Union City council unanimously approves zoning and parking amendments, backs county housing plan and greenlights $100,000 CDBG application

Union City Borough Council unanimously approved a package of administrative and land-use measures during its Sept. 16 meeting, including amendments to local parking and zoning ordinances, a tax exoneration for a Land Bank property, and a resolution supporting a countywide housing study. Council also authorized applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds of up to $100,000 for stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot No. 1.

The council adopted advertised changes to Parking Ordinance 1137 to restrict parking of unlawful and disabled vehicles and make technical schedule amendments. Councilor Steadman moved to approve the amendment and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The ordinance had been advertised Sept. 9.

Councilors also approved an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1118, adding definitions and rules for redemption games (games of skill) and adding a provision (section 701.04) for the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots. Councilor Kerns moved the zoning amendment, Councilor Steadman seconded and the measure passed without dissent.

The council voted to exonerate $5,563.49 in taxes for 121 East High after the property sale to the Land Bank. “We will approve the resolution for tax exoneration,” Councilor Kerns said as the motion carried unanimously.

On housing policy, councilors approved a resolution supporting Erie County’s plan to develop a new countywide comprehensive housing plan. The county intends to use MAP grant funds and Act 137 (deed-transfer) funds to develop recommendations to improve housing quality and affordability. Councilor Osborn moved approval and Councilor Steadman seconded; the motion carried.

Council members approved submitting an application to Erie County for up to $100,000 in CDBG funds to cover part of the stormwater repairs in Municipal Lot No. 1. Councilor Steadman moved the application authorization and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Separate discussion at the meeting described planned spot repairs, pipe replacement and follow-on smoke-and-dye testing in the municipal lot.

The council also voted to advertise a proposed tenant-registration amendment that would allow charging violators more than once per year when they fail to provide required information. Councilor Steadman moved to advertise the change and Councilor Osborn seconded; the motion carried.

Other routine items carried by unanimous vote included approval of minutes from the Aug. 27 meeting, acceptance of the secretary’s report, approval of bills, and the designation of Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. as trick-or-treat hours in the borough.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Bev Ballog of Hometown Heroes thanked the borough for its support for the project and said she was "happy to hear" that Lance Greer would not be accepting any money from the civil case referenced by Council President Riley Cross. Cross reiterated the borough’s lack of formal connection to Hometown Heroes while expressing support for the project.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.; an executive session on real estate, personnel and contracts followed (6:58–7:42 p.m.) with no action taken.