Three- and four-unit apartment complexes on East Wallace and Florence avenues are in varying stages of decline.
“Bill Bonner and myself have not made any decisions (about the properties),” said Deno DeLorenzo, Affordable Housing’s secretary and treasurer. “There are a variety of parties involved.”
Bonner, Affordable’s president, took over for Robert Evanick in January. Evanick is the executive director of the Lawrence County Housing Authority.
The authority created the spin-off agency in August 2003. The authority also provided it with approximately $200,000 in loans and additional funds from its coin-laundry operations.
Under Evanick’s leadership, Affordable Housing purchased the eight properties last year for $340,000. First Commonwealth Bank entered into two mortgages with Affordable Housing that total $290,000.
With approximately a half-million dollars in debt, the nonprofit group said in late March it could no longer pay its bills. The housing authority has since ended its association with Affordable Housing and resumed control of its coin-laundry machines.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides the housing authority with its funding, has been investigating the issues involving the two groups.
Maria Bynum, HUD’s regional public affairs director in Philadelphia, said that probe continues. She would not provide additional information.
DeLorenzo said he and Bonner will be meeting this week with representatives of HUD and First Commonwealth.
“We’re going to decide jointly what were going to do,” he said. “Those decisions will be made in the next few days.”
He expects the houses to be out of Affordable’s name in the next three weeks.
First Commonwealth has yet to foreclose on the properties, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
DeLorenzo said one tenant paid rent in March and that was the last check he had received.
“Nobody is paying rent.”
The condition of the properties will have an adverse affect as Affordable Housing attempts to sell them off.
The Florence Avenue apartment building on the city’s East Side illustrates that point.
“It decreases the value over the whole neighborhood,” said Betsy Fisher, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna.
The structure was purchased from Nicholas DeRosa and John A. Orlando for $48,000 on Dec. 7, 2005. The county had valued the property at $30,800 while the state said it was worth approximately $34,000.
It would be difficult imagining the property recouping its sale price. Two homes on Florence Avenue recently sold for $15,000 and $17,000. They had been originally listed at $26,000 and $29,900.
“I don’t want to put a value on those houses,” DeLorenzo said. “That would be inappropriate.”
He said the properties would first be offered at a private sale and then at an auction.
NEW LOCAL: Bus routes may be replaced
July 28, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A New Bedford woman said cutbacks in bus service have left her stranded.
However, a cooperative effort between Lawrence County commissioners and a social service agency may pick up the spirits of county seniors, such as 83-year-old Mimi Edwards.
“I ain’t getting around,” Edwards said yesterday. “This has been the saddest day of my life. I feel like I’ve been put on an island.
“I miss that bus so much.”
Earlier this month, the New Castle Area Transit Authority slashed four routes. General manager Leonard Lastoria cited a lack of ridership in announcing the reduction of services.
The loss of the Villa Maria/Lincoln Knolls Plaza route, which ran Mondays through Fridays, has kept Edwards at home. She had used the bus service three to four times a week. Her favorite destination was the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Union Township.
As a senior, she rode the transit authority bus for free.
Allied Coordinated Transportation Services Inc. is working with the county to provide free bus service to seniors who need to pick up groceries. The cost to the county would be $5,400 to $5,500.
“I called Angie (Elias of ACTS) and asked her if anything could be done,” Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said yesterday during the commissioners’ work session. “I don’t care if it comes out of the county contingency fund or where it comes from.
“We’re crazy if we don’t do this.”
Traditionally, ACTS charges seniors 15 percent of the trip’s cost. Proceeds, made available through the Pennsylvania Lottery, pay the remaining 85 percent. Under the proposal, the county would pick up the rider’s share.
“Obviously, there’s contingency fund money there for this,” Commissioner Dan Vogler said.
If commissioners approve the proposal during their meeting Tuesday, Elias said the program could be in place by the middle of August.
“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Fosnaught said.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A New Bedford woman said cutbacks in bus service have left her stranded.
However, a cooperative effort between Lawrence County commissioners and a social service agency may pick up the spirits of county seniors, such as 83-year-old Mimi Edwards.
“I ain’t getting around,” Edwards said yesterday. “This has been the saddest day of my life. I feel like I’ve been put on an island.
“I miss that bus so much.”
Earlier this month, the New Castle Area Transit Authority slashed four routes. General manager Leonard Lastoria cited a lack of ridership in announcing the reduction of services.
The loss of the Villa Maria/Lincoln Knolls Plaza route, which ran Mondays through Fridays, has kept Edwards at home. She had used the bus service three to four times a week. Her favorite destination was the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Union Township.
As a senior, she rode the transit authority bus for free.
Allied Coordinated Transportation Services Inc. is working with the county to provide free bus service to seniors who need to pick up groceries. The cost to the county would be $5,400 to $5,500.
“I called Angie (Elias of ACTS) and asked her if anything could be done,” Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said yesterday during the commissioners’ work session. “I don’t care if it comes out of the county contingency fund or where it comes from.
“We’re crazy if we don’t do this.”
Traditionally, ACTS charges seniors 15 percent of the trip’s cost. Proceeds, made available through the Pennsylvania Lottery, pay the remaining 85 percent. Under the proposal, the county would pick up the rider’s share.
“Obviously, there’s contingency fund money there for this,” Commissioner Dan Vogler said.
If commissioners approve the proposal during their meeting Tuesday, Elias said the program could be in place by the middle of August.
“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Fosnaught said.
REPLACING FELASCO: Housing Authority nominee named
July 28, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A Pulaski Township resident who specializes in finance has been nominated to serve on the Lawrence County Housing Authority board.
County Commissioner Dan Vogler recommended Michael L. Mancuso, 44, to replace disgraced county Treasurer Gary F. Felasco. Mancuso is a regional manager with Sky Bank. He oversees the company’s western Pennsylvania sales support team.
“I’m excited about it,” Mancuso said yesterday. “I’m actually very honored.”
Vogler’s selection was made yesterday at the commissioners’ work session. Mancuso’s appointment will be voted on Tuesday at the commissioners’ regular meeting.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught did not offer a name for consideration. Commissioner Steve Craig was not in attendance. He was in Pittsburgh for a labor relations hearing.
“He does have a strong background in finance,” Vogler said. “At this point in time that would be an asset to the housing authority.”
While the county does not provide the authority with financial assistance, commissioners are authorized to appoint members to its board. This will mark the third appointment that the current board of commissioners will have made.
Last year, commissioners named Ernestine Wise to replace James Graves as the housing authority’s tenant representative. That was followed with the selection of Ellwood City police Chief William Betz. He took the seat of Jeffrey Scrim, New Castle’s fire chief.
“The organization needs to have its financial house in order,” Mancuso said. “It needs to be run like a business.
“I would be taking a close at everything they’re doing.”
More than 30 county residents submitted letters of interest to commissioners. Notable applicants included New Castle Mayor Wayne Alexander, state Rep. Frank LaGrotta, Ellwood City borough manager Dom Viccari, former state representative and county commissioner Thomas J. Fee, developer Angelo Medure and retired housing authority maintenance superintendent Angelo Burrelli.
Five housing authority residents also applied.
Felasco, who has been convicted on state theft charges, resigned his seat on the housing authority last month. In November 2005, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended him in response to the state charges.
Felasco’s term began Jan. 1, 2003, and was scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2007.
Commissioners will have one, perhaps two, more opportunities to make appointments this year to the housing authority board. Chairman Robert Heath’s term ends in December.
The county also is suing to have board member Donald “Ducky” Conti removed from his seat. In January, Conti pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gambling charge. He received two years’ probation.
County common pleas court Judge J. Craig Cox will preside over the hearing, which opens Monday.
“The commissioners are wasting money getting me off the board,” Conti said yesterday. “I didn’t do nothing against HUD or the housing authority.
“All they’re doing is throwing money away on a nonpaid position.”
Conti’s term expires Dec. 31, 2008.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A Pulaski Township resident who specializes in finance has been nominated to serve on the Lawrence County Housing Authority board.
County Commissioner Dan Vogler recommended Michael L. Mancuso, 44, to replace disgraced county Treasurer Gary F. Felasco. Mancuso is a regional manager with Sky Bank. He oversees the company’s western Pennsylvania sales support team.
“I’m excited about it,” Mancuso said yesterday. “I’m actually very honored.”
Vogler’s selection was made yesterday at the commissioners’ work session. Mancuso’s appointment will be voted on Tuesday at the commissioners’ regular meeting.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught did not offer a name for consideration. Commissioner Steve Craig was not in attendance. He was in Pittsburgh for a labor relations hearing.
“He does have a strong background in finance,” Vogler said. “At this point in time that would be an asset to the housing authority.”
While the county does not provide the authority with financial assistance, commissioners are authorized to appoint members to its board. This will mark the third appointment that the current board of commissioners will have made.
Last year, commissioners named Ernestine Wise to replace James Graves as the housing authority’s tenant representative. That was followed with the selection of Ellwood City police Chief William Betz. He took the seat of Jeffrey Scrim, New Castle’s fire chief.
“The organization needs to have its financial house in order,” Mancuso said. “It needs to be run like a business.
“I would be taking a close at everything they’re doing.”
More than 30 county residents submitted letters of interest to commissioners. Notable applicants included New Castle Mayor Wayne Alexander, state Rep. Frank LaGrotta, Ellwood City borough manager Dom Viccari, former state representative and county commissioner Thomas J. Fee, developer Angelo Medure and retired housing authority maintenance superintendent Angelo Burrelli.
Five housing authority residents also applied.
Felasco, who has been convicted on state theft charges, resigned his seat on the housing authority last month. In November 2005, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended him in response to the state charges.
Felasco’s term began Jan. 1, 2003, and was scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2007.
Commissioners will have one, perhaps two, more opportunities to make appointments this year to the housing authority board. Chairman Robert Heath’s term ends in December.
The county also is suing to have board member Donald “Ducky” Conti removed from his seat. In January, Conti pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gambling charge. He received two years’ probation.
County common pleas court Judge J. Craig Cox will preside over the hearing, which opens Monday.
“The commissioners are wasting money getting me off the board,” Conti said yesterday. “I didn’t do nothing against HUD or the housing authority.
“All they’re doing is throwing money away on a nonpaid position.”
Conti’s term expires Dec. 31, 2008.
School district to pay DeRosa nearly $55,000 for 312 sick days
July 11, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Retired school administrator Nicholas DeRosa amassed almost a year’s worth of sick time during his 39 years of service.
His good health will cost the New Castle Area School District approximately $55,000.
He’ll also be paid more than $14,000 for unused vacation.
In response to a New Castle News request, district solicitor Charles Sapienza said the former assistant superintendent banked 312 1/2 unused sick days. Under the district’s compensation package, DeRosa will be reimbursed $175 per day for a total of $54,687.50.
When added to the $40,000 awarded to DeRosa upon his retirement and $14,381.76 for unused vacation days, the North Cascade Street resident will be paid $109,069.26 over a three- to five-year period.
DeRosa had 12 vacation days left from the 2005-06 school year when he retired on June 30, according to Joseph Ambrosini, the district’s business manager.
Administrators receive 20 vacation days annually, which cannot be carried over for use in the next year. However, Ambrosini explained, vacation days are earned for the following school year as the person is working.
An administrator must work 160 days in a school year in order to earn 20 days of vacation for the next year, he said.
Therefore, DeRosa, who worked the entire 2005-2006 school year, has 20 days for the 2006-07 year and will be compensated for those also, giving him a total of 32 unused vacation days.
He gets $449.43 for each unused day.
“Maybe it is time that we review (the policy regarding sick days),” school board member Donna Donati said.
DeRosa should not be the impetus for change, Donati said. Rather, the policy’s impact on the district finances and, ultimately, its students must be the reason the compensation is examined.
“People are attaching (the issue) to a personality,” she said. “I don’t think it is really fair. We have other people that have benefited from this.
“We can’t pick on one person. We have to address the whole thing.”
Attempts to contact DeRosa and his attorney, Louis Perrotta, were unsuccessful.
Last month, The News asked the district to provide the number of DeRosa’s unused sick and vacation days. Originally, the district said the information fell under personnel matters and declined to release it.
Citing a state court case involving salary records and Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, News’ attorney James Manolis requested the district reconsider its decision.
In a letter to Manolis dated yesterday, Sapienza questioned if the case — Pennsylvania State University v. State Employees Retirement Board — was applicable. However, he apologized “for not fully understanding your client’s request.”
Saying Manolis had clarified the issue, Sapienza furnished the number of DeRosa’s unused sick days. The school district provided the amount of remaining vacation days.
Board member Philip Conti agreed with Donati that public outcry over DeRosa’s sick day payment should not be directed at him.
“He is only getting what the (former) school board approved for its administrators,” he said.
“I believe that the administrative retirement package is really more than the district can afford. It is probably one of the most generous packages in the state. We are among the poorest districts in the state.”
DeRosa also will receive an annual pension of approximately $100,000. That money will be paid by the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System, which DeRosa and the district contributed to during his tenure.
“Whether (people) agree with the policy or not has nothing to do with Nicky,” Donati said.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
Retired school administrator Nicholas DeRosa amassed almost a year’s worth of sick time during his 39 years of service.
His good health will cost the New Castle Area School District approximately $55,000.
He’ll also be paid more than $14,000 for unused vacation.
In response to a New Castle News request, district solicitor Charles Sapienza said the former assistant superintendent banked 312 1/2 unused sick days. Under the district’s compensation package, DeRosa will be reimbursed $175 per day for a total of $54,687.50.
When added to the $40,000 awarded to DeRosa upon his retirement and $14,381.76 for unused vacation days, the North Cascade Street resident will be paid $109,069.26 over a three- to five-year period.
DeRosa had 12 vacation days left from the 2005-06 school year when he retired on June 30, according to Joseph Ambrosini, the district’s business manager.
Administrators receive 20 vacation days annually, which cannot be carried over for use in the next year. However, Ambrosini explained, vacation days are earned for the following school year as the person is working.
An administrator must work 160 days in a school year in order to earn 20 days of vacation for the next year, he said.
Therefore, DeRosa, who worked the entire 2005-2006 school year, has 20 days for the 2006-07 year and will be compensated for those also, giving him a total of 32 unused vacation days.
He gets $449.43 for each unused day.
“Maybe it is time that we review (the policy regarding sick days),” school board member Donna Donati said.
DeRosa should not be the impetus for change, Donati said. Rather, the policy’s impact on the district finances and, ultimately, its students must be the reason the compensation is examined.
“People are attaching (the issue) to a personality,” she said. “I don’t think it is really fair. We have other people that have benefited from this.
“We can’t pick on one person. We have to address the whole thing.”
Attempts to contact DeRosa and his attorney, Louis Perrotta, were unsuccessful.
Last month, The News asked the district to provide the number of DeRosa’s unused sick and vacation days. Originally, the district said the information fell under personnel matters and declined to release it.
Citing a state court case involving salary records and Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, News’ attorney James Manolis requested the district reconsider its decision.
In a letter to Manolis dated yesterday, Sapienza questioned if the case — Pennsylvania State University v. State Employees Retirement Board — was applicable. However, he apologized “for not fully understanding your client’s request.”
Saying Manolis had clarified the issue, Sapienza furnished the number of DeRosa’s unused sick days. The school district provided the amount of remaining vacation days.
Board member Philip Conti agreed with Donati that public outcry over DeRosa’s sick day payment should not be directed at him.
“He is only getting what the (former) school board approved for its administrators,” he said.
“I believe that the administrative retirement package is really more than the district can afford. It is probably one of the most generous packages in the state. We are among the poorest districts in the state.”
DeRosa also will receive an annual pension of approximately $100,000. That money will be paid by the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System, which DeRosa and the district contributed to during his tenure.
“Whether (people) agree with the policy or not has nothing to do with Nicky,” Donati said.
Nick DeRosa to get $100,000 annual pension
July 04, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A New Castle school board member wants the district to re-evaluate the compensation package given to retiring administrators.
Philip Conti said Nicholas DeRosa — outgoing assistant superintendent — will become a financial burden to the district. His last day with the district was Friday.
DeRosa’s annual pension will be about $100,000.
That figure, provided by the district, is based on a formula used for retiring administrators. It uses the length of service and the three years with the highest salary.
“They’re well paid for the work that they do,” said Conti, also a retired educator.
DeRosa’s salary for the ’05-06 school year was $109,190.
In 1998, the school board voted to increase the cash payout an administrator with 30 or more years of service received. That amount jumped from $30,000 to $40,000. DeRosa can take his money over a three- to five-year period.
“If I would have been on the board at the time in (1998), there’s no way I would have supported that,” Conti said.
In addition, DeRosa will be paid $175 per day for unused sick days accumulated during his 39 years with the district. He will also receive $449.43 per unused vacation days.
Administrators receive 20 vacation days each year. Vacation days cannot be accumulated.
“Sick days were never meant to be a bonus,” Conti said. “They should take their vacation days during the school year.
“It ends up a bonus and an additional expense for the district.”
In an effort to determine the value of DeRosa’s retirement package, the New Castle News asked the school district for the amount of his unused sick and vacation days.
Stating that information dealt with personnel matters, district solicitor Charles Sapienza rejected the request.
In a letter released Friday, James Manolis, The News’ attorney, asked the district to review its stance in light of Pennsylvania State University v. State Employees’ Retirement Board. That court case centered on the salary records of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
Beginning in April, The News undertook a concerted effort to interview DeRosa. At each request, DeRosa agreed to meet but would not commit to a date.
Prior to the start of Wednesday’s special school board meeting, a News reporter and photographer approached DeRosa. He said he would talk to The News after the meeting.
DeRosa did not attend the board meeting, nor did he appear for the interview.
A longtime fixture in the district, DeRosa began his career in the 1967-68 school year with teaching assignments at Lincoln-Garfield and Lockley elementaries.
“He has an attachment to the New Castle Area School District,” Superintendent George Gabriel said. “Nick’s decision was to stay here.”
Gabriel said DeRosa was a mentor when Gabriel first taught at Lincoln-Garfield.
“I was a young guy, a rookie,” Gabriel recalled. “He took me under his wing. We developed a friendship.
“Nick has been nothing but true and loyal to me.”
Despite negative publicity regarding a state audit and a board-sponsored review, DeRosa has been good for the district, Gabriel said.
“Nick’s greatest contributions were in the area of ... negotiations. He has negotiated some outstanding contracts between the teachers union and the support staff.”
Refuting a previously published report, Gabriel said DeRosa will not be returning to the district. He said DeRosa did not ask to be a consultant nor did the district seek out his expertise.
That sits well with at least one board member.
“I agreed with Mr. DeRosa when he said it was time for him to leave,” Conti said.
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
A New Castle school board member wants the district to re-evaluate the compensation package given to retiring administrators.
Philip Conti said Nicholas DeRosa — outgoing assistant superintendent — will become a financial burden to the district. His last day with the district was Friday.
DeRosa’s annual pension will be about $100,000.
That figure, provided by the district, is based on a formula used for retiring administrators. It uses the length of service and the three years with the highest salary.
“They’re well paid for the work that they do,” said Conti, also a retired educator.
DeRosa’s salary for the ’05-06 school year was $109,190.
In 1998, the school board voted to increase the cash payout an administrator with 30 or more years of service received. That amount jumped from $30,000 to $40,000. DeRosa can take his money over a three- to five-year period.
“If I would have been on the board at the time in (1998), there’s no way I would have supported that,” Conti said.
In addition, DeRosa will be paid $175 per day for unused sick days accumulated during his 39 years with the district. He will also receive $449.43 per unused vacation days.
Administrators receive 20 vacation days each year. Vacation days cannot be accumulated.
“Sick days were never meant to be a bonus,” Conti said. “They should take their vacation days during the school year.
“It ends up a bonus and an additional expense for the district.”
In an effort to determine the value of DeRosa’s retirement package, the New Castle News asked the school district for the amount of his unused sick and vacation days.
Stating that information dealt with personnel matters, district solicitor Charles Sapienza rejected the request.
In a letter released Friday, James Manolis, The News’ attorney, asked the district to review its stance in light of Pennsylvania State University v. State Employees’ Retirement Board. That court case centered on the salary records of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
Beginning in April, The News undertook a concerted effort to interview DeRosa. At each request, DeRosa agreed to meet but would not commit to a date.
Prior to the start of Wednesday’s special school board meeting, a News reporter and photographer approached DeRosa. He said he would talk to The News after the meeting.
DeRosa did not attend the board meeting, nor did he appear for the interview.
A longtime fixture in the district, DeRosa began his career in the 1967-68 school year with teaching assignments at Lincoln-Garfield and Lockley elementaries.
“He has an attachment to the New Castle Area School District,” Superintendent George Gabriel said. “Nick’s decision was to stay here.”
Gabriel said DeRosa was a mentor when Gabriel first taught at Lincoln-Garfield.
“I was a young guy, a rookie,” Gabriel recalled. “He took me under his wing. We developed a friendship.
“Nick has been nothing but true and loyal to me.”
Despite negative publicity regarding a state audit and a board-sponsored review, DeRosa has been good for the district, Gabriel said.
“Nick’s greatest contributions were in the area of ... negotiations. He has negotiated some outstanding contracts between the teachers union and the support staff.”
Refuting a previously published report, Gabriel said DeRosa will not be returning to the district. He said DeRosa did not ask to be a consultant nor did the district seek out his expertise.
That sits well with at least one board member.
“I agreed with Mr. DeRosa when he said it was time for him to leave,” Conti said.
Ex-Knights owner facing charges
June 23, 2006
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The owner’s playbook failed to address the basics.
Nagging doubts about the Rev. David Gailbreath’s defensive schemes, management style and personal background led the team’s former general manager to question the legitimacy of the New Castle Knights.
City police also had concerns about the defunct semi-professional football team.
Gailbreath, 26, now faces charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive or fraudulent business practices. He is accused of directing approximately $1,500 of team funds for personal use.
Police filed the charges June 19 at District Judge Melissa Amodie’s office. They are all misdemeanor offenses.
The Smithfield Street resident’s preliminary hearing is July 18 at Lawrence County Central Court.
“Players were concerned about his defensive schemes,” said M. David Cochenour, the Knights’ one-time general manager. “The defensive playbook didn’t make any sense.
“It didn’t have basic plays. It almost looked like a Madden (NFL Football video) game playbook.”
However, Cochenour said it was Gailbreath’s reported spending practices that caused him to scrutinize team finances.
“At the time, I knew that Dave and his wife, Lori, did not work,” he said. “They had no income. People told me they saw them out and about eating at restaurants.
“When I heard that, I began to spot a pattern.”
According to the criminal complaint, Gailbreath provided investigators with a detailed list of expenditures. Approximately $590 went to pay Gailbreath’s mortgage, while he took $700 as salary, the report said. Money obtained from team sponsors and players also was used to pay for meals.
“He stated that he was entitled to the money,” Sgt. Kevin Seelbaugh wrote in the complaint.
Attempts to contact Gailbreath for comment were unsuccessful.
“Dave had a Visa Check card for team expenses,” Cochenour said. “When I looked at the bank items and I saw a lot of nonteam items, that’s when I contacted an attorney.”
Cochenour said he was told to take out the remaining funds in the Knights’ account, which totaled $1,500, and pay back whatever debts the team incurred.
“That money paid $800 worth of bills and $700 (was given) back to players. There was a lot of debts out there.”
Cochenour’s actions prompted Gailbreath and his wife to file a theft report with city police on May 11.
During its investigation of Gailbreath’s complaint, police spoke with Cochenour, Rick Sumner and Brenda Sumner. The three are now affiliated with the New Castle Thunder, a semi-pro team owned by Anthony Razzano.
“They explained to me that Gailbreath was spending the Knights’ money on food and other items not team related, which was part of the reason the Knights were reorganized under new ownership,” Seelbaugh wrote.
“They also explained that there were many inconsistencies with Gailbreath’s business practices.”
The report stated that Gailbreath spent $700 of the Knights’ $4,000 on team-related items.
“Hopefully, the Thunder will become a sports story,” Cochenour said.
Meanwhile, Gailbreath announced he would resurrect the Knights. Posting on the New Castle News Web site under the alias of New_Castle_Knights, Gailbreath told forum readers of his plans on June 17.
“I learned the hard truth that Lawrence County is not the area for this venture. The Knights will be moving elsewhere.”
By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News
The owner’s playbook failed to address the basics.
Nagging doubts about the Rev. David Gailbreath’s defensive schemes, management style and personal background led the team’s former general manager to question the legitimacy of the New Castle Knights.
City police also had concerns about the defunct semi-professional football team.
Gailbreath, 26, now faces charges of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive or fraudulent business practices. He is accused of directing approximately $1,500 of team funds for personal use.
Police filed the charges June 19 at District Judge Melissa Amodie’s office. They are all misdemeanor offenses.
The Smithfield Street resident’s preliminary hearing is July 18 at Lawrence County Central Court.
“Players were concerned about his defensive schemes,” said M. David Cochenour, the Knights’ one-time general manager. “The defensive playbook didn’t make any sense.
“It didn’t have basic plays. It almost looked like a Madden (NFL Football video) game playbook.”
However, Cochenour said it was Gailbreath’s reported spending practices that caused him to scrutinize team finances.
“At the time, I knew that Dave and his wife, Lori, did not work,” he said. “They had no income. People told me they saw them out and about eating at restaurants.
“When I heard that, I began to spot a pattern.”
According to the criminal complaint, Gailbreath provided investigators with a detailed list of expenditures. Approximately $590 went to pay Gailbreath’s mortgage, while he took $700 as salary, the report said. Money obtained from team sponsors and players also was used to pay for meals.
“He stated that he was entitled to the money,” Sgt. Kevin Seelbaugh wrote in the complaint.
Attempts to contact Gailbreath for comment were unsuccessful.
“Dave had a Visa Check card for team expenses,” Cochenour said. “When I looked at the bank items and I saw a lot of nonteam items, that’s when I contacted an attorney.”
Cochenour said he was told to take out the remaining funds in the Knights’ account, which totaled $1,500, and pay back whatever debts the team incurred.
“That money paid $800 worth of bills and $700 (was given) back to players. There was a lot of debts out there.”
Cochenour’s actions prompted Gailbreath and his wife to file a theft report with city police on May 11.
During its investigation of Gailbreath’s complaint, police spoke with Cochenour, Rick Sumner and Brenda Sumner. The three are now affiliated with the New Castle Thunder, a semi-pro team owned by Anthony Razzano.
“They explained to me that Gailbreath was spending the Knights’ money on food and other items not team related, which was part of the reason the Knights were reorganized under new ownership,” Seelbaugh wrote.
“They also explained that there were many inconsistencies with Gailbreath’s business practices.”
The report stated that Gailbreath spent $700 of the Knights’ $4,000 on team-related items.
“Hopefully, the Thunder will become a sports story,” Cochenour said.
Meanwhile, Gailbreath announced he would resurrect the Knights. Posting on the New Castle News Web site under the alias of New_Castle_Knights, Gailbreath told forum readers of his plans on June 17.
“I learned the hard truth that Lawrence County is not the area for this venture. The Knights will be moving elsewhere.”
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