ZELIENOPLE — Concerns arose at Monday evening’s borough council meeting that could push back demolition of houses on Clay Street as part of the borough’s revitalization project.

The main concern is that business owners have not discussed street and alleyway closings that may occur with the demolition. Also, sidewalks and trees on Clay Street will be removed.

“I think we’re crazy to say ‘All in favor, aye’ if we don’t talk to these guys about their property if we’re closing off their access,” Councilman Gregg Semel said.

Borough engineer Tom Thompson said by taking that action demolition of the houses could be pushed back to December. Originally, the vacant houses were to be demolished by November at the latest.

When the demolition and the filling in of the properties is done, construction of the new municipal parking lot can begin.

The parking lot is one phase of the Main Street Revitalization project. Between 159 and 170 spaces will be created on West New Castle Street. Seven properties were bought by the borough for the parking lot.

“It’s like when the fire department came and said they wanted to burn these houses down (for training purposes). We were in favor of it, but we wanted to make sure they talked to the property owners first,” Semel said.

Council voted to accept the contract for demolition services for the properties with the stipulation the borough contacts all business owners who will be impacted. Ken Reilly Contracting of Valencia had the lowest bid.

Businesses expected to be affected include the Kountry Kitchen and Maddalon Jewelers. The area behind the Kaufman House also would be affected.

Demolishing the houses and filling the properties with gravel will cost $151,250. Out of that, $90,000 will be used for asbestos removal and inspection of three houses that tested positive for asbestos.

Council members and borough officers agreed that proceeding with construction without consulting business owners would “look bad” on their part.

“I think it’s important that they be engaged in the process,” said Allen Bayer, council president. “If we don’t engage them, then that will just create animosity, and we don’t need that now.”

Borough officers, representatives from Ken Reilly Contracting and business owners will meet soon to discuss the demolition.