THROOP - Borough council plans to hire workers to raze a dilapidated three-section storage shed that council members called an eyesore and safety hazard.
After years of residential complaints, Throop council on Monday unanimously voted to remove the shed at 830 Adams Court contingent on a letter from its solicitor that says council has the right to do so.
The shed, which council President estimated Thomas Lukasewicz to be about 40 by 30 feet, has been a source of frustration for council and residents since the property was abandoned years ago.
According to the Lackawanna County assessor's office, the property is owned by Julius and Mary Kausmeyer. But Mr. Lukasewicz said it's difficult to pinpoint who owns the building because "there are so many heirs to the property."
"I guess there are people who want rights to the property, but then there are some family members who don't want anything to do with it because (of) the poor condition," Mr. Lukasewicz said.
For the last three or so years, he said the borough has maintained the "property's grounds" so it didn't become a nuisance to neighboring residents.
But the shed's roof recently caved in, and with the warm weather approaching, rodents will swarm inside the shelter that's packed with old mattresses and garbage, officials said.
"We were inside there. ... It's a mess," council member Charlene Tomasovitch said.
Officials estimated it would cost about $2,800 to level the shed.
In an effort to recoup the money, borough Solicitor Louis A. Cimini said the borough would put a municipal lien on the property when it's sold.
"But if no one buys the property, the lien doesn't get satisfied," he cautioned.
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