RDA mulls property demolition costs

That came at a cost.

And the RDA is grappling with what to do with the properties now.

And whether they can recoup any of those costs.

Discussion first centered around 4582 Route 6 in Sheffield Township. It’s owned by Midwest Home Management but has been circulated through multiple corporations over the last couple years.

Authority member Pam Matve noted the RDA could file a lien on the property, wait 30 days for the owner to address the lien and then “sell it after that without going back to the court,” though she acknowledged that a conservatorship granted by the court did not grant the RDA permission to sell the property.

Authority member Phil Gilbert said the RDA could take title to the property through the repository process, as well.

County Planner Dan Glotz suggested that it might be “worth going back to the township (to) see if they can help with the maintenance of the lot. If the RDA owns it and is concerned about keeping the grass down… maybe we can strike a deal with the township.”

Authority chairman Chuck Barone said he “doesn’t want to own it” and the Authority ultimately agreed to enter a bid through the repository process.

The RDA owns the property at 3 Economy St. in Tidioute and the RDA agreed to accept a bid for $1,020 contingent on the owner paying closing costs.

Matve noted fair market value for that property was in the area of $5,000.

The remaining two properties are located in Clarendon.

7 Exchange St., Clarendon is owned by LVDAG FAM LLC and Matve said she has lien paperwork ready to file against the property for $9,300.

“There’s no way you’re going to get $10,000 for that,” Commissioner Jeff Eeggleston said.

Gilbert noted that the lien would actually scare people away who may be interested.

Ultimately the RDA decided to wait and see what happens th the property at the next judicial sale.

Action was tabled against the fourth property, as well, 124 N. Main St., as it’s owned by Clarendon Borough.

The Authority also approved a motion to draw up a deed to be sent to the owners of 58 Bush Lane to ultimately have the property transferred to the RDA.

The property is owned by several siblings who have expressed a willingness to sign the property over to the RDA.