Lehighton may place a lien on a failing property.

Borough council agreed last week to have borough Manager Dane DeWire seek advice from another attorney about potentially placing a lien on the property at 353 N. Second St.

In addition, council will seek demolition of the structure, along with a court order to proceed. Borough solicitor Jim Nanovic advised council that due to a personal conflict, he would not be able to advise on the property.

Estimated costs to demolish the building would be around $14,000. There are no grants available to cover the cost, so the lien would be placed in an effort to recoup money in a later sale of the property.

After the meeting, DeWire said the property has been vacant and seemingly abandoned.

“The backside of the building has been falling away from the structure for over a year, and the roof is starting to cave in, so we have had the structure condemned,” DeWire said. “The property owner has received numerous violations requesting they fortify the structure or tear it down.”