Demolition of 8 buildings in Tarentum could happen by late summer

Demolition of eight blighted homes in Tarentum could happen as soon as late summer.

Code enforcement officer Anthony Bruni said a list will be compiled by July 1 for council’s approval.

“Realistically, we could start work by September,” council President Scott Dadowski said.

“That would be fantastic to see this moving forward.”

Bruni previously submitted a list of nine structures, but it was whittled to eight after one of the targeted property owners lobbied to rescue their building.

A home at 520 E. Fifth Avenue is off the list for now, Bruni said. The homeowner must step up with significant repairs, or demolition will take place.

“It has rotten wood and holes in the eaves that have allowed raccoons to get into the house to do damage,” Bruni said.

“There are also some openings in the foundation stone that have worn away from stormwater.”

The house has been vacant for at least three years, and it is delinquent on taxes.

The owner was making monthly payments to a mortgage company, but that company was not making the tax payments, Bruni said. Now the owner is left to resolve the issue of the back taxes along with the physical fixes.

In recent years, Tarentum Council has buckled down on its attempts to hold people accountable for blighted properties.

Last year, 26 abandoned homes were demolished.

If approved by council during its next meeting July 5, the following homes will be torn down this year: 505-507 E. Eighth Ave., 529 E. Ninth Ave., 628-630 E. Ninth Ave., 338 W. 10th Ave., 110 W. 11th Ave., 1219 Pitcairn Ave. and 105 Britton Way.

The property along West 10th Avenue contains two structures.

Each of the buildings has unresolved code violations that could result in health and safety hazards, Bruni said.

Dadowski said borough officials have made multiple attempts to contact property owners.