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Coaldale discusses demolition of dilapidated building

Coaldale Borough Council is finalizing plans to demolish a dilapidated, abandoned building in the borough, and there may be plans for more to follow.

At a meeting Wednesday night, borough council discussed the planned demolition of a house that has become an eyesore and potential safety hazard.The property is 146 Fisher Ave.After learning about some grants for demolition that could save taxpayer dollars, the board agreed to temporarily put that particular demolition on hold to research them - at least until next week.Councilwoman Claire Remington said Coaldale has the opportunity to get demolition grants from the state - significantly reducing the borough's share of the cost."They did tell me that there is (a grant), not to say that we're going to get it, we have to show proof that we have 25 percent of what the demolition is gonna cost us," Remington said.The funding should help future demolitions, but may be too late for the Fisher Street property. Council received bids for the project Feb. 4, and they expire 60 days from that date, solicitor Robert Yurchak said. But the demolition grants can't be used for projects where the contract has already been awarded, Remington said."Once we vote on this, I can't apply for a grant," Remington said.Councilman Francis Hutta said Remington should explore the feasibility of the grants before the board's next regular meeting onTuesday.The grants could also be used for future demolition projects. The borough recently acquired two abandoned, dilapidated homes in the borough. They could potentially sell them to a buyer that would be required to demolish them, which officials said is a possibility. But if they maintain ownership, the grants could go to demolishing those buildings."What's important to me is getting the revenue back, Councilman Michael Doerr said.