Ryan supervisors receive update on legal battle over blighted property
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE
BARNESVILLE – A legal battle between Ryan Township and a Barnesville property owner over a collapsing building could soon be resolved.
Township supervisors received an update on the matter Monday from their solicitor, Christopher Riedlinger.
According to Vice-Chairman Clyde “Champ” Holman, the township has been fighting to have a blighted property off Mansure Road dealt with for nearly two decades.
Willis Garber owns the properties, which are in a state of collapse, and is facing 15 separate citations under Ryan Township’s nuisance ordinance. He pleaded guilty to a separate set of citations in February.
A hearing will be held on August 31 and Riedlinger said he has prepared deeds for Garber to sign the two parcels the collapsing structure sits on to the township for demolition.
“If he doesn’t, we’ll proceed with the hearings,” Riedlinger said.
A demolition grant from the county will be used to take the building down, if acquired by the township.
Under the township’s nuisance ordinance, Garber could face jailtime if found guilty at the August 31 hearing.
In other business, the township approved their participation in the Schuylkill County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
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