×

Owner of historic property declared blighted after a fire wants ‘rid of it’

Times Observer file photo The former Barley Home, also been known as “The Pines,” was demolished in March 2018. The vacant lot has been listed with a local realtor.

The owner of a historic North Warren structure ravaged by fire in August 2014 wants “rid of it.”

The property at 506 South State Street – formerly known as The Pines and the Barley Home – has sat burnt for nearly three years amid controversy with insurance companies and a bankruptcy.

It has since been declared blighted and was before the Warren County Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday morning.

Owner Rodger Shattuck provided an update to the Authority.

“We’ve had some setbacks with the insurance because other people are making deals with the insurance company,” he said. “(That) has made it hard for us to continue on. We can’t keep people out of the property.”

He said that Conewango Township has made an offer to purchase the property and that his attorney has “asked us to reconsider” that offer.

“We’d like to get rid of it,” he told the authority. “We can’t do anything with it the way the insurance is. People have made offers. When they find out the process, they walk away. It’s a long process with the bankruptcy…. People get tired of waiting.”

County Planner Dan Glotz asked Shattuck to remove a dead tree that fronts State Street.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Shattuck said. “We want rid of it. We don’t have time for it anymore. Our lawyer has urged us to take” the township’s offer. “It’s a really low ball.”

The property is currently listed by Howard Hanna – Daley Real Estate for $58,000.

“There’s nothing in there for anybody except trouble,” Shattuck added. “We board it up. They break in. It’s a burnt out stone building. There’s nothing there…. I don’t want to see it anymore.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today