County commissioners approve demolition of 12 Westmoreland buildings

Twelve residential and commercial structures in eight communities are slated for demolition through Westmoreland County’s redevelopment authority.

Jason Rigone, director of the county’s planning division, said the goal is to bring all of the buildings down within a year.

“They’re either blighted, abandoned or vacant,” he said.

The county commissioners on Thursday approved $414,500 for all of the projects through a demolition fund program. Municipalities applied for the funding.

Rigone said it is a plus that the money will be spread throughout the county. County officials work with municipalities to find projects that have redevelopment potential.

One of the projects will remove some structures at the former Ligonier Beach in Ligonier Township, Rigone said.

Township officials purchased the defunct landmark in 2019 and an auction was held there in October. The demolition will clear the way for revitalization.

Two other projects will benefit Jeannette. Two fire-damaged buildings are set to be razed: a commercial structure on Clay Avenue and a Good Street home. City officials made the request to the county in October.

The two-story commercial building housing the Computer Clinic business and an apartment on the second floor went up in flames in November 2020. The property was not insured.

The Good Street property burned in 2016 and was abandoned at some point afterward.

Other properties slated for demolition:

• 1708 Fifth Ave., Arnold;

• 25 W. Main St., Mt. Pleasant;

• 1026 Fourth St., New Kensington;

• 407 Somers St. and 368 Zundel St., Rostraver;

• 216 Dos and 314 Klondike drives, Unity;

• 109 and 111 Washington Ave., Vandergrift.