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Razing of blighted properties to wait for now 'Red tape' getting in way of demolition of 113-115 and 117-119 Sunbury Street homes
Published: November 5, 2009
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share thisSHAMOKIN - City council is still working to tear down two large double homes that have been eyesores in a prominent location in the city for many years.
The homes are located in a high-traffic area near the intersection of Sunbury and Market streets (Routes 61 and 125), just east of Dunkin' Donuts, side-by-side at 113-115 and 117-119 Sunbury Street.
The properties have been held up in the county tax sale process. They were sold at the Aug. 26 judicial sale, but the buyer never followed through with the sale.
With that, the city had a chance to scoop up the properties and finally tear them down. However, more "red tape" must be sorted out before the city can hold the deeds free and clear.
Solicitor H. Robert Mattis said at Wednesday's council work session the next step is for all three taxing bodies - the city, county and school district - to waive any taxes on the properties.
Then the county tax claims bureau can petition the court to sell the properties. The court must approve the sale before the city can own the properties.
Since the county must wait to hear from all three entities, it appears unlikely that the properties will be taken down by before the winter season.
Councilman R. Craig Rhaords said he didn't think the dilapidated buildings could withstand the winter. Mattis said he would work to expedite the process.
While the city is awaiting the formal transfer of ownership, Community Development Director Lynn Dixson said plans are still in motion to raze the homes, which have been vacant for several years.
The city will use some of the $83,000 it has in Community Development Block Grant funding from 2008 that is earmarked for demolition work. She added that no one is sure yet what the Sunbury Street project might cost. The project to demolish the buildings must go out on bid, Mattis said.
At the work session, Dixson announced the amount of Community Development Block Grant funds they would receive. However, it will still be several weeks before the actual money can be transferred into city coffers. The funds normally arrive much earlier in the year.
The city will receive $339,224. The amount is $4,129 more than 2008's allocation.
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