Lansford is moving closer to removing an eyesore and a hazard in its borough.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners voted to approve a standard mitigation measures agreement with the borough and the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office regarding the demolition of the former Elks building at 6 E. Ridge St.Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein said the building has become a public hazard, but additional steps, like the mitigation agreement with the state, must be taken because of the historic value."It's unfortunate we have to tear down the historic building, but when it becomes a public safety issue, we have no other choice," he said. "We're happy we could help Lansford with this endeavor."Nothstein also said that the state will require photo documentation of the building for archive purposes because of the historic status.Robert Crampsie, county controller, said that adjoining neighbors have reported health hazards because of the structure, including mold and other problems.But the demolition isn't going to be simple, Nothstein said.The building is connected on both sides in a row of buildings, meaning extra care must be taken when demolition finally occurs.It has not been announced on when demolition will occur and the exact cost, which will be determined by the bids for the project.Last October, the county announced that Lansford was selected to receive $127,791 of the $200,000 the county receives for nonentitlement communities, from the Community Development Block Grant program.Lansford was formerly an entitlement community, but after the 2010 census, which showed the population dropped below the 4,000 threshold, was dropped from the entitlement status, meaning it now has to compete for money with other nonentitlement communities in the county.Last September, borough council, after discussing the building's problem for over a year, decided that the building, which has deteriorated to the point of near collapse, should be demolished.The building's roof has gaping holes, and inside floors of the building are collapsing in many places.The holdup though has been the money to demolish it.The Elks building is in the heart of the borough's Ridge Street business district. Once a bustling commercial center, over the years the area has suffered from a lack of investment.Lansford is currently working on a streetscape project to revitalize the area with new sidewalks and other updated features.