WEST PITTSTON — Borough council members approved a motion to rename the municipal building the Anthony “Tony” Denisco Municipal Building at their meeting on Tuesday.
The motion to rename the building comes after the passing of the borough’s late mayor, Tony Denisco, who passed away on April 26 due to health complications at the age of 73.
The motion was brought up by council member Kevin Lescavage, who said he considered Denisco a good friend.
“I was friends with him prior to being on council,” said Lescavage. “I was on council 10 years ago and we became very close back then and we continued to be very close, even when I left the council position; I just recently came back on two months ago. We just continued right where we left off, but we always stayed in close contact. I talked to him a couple times a week, so it wasn’t like we were ever parting ways.”
Borough Solicitor Mark Bufalino will prepare documentation to make the name change official for a later date.
Council President Brian Thornton said it is only fitting to rename the building after Denisco, as he spent almost every day in the building, even years before becoming mayor in 2011.
“This building was built after the flood of ‘72 … and I think Tony Denisco practically spent every single day since then in this building,” said Thornton. “I don’t think there was a day that went by that he wasn’t here.”
According to state law, council members must appoint a new mayor within 30 days of the seat becoming vacant and Thornton was hopeful to have one appointed at Tuesday’s meeting, but, due to scheduling conflicts, council members were unable to meet to discuss options.
Thornton, who as council president is the current acting mayor as per state law, said a new mayor will be appointed prior to the council’s next meeting in June.
In other business, council members approved motions to:
• Appoint Alan J. Brezinski, of Sweet Valley, as the Zoning/Code Enforcement officer and flood plain manager.
• Appoint Mary Kearns to the Parks & Recreation Board to fill the unexpired term of Mary Ann Schifano that expires on Dec. 31, 2020.
• Close Exeter Avenue, Tunkhannock Avenue, Susquehanna Avenue, Erie Street and Elm Street for the Anthracite Race at 9 a.m. June 4.
The next borough council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7 at the municipal building, 555 Exeter Ave.
