Blighted Property Review Committee

MINUTES BLIGHTED PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 20 , 2019 The March 20, 2019, Blighted Property Review Committee Meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Person, Cheryl Chiarello, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 E. High Street, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In addition to Cheryl Chiarello, all members of the Committee were present with the exception of Jerry Nugent. Also present were Stephanie Drobins from the Licensing and Inspections Department, Judy Memberg, Borough solicitor, Chuck Garner, and members of the public, Deb Penrod, Ray Smith and Lee Trythal. The solicitor served as temporary Chair of the meeting. Ryan Procsal nominated Cheryl Chiarello for the position of Chair Person. With no other nominations a unanimous vote occurred electing Cheryl Chiarello as Chair Person. Cheryl Chiarello nominated Ryan Procsal for the position of Vice Chair. There were no other nominations. Following the vote, Ryan Procsal was unanimously elected Vice Chair Person. The gavel was then turned over to Chair Person Chiarello. A motion was made by Ryan Procsal, seconded by Brian Hydier to approve the September 19, 2018 Minutes. The motion carried unanimously with newly appointed member, Kevin Brown, abstaining. New member of the Committee, Kevin Brown, was introduced. The Committee shared information with Mr. Brown concerning the role of the Blighted Property Review Committee and its processes. OLD BUSINESS There were multiple properties to discuss that had previously been determined to be blighted. The Committee directed Licensing and Inspections to send a Violation Notice Letter to the owner of 520 Beech Street, as no apparent activity has been ongoing recently. Stephanie Drobins reported that there were permits and construction efforts on the following properties: - 60 W. 5th Street - 659 Walnut Street - 900 Franklin Street - 826 Queen Street - 357 Chestnut Street The Committee recommended that these properties be placed on hold and allow the property owners to continue the progress. The Committee directed the Licensing and Inspections Department to confirm the status of Violation Notice Letters or send Violation Notice Letters to the owners of 122 E. 3rd Street, 383 Walnut Street, 674 Walnut Street, 653 Beech Street, and 306 N. Evans Street.  The Committee then discussed property located at 752 Spruce Street. There was still some information lacking as it was uncertain whether the property was actually vacant or occupied. The Committee directed the Department of Licensing and Inspections to issue Violation Notice Letters for 418 Cherry Street, 450 South Street, 19 S. Roland Street and 645 Walnut Street, as all of these properties have since been resolved to be blighted by the Pottstown Borough Planning Commission. NEW BUSINESS The Committee then discussed other properties to review and consider. Deb Penrod suggested the Committee review 566 High Street. The Committee also discussed the property located at 350 Lincoln Avenue, although there were some that thought it may be occupied. Ryan Procsal raised concern with the property at 355 Walnut Street. However, it was determined that this property already went through the process and had been on the blighted list since 2008. Members of the Committee suggested that other properties to review included 120 N. Evans Street, 203 East Street, and 784 Farmington Avenue. Based upon the number of properties to inspect and review, a motion was made by Kevin Brown and seconded by Ryan Procsal, to schedule a bus tour for the May meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Judy Memberg presented a letter to the Committee seeking support for Grant funds to acquire and rehabilitate housing. Ryan Procsal made a motion, seconded by Brian Hydier, to authorize the letter be forwarded to Emma Hertz, Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Development. PUBLIC COMMENT Resident Ray Smith of 321 Grant Street raised concern about various properties in his neighborhood. Lee Trythal addressed the Committee concerning the condition of certain properties on Apple Street, which properties are owned by the same entity which operates a business on the same property. With no further business and public comment concluded, Chair Person Chiarello adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m.