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Walnutport tries again for sale of former garage

Walnutport will once again post the sale of a former garage, this time with a lower asking price.

Borough council unanimously agreed on Thursday to re-advertise the former Gogel’s Garage at 306 Oak St. at a price of $110,000, with the bids due before borough council’s August meeting.

Borough solicitor Michael Corriere recommended council take that action because no bids have been received for the former garage.

In March, borough council on a 6-0 vote decided to accept bids to purchase the former garage in an “as is” condition with a minimum bid of $115,000.

But no bids were received by the April 30 deadline.

In addition, the buyer has to demolish the existing structure.

In September, residents raised questions to borough council about the former garage property at 306 Oak St., including how the borough acquired it and conditions on the site.

Corriere said the property was sold at a sheriff’s sale for outstanding liens, and with no third-party purchaser, the borough acquired it by default.

In January 2024, council agreed to take steps to secure the Gogel property and address unsafe conditions.

He said that more than 400 tires on the site were part of a legal nonconforming use and had been there for years while the business operated.

Councilwoman Jen Wentz said the borough must dispose of the tires in accordance with state Department of Environmental Protection rules.

Corriere said the borough received a Northampton County grant to demolish the building and remove the tires, but a condition requires the property be sold to an affordable housing agency or a buyer who will provide affordable housing. Officials said the goal is to make the property ready to be sold.

Residents also raised concerns about maintenance and health conditions.

One neighbor said weeds had reached 6 feet in some areas, while another said tires had encroached onto her property and contributed to mosquito issues.

Borough officials said maintenance had been limited and that an exterminator was treating the property weekly.

Corriere added that a judge ruled the Gogel property was in violation and the business was shut down.

Walnutport Borough Council on Thursday agreed to re-advertise the sale of the property at 306 Oak St., formerly Donald Gogel’s Garage, at a price of $110,000, with the bids due before borough council’s meeting in August. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTO