GIRARDVILLE - Complaints about dangerous and nuisance properties during Thursday's Girardville Borough Council meeting could lead to the adoption of a Quality of Life ordinance to deal with blighted properties.
During the public portion, resident Marietta Centiole spoke of a dangerous property at 11 E. Main St., which she said is in such poor condition that it could fall down.
"I have come to talk to you about the property at 11 E. Main St., which is bowing out," Centiole said.
Centiole said if the building, which has no roof, collapses, it will damage her property, which is Centiole's Pizza, her daughter's business, Vanity Boutique, both of which are west of the blighted property, and Tony's Lunch, which is to the east.
"I don't know what has to be done, but something has to be done," said Centiole, who said the property could partially collapse to the front toward the sidewalk, endangering pedestrians, and vehicles parked in the area.
Council President Charles Marquardt asked Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Wilson whether the owner has been contacted, Wilson said he had been contacted about two months ago but has not been able to reach him since.
"Jeff is going to cite him with the assistance of the solicitor (Christopher Riedlinger)," Marquardt said.
After other property complaints were received, a suggestion from the public about looking into the "Quality of Life" ordinance that has been adopted by local boroughs to deal with blighted properties will be considered. A copy of the Mahanoy City ordinance will be obtained for review and consideration.
The borough council acted on the following agenda items:
- Approved the return of real estate taxes to a disabled veteran in accordance with the state's Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption Program. The person qualifies for the program and will receive a refund of $191.84.
- Approved a request from the Good Time Club to hold its annual Halloween parade at 2 p.m. Oct. 28.
- Approved the borough's Trick or Treat Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
- Appointed Terri Paige to the Girardville Area Municipal Authority board to fill the unexpired term of Tom Yesalavage. Two other residents submitted letters of interest - Joseph Wayne and Collette Conway.
- Acknowledged a thank you letter from Michael Zangari, Girardville, for receiving permission from borough council for his Eagle Scout project, which was to paint the fire hydrants, color-coding them for water line sizes: Red cap, eight-inch line; blue cap, six-inch line; and white cap, four-inch line.