Pottsville officials performed a long-awaited inspection of Black Rock Brewing Co. on Thursday afternoon.
An Aug. 28 Settlement and Release Agreement stipulated that the City to perform an inspection of the condemned building within 7 days.
The settlement was reached between Pottsville and Black Rock Brewing after the company sought a court injunction that would have forced the City to inspect the property.
It was signed by Bobby Weaver Jr. and Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews. The settlement will require City Council approval.
Inspection of Black Rock Brewing Completed
On Thursday, just before 1 p.m., Pottsville Code Enforcement Officer Justin Trefsger, City Fire Chief Jim Misstishin, and Jeff Farro, a third-party building inspector, arrived at 325 S. Centre St. in Pottsville and performed a very brief inspection.
The Canary caught up to the City’s party as they were getting in Misstishin’s vehicle parked on S. Centre St. The Canary asked if the property passed inspection. Misstishin cordially said he would not comment on the matter at that time.
Thursday’s inspection was very limited in scope. City officials were told to inspect only the issue that caused the condemnation of the property back in May 2023 following a small kitchen fire.
According to court documents obtained by The Canary, Pottsville was only required to inspect “the grease trap on the flat top grill, fryer, and fire suppression system above the flat top grill and fryer and hood with stamped drawings of the fire suppression system.”
The kitchen equipment in question has been removed so much of that order is likely moot.
Pottsville has 24 hours from the time of the inspection to issue its determination on if the property passed. If it did, Pottsville must remove the condemnation sign that’s been on the front door of Black Rock Brewing since that fire in 2023.
If the property passed Thursday’s inspection, Weaver said he planned to reopen the outdoor portion of his business while he pursues more legal action regarding the city’s refusal to approve his building plans.
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