Tyrone Borough had decided to let a Nov. 28 compliance date for a demolition order pass while waiting to see if the condemned property can be sold to a new owner who would then take care of the removal of the building and clearing of the property.
The condemned house is located at 1113 Washington Avenue and is owned by Vickie Shaw. The property came to the borough’s attention after Shaw had made application to the borough to secure funds to rehabilitate her property.
According to a report issued by Lang to Tyrone Borough Council, a field inspector for the County of Blair Redevelopment Authority (COBRA) visited with Lang on Oct. 18 to tell the borough about the poor condition of the property. COBRA is the agency which administers Tyrone’s home improvement program.
Lightner had conducted a field inspection to compile a list of work that needed to be done at the location. According to Lang’s report, Lightner was concerned about the structural stability of the house and the poor condition of the electrical wiring.
Lang and Lightner then went to the house and found floors sloping toward the center of the house. Lang said it was obvious the main support beam was damaged. He also described problems with ceilings and plaster in the attic, kitchen and an upstairs bedroom. He said the ceilings and plaster had collapsed and were on the floor.
Lang also noted problems with electrical wiring including exposed wiring connections and the use of extension cords which he indicated would create an overload on the electrical system.
Lang also observed a furnace and hot water tank in poor condition and not in operation. He also said trash and garbage were accumulated in the attic and basement.
Lang said because of “obvious safety and health issues which presented an immediate danger to Mrs. Shaw and the possibility of collapse of the structure” he declared the building unfit for human occupancy and ordered it to be evacuated immediately.
Lang then sought the opinion of a structural engineer who confirmed his assessment. The engineer, Kenneth Grubb, P.E. recommended the structure be demolished and removed.
Lang issued a condemnation and demolition order on Oct. 27 to Shaw. In it, he detailed the various deficiencies which led to his declaring the property unfit for human occupancy. He advised Shaw the building could be repaired at a cost in excess of $25,000.
He further told Shaw it was his judgment that due to the age and condition of the house “it would be unreasonable” for her to make the needed repairs. He noted Shaw had indicated she could not afford to make the necessary repairs and Lang reasserted even if the owner was able, it would be unreasonable to expect her or anyone else to incur the expense to bring the property up to code.
The demolition order advised Shaw she had until Nov. 28, 2004 to have the property demolished.
Yesterday, Lang explained the property has not been demolished even though the deadline has passed. He told The Daily Herald an unnamed party has been working with Shaw to buy the house and then have it demolished and the property cleared at their expense. Lang explained that the borough decided to hold off on enforcing the demolition of the building to see if the negotiations can be completed. Lang explained the borough would be left with the task and expense of demolishing the building if the current owner or a perspective new owner does not do it.
In an effort to avoid such an expense, the borough has agreed to allow more time before enforcing the demolition order.
