Five families forced out when McKees Rocks building condemned

MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. — Five families have been displaced after a building in McKees Rocks was condemned.

The families, who were living in the affordable housing building were forced out after structural damage caused the condemnation.

“And I thought I wouldn’t have to do this again and I’m doing it again,” Barbara Staton said.

The damage to the building was clearly visible, including a doorway separated so much from the brick exterior you could almost put your hand through that space, sunken, bowing and cracked walls and weak floors.

And residents say the building manager, Pittsburgh Red Door Property Management, was aware of the issues.

“They knew about these issues they knew something could go wrong they didn’t try to fix the problem and now the tenants are paying the price,” Jane Coates said.

Staton and Coates say it’s a price they’re now forced to pay on their own, because management isn’t reaching out.

“Your tenants come first before anybody and you’re supposed to help your tenants regardless,” Staton said.

Three tenants are being helped by the Red Cross and two are living with relatives. And while Staton is happy to be out of harm’s way, she says only being able to take what she can carry hurts the most.

“Everything my husband worked for is up in there,” she said.

The property manager said she has been proactive, reaching out to her tenants telling them that she has several rental units that are available either now or within the next several days, as well as secured storage units for each family and access to a moving truck.

And as for the future of the building, structural engineers are being scheduled to inspect the property.

And the property manager said they are waiting for additional guidance from the Allegheny County Housing Authority as to expediting inspections for the replacement units.

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