MINERSVILLE - After many complaints, the yard of a blighted property in Branch Township has been cleaned up. But it may only be a matter of time before the township has to do it again.
John Andruchek, township code official, said he has received several calls and letters complaining about 617 Pine Hill St. Unable to contact the owners of the building, the township cut the grass and removed the garbage in the yard about two weeks ago.
According to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator, the owners of the property are John, Sharon and Elizabeth McConkey.
Andruchek said the township has sent them letters and cited them for violating the International Property Maintenance Code, but there has been no response. Andruchek said they live in New York.
"That's part of the problem, they aren't around," he said.
Rita Ruscavage, who has lived next door at 615 Pine Hill St. for more than 40 years, said she has been trying to get the township to clean up the yard for more than a year now. Ruscavage said the weeds were reaching over her fence at one point and she has caught at least seven rats in her alleyway.
"It brings down the value of other homes," she said about the property.
Andruchek said the building itself is not in terrible condition and an engineer would have to inspect it before being considered for demolition.
"Worse comes to worse, we cut the grass again," he said.
Gary Bender, county grants, demolition and community development block grant coordinator, said he has also received complaints about the property.
"Everything with blight starts with code enforcement," Bender said.
The county cannot enforce municipal codes but the commissioners have sponsored a local demolition and rehabilitation program since 1997.
Bender said the board commits at least 30 percent of CDBG funding to the program. Over the last 15 years, the county has removed 259 blighted structures, rehabilitated 57 adjoining structures in 25 different communities at a cost of $3,298,856.12, according to Bender.
The program is open to all boroughs and townships in Schuylkill County. Each municipality must be willing to pay for 25 percent of the demolition and for the asbestos assessment. The property must either be condemned through a court-ordered demolition or owned by the municipality. To participate in the program, a municipality must submit a demolition request to the county.
Property maintenance complaints should be addressed to local municipal officials.