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City begins removal of Forest Ave. homes

MORGANTOWN — Parrotta Paving is in the process of removing four houses along Forest Avenue.

The work is being done per the specifications of a  $78,000  contract awarded by the city last month.

The city took possession of the properties as part of a $1.5 million settlement between the city, the Morgantown Utility Board and James and Karen Giuliani.

Per the terms of the agreement, the city and MUB each paid $525,000, and the insurance companies for both each paid $225,000.

The Giulianis sued MUB and the city in December 2017 after a series of slides along Forest Avenue left the street closed for months, leaving the rental units sitting empty.

A fifth house burned last July.

Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said it must be treated separately as it’s considered hazardous waste and covered under insurance.

“The plan is to have the fifth house demolished soon,” Stacy explained. “City administration is currently exploring options for the properties once all the demo work is complete.”