Times Observer file photo The City of Warren’s Redevelopment Authority heard from the owner of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Players Club building on Water St. during a Thursday meeting.

The City of Warren’s Redevelopment Authority heard an update on the status of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Warren Players Club building on Water Street on Wednesday.

The report wasn’t particularly promising.

Director of Codes and Planning Randy Rossey told the RDA at the outset that the “property has structural issues on the exterior.

The owner, Robert Evans, told the RDA that he has received interest from parties interested in purchasing the building.

Evans said he removed four or five dumpsters of items from the inside but have had issues with vandalism.

“That’s why I’m looking to sell,” he said. “It’s too big of a project for me to take on financially. I would like to see something done with it. It’s evolved into a bigger problem than what I’m able to handle.”

Rossey stressed that the city wants to ensure the building is “properly secured.”

“I think you probably need to make another attempt,” he told Evans.

LANDBANK FUNDING

The RDA also heard from Landbank chair Phil Gilbert who asked the RDA to submit a letter of support for the county’s potential implementation of a $15 fee on deeds and mortgages specifically for the demolition of blighted properties.

“The city would benefit from this,” Rossey said. “This would be a way for the city RDA to replenish their funds.

Authority member Philip Dellamedagalia said the “end result” to such demolition is “a benefit. Removing a blighted property only makes everything around it better.”

“We’re trying to figure out solutions here,” Gilbert said.