Council approves seeking bids for emergency demolition of collapsing downtown property
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A collapsing property at 200-202 South Main Street in Shenandoah, seen on Dec. 18, 2023.
SHENANDOAH – After they said the county quashed their plan to buy and raze the property, borough council approved a motion to seek bids for an emergency demolition Monday night.
The borough has been trying to acquire 200-202 South Main Street — the former M&T Quart Store — for several months now, as it has been showing signs of collapse.
Two of the three listed property owners — Edward Spielberger and Glen Paterson — are deceased. The third is Heather Dehanis, of 9019 Thomas York Blvd., San Antonio, Texas.
Solicitor Jim Amato said the borough had discussed the property with the county.
“Obviously, it is in a very dilapidated, unsafe condition,” Amato said. “When we spoke with the county, we were under the impression there were still taxes owed and liens on the property.”
Amato said they, under the direction of the county, worked with them and the school district to have municipal liens compromised so that they could purchase it off the commissioner’s list.
“The county has indicated that, because the liens were compromised, we cannot now purchase it off the commissioner’s list,” Amato said.
A resident, Karen Kayes, asked who would be responsible if the building fell into the street and injured someone. Amato said it would be the living property owner.
“I think we need to consider knocking it down anyway,” Mark Pronio, Code Enforcement Officer, suggested. “We don’t need to have the owners approval and we don’t need to own it. I can write an order and we can demolish it. Our ordinances allow me to write a letter demanding that building come down.”
Pronio said the borough, though, would have to incur the costs. As of November, the borough has $77,000 in demolition funds.
He said he is concerned because, though the building is often roped off, that hasn’t kept people clear.
“I drove down for a coffee today and there was a guy sitting on the front step,” Pronio said.
One issue with the borough incurring the emergency demolition is that the entire cost will be borne by them, without assistance from the county demolition program.
Council approved the motion to seek bids for the demolition.
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