Carbon County officials say that a delay in the demolition of a blighted building in Lehighton is not due to paperwork in the county offices, rather the company hired to do the work getting their bond in order.

On Thursday, Carbon County Commissioners’ Chairman Michael Sofranko provided an update to comments made by Lehighton’s borough manager last week that claimed the county hadn’t finished signing the paperwork for the demolition of 135-139 N. First St.

“I did speak with our county planning department and find out because it sounded like the county was behind and the borough and actually neither are behind,” he said. “All the paperwork is in place. What’s currently happening is they’re waiting for Northeast Industrial Services. They’re still working on getting their bond in order for this project.”

Last week, Lehighton Borough Manager Dane DeWire said that the project was delayed due to the county not having the paperwork completed.

Sofranko said Thursday that once the bond is in order, which is anticipated for next week, then the project will begin to move forward.

He again stressed that the county and borough have done everything that they need to do to move forward.

Lehighton is using Community Development Block Grant funds, which is why the county is involved. Carbon County awarded the demolition contract to Northeast Industrial Services of Shamokin, who bid $186,435 for demolishing and clearing the property.

The demolition of 135-139 N. First St. has been a topic of discussion for several years and has been continuing to deteriorate, creating a potential dangerous situation in the event of a building collapse or fire.

One problem the borough has faced since the demolition contract was awarded are cats living in the building.

An animal group has been working to catch the felines prior to the demolition.