The demolition of the dilapidated former Elks Building in downtown Lansford could be delayed because of asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Lansford Borough Council was told that an inspection of the basement indicates hazardous materials, which must be removed.The Carbon County Commissioners awarded a bid for $118,000 several months ago for the demolition of the building located at 6 E. Ridge St. The building extends to East Patterson Street (Route 209).Last month, the council learned there would be additional costs to the demolition because asbestos was located in the three-story structure.Now, the borough found out that hazardous materials could put an additional cost to razing it.A letter from TCI Environmental Service said the basement inspection disclosed a large refrigerator or freezer; two fuel oil tanks which possibly contain fuel oil or sludge; and containers of oil, paint and other materials.The council said that the matter has already been sent back to the county commissioners because of the asbestos.Condemned buildingMeanwhile, another condemned building has emerged.Council President Martin Ditsky said a fire at 316 W. Patterson St. last month has left that structure unusable.A letter was received from John Modrick, who lives next to the burned property, asking what council intends to do with the damaged structure.Ditsky said he spoke with Bridget Horvath, who owns the 316 W. Patterson building, and learned she has no insurance and no mortgage.Mayor James Romankow said, “The building has been condemned. It’s a hazard.”He suggested the borough contact the county commissioners about it.“She has no money to tear the building down,” Ditsky said.He added, “Because it’s wrapped in asbestos shingles, there will be an additional price” for the demolition.Ditsky said the damage to the house was so bad that a metal file cabinet in the kitchen fell through the floor to the basement during the fire. He said he was informed the damage caused by the fire makes it too dangerous to enter the basement.It was noted the borough doesn’t have funds to demolish it.“We’re in a bind again,” Ditsky said.BlightProblems that occur regarding poorly maintained structures was a topic of discussion during much of the meeting.The council said it plans to adopt an ordinance requiring annual residential landlord license renewals.A draft of such an ordinance was distributed to the council, but no action will be taken until recommendations and changes are made by borough solicitor Michael Greek.Meanwhile, the borough appointed Lehigh Valley Inspection Service to serve as the town’s zoning officer, code enforcement official and Unified Construction Code officer.The appointment of LVIS came via a 4-1 vote of the council with Ditsky casting the negative vote.In favor of using the firm were Rose Mary Cannon, Matthew Walsh, Joe Butrie and Jared Soto. Absent were Colin Jones and John Turcmanovich.Ditsky said of his negative vote, “I have issues,” but didn’t elaborate.Mary Soberick, a former council member who was in the audience, said she would prefer having the zoning officer and code enforcement official “back in-house.” Ditsky disagreed, saying even though he voted no for LVIS, “I don’t want it in-house.”In one other matters regarding property maintenance issues, it was reported that a meeting to combat blight will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 30 in Panther Valley High School.In other business, Butrie made a motion that Keystone Engineering, which does work for the borough, be replaced. His motion died for the lack of a second.Walsh said he was against Butrie’s recommendation because “there are projects already underway.”