Blighted Property Review Committee

MINUTES BLIGHTED PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 18 , 2019 The September 18, 2019, Blighted Property Review Committee Meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Cheryl Chiarello, at 4:06 p.m. in Council Chambers, Pottstown Borough Hall, 100 E. High Street, Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Member Cheryl Chiarello, Brian Hydier, and Ryan Procsal were present. Members Jerry Nugent and Kevin Brown were absent. Also present was Stephanie Drobins and Charlie Weller from the Licensing and Inspections Department, Chuck Garner, Borough Solicitor, and Deb Penrod, as a member of the public. A motion was made by Brian Hydier, seconded by Ryan Procsal, to approve the July 17, 2019 Minutes. The motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS There was no further information to provide to the Committee concerning the Violation Notice Letter to the property owner at 520 Beech Street. The Licensing and Inspections Department reported that work is ongoing and continues at 659 Walnut Street. The Committee decided to take no action. The Committee further learned that a demolition permit had been applied for to demolish the property at 826 Queen Street. A motion was made by Ryan Procsal, second by Brian Hydier, to remove 826 Queen Street from the blighted list. The motion carried unanimously. The Committee discussed the status of 357 Chestnut Street. The property is now under new ownership and the Department of Licensing and Inspections was requested to send a Violation Notice Letter to correct the blighted conditions. It was further reported to the Committee that 645 Walnut Street, under new ownership, is progressing with work and have scheduled a rental inspection for October. After discussing the status of 383 Walnut Street with no work undertaken on the property for a period of time, Ryan Procsal made a motion, seconded by Brian Hydier, to adopt a resolution certifying the property to be blighted and forward same to Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority. The motion carried unanimously. Additional discussion occurred concerning the following properties. The Department of Licensing and Inspections was directed to send a Violation Notice Letter to the owner of 674 Walnut Street. 306 N. Evans Street was awaiting constable service but had, in the meantime, been scheduled for Sheriff Sale. 418 Cherry Street was also awaiting constable service. The Violation Notice Letter for 450 South Street had not yet been forwarded to the property owner. The Committee agreed to revisit these properties at the next meeting. The Committee again discussed 752 Spruce Street and it now appears that that property is occupied so it is no longer under consideration by the Committee. The Committee further noted that the Planning Commission should be ready to enact resolutions of blight for 310 N. York Street, 784 Farmington Avenue, and 566 High Street. NEW BUSINESS Not all of the Committee had yet viewed 207 Potts Drive. The Committee agreed to discuss this at the next meeting. Ryan Procsal suggested the Committee inspect 350 Walnut Street. Cheryl Chiarello provided the Committee some additional information and update on the Pottstown Borough Land Bank Board activities. Ryan Procsal asked to ensure that the Committee could inspect both commercial and residential properties for blight. The solicitor confirmed that both types of properties are permitted under the statute. There was no public comment taken and with no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.