3 Connellsville buildings to be demolished

Feb. 28--Connellsville Health Board took action this week on several properties, including three that are to be demolished.

City health officer Tom Currey said the board heard evidence presented by Charles Osler, owner of a building at 122 S. Pittsburgh St., concerning his work to bring it up to code. Osler had been informed the year he was given to work on the property will expire on March 15.

Osler convinced the board he was attempting to continue work on the building. The board then voted to give Osler another year, as long as he renews his bond with the insurance company.

The board voted to inform Paula Upton, owner of a house at 256 E. Fairview Ave., the building has been declared unfit for human habitation and she will have 30 days to demolish it.

Currey said the city has been dealing with problems with the property since September 2010. He said there has been no measurable improvement and the building has continued to deteriorate.

The board heard a house, at 239 S. Carnegie Ave., will be demolished after it was damaged in a fire on Feb. 20. The owner has insurance and has informed the city of the demolition, although no permit was obtained.

Another fire-damaged home at 213 Ogden St., which was occupied by the Brian Upton family, will be demolished. Currey said the owner, Warren Upton, informed the city of the intention to demolish the structure.

Upton has not yet obtained a permit for the demolition.

No word was received from city council concerning any questions about the proposed vacant or bad building ordinance.

The board reorganized, with Johanna Harden elected president and Susan Lewis elected vice president. The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on March 24.

Karl Polacek is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at kpolacek@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.

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