Jerome home razed
By David Hurst, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Demolition crews have spent the past two weeks bringing down and clearing what was left of the two-story house, destroyed in late 2012 by an accidental fire that escalated when propane tanks exploded alongside the residence.
An ordinance adopted by
"It was basically abandoned after the fire," he said, noting the home was ruled a total loss.
The township adopted the law after watching fires across the state leave communities with charred, abandoned homes -- and often a drawn-out legal process to have the homes cleared, he said.
"When something like this happens, we have an escrow set up with the insurance company, and that fund stays in place until (the site is) rehabbed or taken care of," Buncich said.
If it isn't, the township can step in and have the building demolished, with any remaining funds then returned to the property owner, he said.
This was the first case the township had to push to that point, Buncich said.
The township had to take the matter to a local magistrate to get the process rolling after homeowner
"It had been a year and a half," he said. "It was time to move on."
In other news:
--The township approved the
The SUV will replace one involved in a township accident earlier this year, Buncich said, noting its radios and some other interior equipment will be used in the new Explorer.
The township obtained the low offer through the state
If all goes well, the SUV will be on the street next month, Buncich said.
--Eight new computers and a server will be added at the township municipal building, with five of the computers going into the police department, Buncich said.
At
___
(c)2014 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)
Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 455 |
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News