Blighted Property Review Committee

MINUTES BLIGHTED PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 17, 2021 Chairperson Kevin Brown called the meeting to order. The Committee conducted the meeting virtually on the GoToMeeting platform. Present included all members of the Committee except for Brian Hydier. Also present on behalf of the Borough included Assistant Solicitor Matthew Hovey together with Charlie Weller and Stephanie Drobins from the Licensing and Inspection Department (“L&I”). Judy Memberg, the Executive Director of Genesis Housing Corporation also appeared and participated. Vice-Chairperson Ryan Procsal moved to accept the January 20, 2021 meeting minutes as presented. Ms. Deb Penrod seconded. Motion passed unanimously 4-0 without discussion. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Weller advised the Committee that 645 Walnut is Code compliant. Vice- Chairperson Procsal motioned to remove the property from the list. Chairperson Brown seconded. Motion passed unanimously 4-0 without discussion. Mr. Weller reported no progress related to 674 Walnut. Mr. Weller and Ms. Drobins reported that there is a new property owner for 357 Chestnut. L&I issued a rehabilitation agreement to the property owner in August 2020 for review. L&I never received a response. Constable Gilroy did not yet achieve service of the required documents. Mr. Weller and Ms. Drobins reported that there is a new property owner for 306 N. Evans. L&I twice attempted to inspect the property but each time the property owner’s representative cancelled. The representative is Mr. Leo Orloski, known to Ms. Drobins. Ms. Drobins stated that she would make this property a priority and reach out to Mr. Orloski directly. Mr. Weller reported no progress related to 450 South. Mr. Weller reported that Constable Gilroy did not yet achieve service of the required documents related to 418 Cherry. Mr. Weller reported that Constable Gilroy did not yet achieve service of the required documents related to 566 High. Mr. Weller and Ms. Drobins reported that the rehabilitation agreement relevant to 784 Farmington expired in January 2021. The property is currently registered as vacant and that registration is valid through September 2021. No other information is known at this time.  The Committee then engaged in a discussion regarding service requirements for various blighted and Code enforcement documents. The Committee is open to utilizing an alternative constable if Constable Gilroy requires assistance with achieving service. Mr. Weller stated that he would follow-up with Constable Gilroy on this issue and report back. Mr. Weller and Ms. Drobins reported that the court date related to 310 N. York remains unscheduled. Mr. Weller stated that he would follow-up with the District Justice and report back. The Committee next discussed the creation of a priority zone for enforcement. Within the zone, the identification and pursuit of blighted properties would be made a priority. Vice-Chairperson Procsal recommended that the priority zone be publicized to both Council and local media. Chairperson Brown motioned for the creation of a priority zone which shall include all properties abutting High between Manatawny and Keim. Vice-Chairperson Procsal seconded. The motion passed unanimously 4-0 without further discussion. Mr. Weller and Ms. Drobins stated that they would personally walk the priority zone and update the list. Ms. Penrod offered to assist. Ms. Memberg next raised the possibility of the Borough pursuing legal conservatorships for properties. Assistant Solicitor Hovey discussed the legal and budgetary hurdles with pursuing conservatorships. The Committee voiced general support for the option but took no action. NEW BUSINESS The Committee agreed to inspect 1057 South. The Committee next discussed 329 Chestnut. According to Mr. Weller, this property suffered catastrophic fire damage. The property owner lacked sufficient insurance coverage. As a result, demolition is not complete. Mr. Weller stated that he would follow-up with the property owner and report back. Ms. Memberg advised the Committee of the availability of a grant which may be used to assist with the rehabilitation of certain properties. With no further business and no public comment, the meeting adjourned at 5:09pm.