Resident raises concerns over police non-response, ‘nuisance’ bar in Shenandoah
SHENANDOAH – A Shenandoah resident raised concerns at Monday’s meeting regarding nuisance issues in the 300 block of South Main Street and an apparent failure by police to remedy the issue.
Maria Baldino described a “chaotic situation” in the 300 block, noting noise violations, littering, drug-related issues, and violence.
Specifically, she said she was targeted in front of her home by a drunken patron she said was from Mulligan’s bar last month.
“She kicked our fence door off its latch, and threw her purse at my vehicle multiple times during her intoxicated rampage,” Baldino said. She also alleged that the bar’s management and security did little to quell the situation.
When she called 911, she said her call was transferred to the State Police at Frackville, and no trooper ever responded.
Baldino said she contacted Shenandoah Police and provided video evidence of the incident.
She also said that no action had been taken by Shenandoah Police regarding any issues at Mulligan’s.
“Incidents like the one on Sept. 10 are not isolated events,” Baldino said. “Ongoing issues at Mulligans have created sleepless nights for many residents.”
She questioned why noise ordinances aren’t being enforced as well. She said noise is often nonstop at the bar until 2:30am.
“It’s disheartening to see that [noise concerns] remain unaddressed,” Baldino said.
However, Pocono Enterprise Co., the bar’s owner, was cited for a local ordinance violation on Oct. 9. Patrolman Matt Williams, who filed the citation, said it was a disorderly conduct citation for noise.
“You should have a subpoena coming to come to court,” Williams told Baldino at the meeting. “I’ve come every time you’ve called, I’ve come, and a citation was filed against the establishment itself for disorderly conduct for unreasonable noise.”
Mayor Andrew Szczyglak said he would look into how the police force has handled matters at the bar, but said the liquor control board has ultimate control over the establishment and its license.
“Please keep calling the police when they’re making [too much] noise and if you don’t get any satisfaction, please come to the meeting and I will personally address it with the police officers,” Szczyglak said.
In other business, Bob Shumski, of Turkey Run, raised concerns over absenteeism on council and requested action.
He noted some councilmembers have near-perfect attendance, but one council member, who he did not name, missed 60% of meetings.
In other business, borough council approved:
- the purchase of 30 No Parking Here To Corner signs;
- a request to remove a demolition lien from a vacant lot at 6 South Jardin Street that the neighbor wishes to purchase from a tax sale;
- the 2024 police and non-uniform MMOs;
- a request for handicap parking;
- a request to use borough council chambers for a Christmas event immediately following the expected Santa Drop event on Nov. 24;
- the appointment of Gary Hronec to the zoning board.
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