The city redevelopment authority told city officials Wednesday it does not have the money to repair the violations with the former Penn Theater, but said it wants to address any safety concerns as soon as possible.

The authority Wednesday sent a response to the city concerning the recent inspection on the theater.

Authority solicitor Tom Breth said in the letter the authority wants to fully cooperate with the city to address the issues listed in the Notice to Abate Code Violations, which the authority received Aug. 20.

“However, as the city is aware, the redevelopment authority has limited financial resources at this time; and, absent a significant change in the short-term financial condition of the authority, the board is not in position to address the issues within the time frame provided by the city,” the letter said.

The city code enforcement office inspected the property in July and August. The report sent to the authority indicates cracks in the structure’s masonry, bricks in the walls that have shifted, water damage in the interior, numerous electrical violations and a lack of utilities.

A complete copy of the violation letter has not been made available to the public due to potential litigation concerning it, Breth said.

The vacant building is not posted as condemned, but city officials said it is unsafe for occupancy.

Breth said in the letter the authority wants to first focus on safety issues with the building, including pedestrian traffic in front of it and any problems with structural safety of the building.

Breth requested the authority meet with city officials to discuss what action to take with the building.

The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, which has the mortgage on the property, started making improvements to the theater’s facade Tuesday.

The city redevelopment authority bought the Penn Theater in 2009 using the foundation’s loan program.

The authority owns the property but says it does not have the money to make its mortgage payments.