The blighted property review committee wants to take a multipronged approach to addressing neglected properties in Hazelton, Pa..
As the committee continues working with code enforcement and the city solicitor to compile reports on some higher-profile blighted properties, committee members said they also want to address unkempt homes and other buildings that have been targeted by code enforcement or prompted complaints from neighbors.
"It's the day-to-day stuff," committee member Dave Sosar said. "It's the house in someone's neighborhood that really needs work."
The committee had been discussing options for addressing the former St. Joseph's Hospital on Church Street, the former St. Paul's United Methodist Church on West Green Street and a building with storefronts and apartments at 100-106 N. Wyoming St., but with no solicitor in attendance at its meeting on Monday, committee members agreed to hold off on further discussions until legal counsel is available.
Solicitor Sean Logsdon had a scheduling conflict.
Code enforcement began compiling reports that detail the city's response to code violations at the hospital and at the North Wyoming Street property and is working to gather information about the Green Street property and at least one other building on West Broad Street, Sosar said.
Committee members agreed to review reports that it received Monday and discuss options for addressing the hospital and the North Wyoming Street property when the solicitor is available later this month.
During the interim, committee member Joyce Chunko suggested asking code enforcement to generate an all-encompassing list of properties that it has addressed in the past two years — as well as information about the owners and whether or not violations have been addressed.
The committee could possibly use the list to identify properties that can certify to the city redevelopment authority and deem blighted under state law and city ordinance, Chunko said.
Chairman Mark Rabo said the committee can possibly identify properties from a foreclosure listing.
The foreclosure and code violation lists must be at least 2 years old to comply with the law, Rabo said.
Committee members agreed to circulate the lists to give members time to review them before meeting later this month. A time and date for the meeting have not been finalized at this point.
