Jan 26, 2011 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Despite the city notification to property owners that their homes, sheds or multi-story commercial buildings are not in compliance with regulations, the list of those that have yet to take action remains lengthy, according to the health and code officer.

Tom Currey, who enforces the city regulations, informed the health board this week of the status of multiple properties that have yet to be demolished or repaired.

Of the nearly 115 non-compliant properties, Currey has targeted 19 to be among the worst.

“Some are properties that the owners just walked away from,” said Currey. “And others are vacant and nothing is being done to repair them.”

The owner of a South Arch Street property is “among the missing,” said Currey, as the siding continues to fall from the house and the accumulated garbage sits.

The health board agreed that the property be posted to notify anyone that may have a legal interest in the deteriorating home of its pending fate.

“If no one comes forward then it will be turned over to the (city) redevelopment authority to be demolished,” said Currey.

Two properties that were heavily damaged in prior fires remain standing and an eyesore in their respective neighborhoods.

The owner of a 349 N. Pittsburgh St. property damaged in a 2007 fire was making repairs to the residence, said Currey, until his recent incarceration. Five blocks away, at 806 N. Pittsburgh St., the residence also still stands despite the heavy damage caused by a December 2009 fire. No action has been taken to repair or raze the site, said Currey.

“How long do we sit on these properties?” asked health board member Peter Jandura.

The city has received a portion of the insurance money that is kept in escrow for repairs or demolition.

The board supported Currey’s recommendation to begin the process to have the two properties demolished using the insurance money to defray the costs.

The panel additionally authorized Currey to post the former WCVI building as a public nuisance and order its California owner, Jaimie Bird, to demolish it.

The 131-139 E. Crawford Ave. landmark has continued to be on the health board watch list. However, at the request of the local property manager, Josh DeWitt, the board has not sought to have it torn down.

Currey said that while DeWitt has made some repairs, much remains to be completed to bring it into compliance with city regulations and work to do so has ceased.

“It is not getting any better,” he said. “There are loose bricks and the back (of the building) is still open.”

Bird, along with a prior owner, has been ordered to demolish the building.

A March 2010 structural engineer report stated that the roof system, fascia, attic floor and stairways must be replaced in order to salvage the building.

In a related matter, Currey reported that Connellsville Council continues to seek funding to raze the former Aaron’s Furniture Store building, now owned by the city.

Paula Grubach, city redevelopment authority executive assistant, said Tuesday that the authority continues to discuss the matter with the state Department of Community and Economic Development in order to utilize state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Because the building is considered an historic landmark, the city is required to meet certain criteria in order to use state funds.

“We are looking to find a way to meet the requirements while at the same time maintain the feasibility for the city to carry those requirements,” she said.

“We are all seeking viable solutions.”