Fallen tree is new woe at empty house
Add a downed tree and a torn up sidewalk to the list of problems plaguing 202 First St.
The two-story, brick house in the city's Institute Hill neighborhood has been vacant for several years and was condemned by the city in light of a leaking roof, damaged porch and other issues, according to John Evans, city building code official.
A wind storm last Wednesday took down a large tree on the property. The tree came out of the ground, roots and all, causing damage to the sidewalk on Carbon Street and landing partly on both First and Carbon streets.
Since the road was affected, the city streets department responded the same day to cut up the fallen tree with a chain saw and clear any debris from the road, Evans said. The tree remains in the yard surrounded by yellow caution tape.
According to court documents, Bank of New York Mellon filed for foreclosure on the house in March of 2015, claiming the owners owed $157,900. The foreclosure has not been settled.
Since the bank never took possession of the house, the owners are still responsible for maintenance and abiding by the city's ordinances, like repairing damaged sidewalks and keeping the yard in order, Evans said.
They were cited numerous times by the city with summary offenses through district court in Butler, but until late last year, their address was unknown. Once officials were able to track them down, a new summons was issued and a summary trial was scheduled for May 16, according to court records.
Evans said the city is also hoping to work with the owners and the bank so that the foreclosure can be settled and a new owner might step in who could work on making repairs and resume paying taxes.
“It's a shame, because at one time it was a very beautiful red brick house,” he said.
Evans said that less than 10 years ago, the city had almost 30 derelict properties — some of which were in foreclosure limbo like the house on First Street. Through working with banks, and in some cases arranging demolitions, that number is down to only two or three properties, he said.
