SPRING BROOK TWP. - The township board of supervisors may opt to tear down a dilapidated home on state Route 690 that neighbors and officials described as a longtime nuisance and safety hazard during a public hearing on Thursday.
Spring Brook Twp. Zoning Officer Armand Fiorani said the home at 119 Route 690 has been vacant for about three years and has been in violation of building ordinances since 2008, when neighbors began to complain about accumulating junk.
Township engineer Patricia Acker testified during a visit to the property in November 2011, she found the foundation was "severely cracked" and storm water appeared to be draining into the home's base in several places, leading her to conclude the structure is not stable.
Neighbors Edgar Eaton and Sally Smallcomb were among speakers who worried children who occasionally get into the property will be injured, whether from the structure collapsing or other hazards like broken glass. They said the house also blocks the view of drivers at the intersection with Bowens Road.
"You take a chance every time you pull out," Mr. Fiorani added.
Representatives from Swinka Realty Investments, which bought the property in a tax sale, did not attend the hearing despite being summoned by the supervisors and could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
During the regular meeting, Ms. Acker reported 14 contractors had submitted bids for a $180,000 project to replace Swartz Valley Road's culvert, and supervisors agreed to send a $150,000 project to repave Ash Gap Road, Sunset Lane, and Park Street out to bid.
Tami Gillette, the board's secretary, said the township is applying for a state grant officials hope would offset at least some of the cost of the culvert work. Otherwise, the plan is to borrow the money for the projects and use state liquid fuel funding to cover the cost over five years.
Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter