Slatington Borough Council heard concerns over neglected building repairs at 216 Cherry St.

It was announced at Monday’s meeting that attempts to reach out to the building owner were unsuccessful.

Complaints included a 3-foot high grass and exterior building deterioration in need of repair.

Additionally, there is a large open hole about 10 feet deep adjacent to the roadway, in proximity to a tenant-occupied building, and is a safety hazard for the handicapped resident who occupies the apartment.

The gaping hole was left uncovered by the landlord, and another tenant from the building had thrown a cut off section of indoor-outdoor carpet over the hole in an attempt to cover it up.

Road construction matters

Council members also discussed the need for a new car lift for the maintenance building garage.

A motion to approve a quote from Herpel’s Auto and Truck Lifts was approved for the amount of $7,925 for the cost of removal of old equipment and new lift replacement at the borough’s maintenance building.

“The catch basin at Walnut Street and Route 873 is a safety concern and is in really bad shape” said Councilman David Schnaars.

Estimates for repair were sent to Lehigh Engineering; the borough has also sent a letter to PennDOT requesting assistance with repairs to the long standing deterioration problem; Slatington borough workers are unable to address this problem and take care of the issue successfully without outside help.

Slatington is looking to analyze and update the flood plain in the area. There is an ongoing flood risk, and the flood risk project along with field teams will be performing surveys along the Trout Creek on public and private properties. Lastly, tar and chip crack sealing will be performed on the roadways throughout the borough this upcoming fall.