When three juvenile males broke into the Mellon Veterans Outreach Center and vandalized the interior, damage was much more extensive than first reported. Richard Mellon explained, not only did they pour paint on the floors and down the stairways, but they also opened the largest cooler in one of the commercial kitchens and covered the walls and food racks with paint. As a result, the cooler cannot be used for food storage until it is completely cleaned and re-certified as meeting sanitary standards and it isn’t yet clear if it can be returned to operation. Costs to clean and repair, if successful, are approximately $30 thousand. If that is not possible then replacement will be necessary. Unfortunately, a direct replacement is not available since the original manufacturer is no longer in business and cost estimates for a new equivalent cooler installed and ready run are in the range of $100 thousand.
Robert Irvine
As noted previously, Robert Irvine has been planning a culinary academy at the Mellon Center and he will be here in North East on September 12th for Heroes Day, visiting and reevaluating the facilities. The current state of the cooler and kitchen area as well as the other damages put plans in an indeterminate state. The Mellon Center has repaired the roof over the chapel as well as over the cafeteria area which would be used for the academy, but costs for these unexpected repairs have interrupted plans and major adjustments will have to be made.
Cleanup beyond the kitchen and cooler
The costs above do not include the cost of cleanup of the graffiti and paint spilled elsewhere, these are in addition to the $30 to $100 thousand estimate for the cooler and may run to another $20 thousand.
Charges are pending
The three male juveniles will be charged and prosecuted for this vandalism. The specific charges will reflect the serious degree of the damages.
While discussing this matter with Rick Mellon, he said was not sure what the timeline for repairs would be, but he wanted to make it clear the vandals will be prosecuted for the damage they caused not only to the Mellon Center, but also to the veterans and to our entire community.
This is so incredibly disappointing and it is important for everyone in our community to understand how serious and costly this act of vandalism has been.
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Ann Filutze says
Dear Mr. Mellon, it would take a book to tell you how my parents, my friends and I cherish our memories at St. Mary’s and our gratitude for your caring, generosity, and hope which you have poured into our community0, especiallyfor our Veterans, including my husband Sam..
In place of those little urchins who caused such devastating destruction, please accept my apology in their name. These youngsters are not known to me, but I pray that your positive influence can deter them from further senseless acts. They could grow into adults who mirror you and your dear wife.
Sincerely, Ann M. Filutze (Mrs.)