Blight is a problem in many communities, but Nesquehoning is pointing a spotlight at several properties in the hopes of chiseling away at the problem.

On Wednesday, Councilwoman Abbie Guardiani updated the board on her top 10 list, which has grown, instead of shrank.

Two blighted properties on the list were recently sold so council is hopeful the owners will fix up the houses.

Another property, which has been the topic of discussion the last three months, is 217 W. Catawissa St., which has a gaping hole in the roof and is imminent danger of collapse.

Guardiani said that she, Councilwoman Lois Kuba and code officials met with the homeowner of the adjoining property since the blighted house is a half double.

She said that the residents are the sweetest, but are living through hell because of the blighted home next to them.

“They have quite a bit of damage as you can imagine,” Guardiani said, adding that the family had offered to purchase 217 multiple times but the owner, who lives in Maine, has refused.

“None of this makes sense,” she said, noting that the owner has maintained her borough taxes on the property but is delinquent on the 2021 county property taxes.

To try and push the matter, council has discussed the issue with the district magistrate, who agreed to allow the borough to fine the owner of 217 a $25 notice of violation every day.

This began on Nov. 23 and if she doesn’t pay the fines, Guardiani said that the borough won’t put a lien on the home in Nesquehoning that she owns, but by law, can put a lien on the maintained property that she owns in Hometown.

“Unfortunately you have the people like the Cabreras who are really nice people and are on the bad end of this,” Guardiani said, questioning why this woman continues to hold onto this structure.

Other properties were also outlined, including a former sewing factory on West Catawissa Street that may or may not have been sold.

Guardiani reminded residents that beginning Jan. 1, notice of violations will increase and under a new fine scale, meaning that repeat offenders will no longer only receive $25 fines for not maintaining their properties.

“No more slaps on the wrist,” she said.