Apr 10, 2002 By Jennifer Harr 3 min read

More than two months after Ernest and Marilyn Liggett were ordered by the court to demolish and clear six dilapidated properties, they were back in Fayette County Court, in a dispute with Brownsville Borough about the issuance of permits to do the ordered work. After lengthy discussions between Liggett attorney David Taylor, borough solicitor Sheryl R. Heid and President Judge William J. Franks, the jurist entered a new order on Tuesday. That order gives the Liggetts 30 days to demolish the properties, and an additional 30 days to clear them.

In a court document filed last month, the Liggetts alleged they could not demolish the properties because the borough had not issued them demolition permits. The suit claimed that the borough went from a two-page permit form to a 14-page application.

Heid, however, said that the borough never received any written application from the Liggetts before the Tuesday hearing. The permits were issued.

In his order, Franks spelled out the terms of the agreement, and warned the Liggetts that they could face serious consequences if they again returned to his courtroom for not complying with the court’s instruction.

“Let’s make sure this time there are no misunderstandings,” said Franks. “We will not take any more feet dragging. We will take action if this matter is not taken care of.”

Although Taylor and Heid both said that the hearing had nothing to do with contempt proceedings, Franks said it would be the decision of District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon to file criminal charges against the Liggetts.

Vernon, Taylor and Heid struck the initial deal concerning the Liggett property on Feb. 1. As part of that agreement, Vernon waived payment of nearly $30,000 in fines assessed to the Liggetts for failing to comply with borough ordinances.

In addition to the time limit, Heid also said the borough would waive the bond needed for demolition as well as any fees associated with traffic control that could be incurred during the process.

Ronald C. Bachner, code enforcement officer for the borough, said the Liggetts currently have warnings issued on four other properties for non-compliance to the borough’s codes.

Bachner estimated he issued the property warnings two weeks ago, which leaves the Liggetts two additional weeks to either start making progress, or talk to him about reasons they cannot. If a second inspection shows there have been no steps taken, Bachner can cite the Liggetts and a fine will be assessed by a district justice.

Bachner issued warnings about the Plaza Theater, two lots and a personal care home, he said.