County approves local demolition projects
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The deteriorating front facade of 26 South Main Street.
SHENANDOAH – Some blighted properties will be demolished in our area thanks to the Schuylkill County Demolition Program, including one that’s already largely been razed.
County Commissioners approved three demolition contracts at Wednesday morning’s meeting.
A long-vacant, collapsing downtown Shenandoah building is one of the projects.
Commissioners awarded a $31,191 contract to Arthur “Pat” Aungst, Inc. to take down 26 South Main Street, the former Gerri’s Flowers.
The building sustained a partial collapse in December 2023 after years of neglect by a New York City firm.
At the time, a neighboring property owner gave the Sentinel access to their rear balcony to view the collapse damage, which decimated the entire center of the former flower shop.
Demolition began in 2024 but was never completed.
Commissioners also approved a $11,711 contract to Dudash Pipeline Co. to take down 1313 Main Street in Gilberton borough.
Most of that job, though, is already done.
The once-hulking apartment building in the Maizeville section of town partially collapsed in the early morning hours of July 3, 2023.
Later that day, demolition crews were brought in the flatten the structure.
All that remains today is the pile of rubble and the foundation left behind.
Commissioners also awarded a contract to Dudash to take down 120-122 West Birch Street in Mahanoy City, the remnants of row homes on the north side of that town.
More demolitions may also come to northern Schuylkill through the demolition program.
The county approved cooperation agreements for projects at 25 West Ogden Street in Girardville and 300 East Lloyd Street in Shenandoah.
The latter burned in September. Shenandoah Borough Manager Mike Cadau said at a recent meeting the home, owned by the Barlow family, was turned over to the borough to allow for the demolition project to take place.
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