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Warren denies Henry Angelo’s claims

Says former mayor is responsible for broken water pipes

WARREN — The former mayor of Warren is responsible for the water damage at his home, not the city, an attorney for Warren states in an answer to a lawsuit filed by Henry Angelo.

Angelo in June sued Warren in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, claiming when he was away during the winter of 2017-18, water to the home was shut off, even though the bill was paid, ultimately causing major damage to the house.

The boiler system in the house at 195 Oak Knoll Ave. NE shut down because there was no water feeding it, allowing water left in the 16 radiators in the house to freeze and burst, according to Angelo. The waterlines to the sinks, tubs and toilets also burst. As the winter temperatures went from warm to freezing to warm again, water damaged floors, walls, ceilings, furniture and appliances, according to Angelo.

Through Cleveland attorney James A. Climer, the city argues any damage at Angelo’s house was “caused by the acts or omissions of (Angelo)” or some other entity. The answer to the complaint was filed last week, according to court records.

Angelo states in the suit he had to live in a hotel from January until August while repairs were made. He had to pay $30,601 for restoration, his complaint states. Insurance covered other costs.

Franco Lucarelli, director of the city’s water department, said in 2018 the Angelo house was tagged at least two times to let the owner or occupant know the department needed to check his meters, but there was no response. Lucarelli said previously it is the department’s policy to shut off water service if the department does not get a response, and that is what happened to Angelo.

Angleo said in 2018 he tried to respond to the tags and thought the situation was taken care of.

He was mayor from 1996 to 2004.

rfox@tribtoday.com

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