Jan 11, 2019 2 min read

CHARLEROI – Council members voted to seek funding to demolish a house that is in danger of collapsing, but work may not start for another eight weeks.

The house, at 807 Sixth St., has been on the borough’s demolition list for several years. Council President Jerry Jericho is concerned that the house could collapse before bids are received and demolition is started.

“The roof is on the third floor and the third floor is on the second floor,” said Jericho, during council’s Wednesday meeting. “It’s in pretty bad shape.”

Councilwoman Jeannine Motycki said neighbors are worried the house may not hold up for very long.

“A homeowner next door thinks this is definitely a problem,” said Motycki. “He’s frightened that the house could come crashing down.”

The borough is seeking a grant through the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County to pay for the demolition, which is estimated to cost about $7,500. To speed up the process, council can file an emergency petition with the court for immediate demolition, said solicitor Steve Toprani.

Jericho added that the house could be shored up in the back to provide stabilization until demolition starts. Council members also debated closing part of the alley behind the house but held off for now on authorizing any closures.

In other business, council:

• Voted to complete an electrical project on the third floor of the municipal building, using $28,000 left over from Washington County Local Share Account funding. Councilman Larry Celaschi said this work is necessary to bring that area of the building up to code.
• Scheduled a tour of the Authority of the Borough of Charleroi next week.
• Reappointed Motycki and Jericho to the Police Board and selected Councilwoman Nancy Ellis as an alternate.
• Approved the Little Great Race Committee’s request for Sept. 7 and approved Girl Scout Daisy Troop’s request for use of the Community Room.
• Announced that the American Legion is selling commemorative cups to raise money for its parade committee.