Property Maintenance Letters Going Out: Official

Property owners whose homes or businesses are not in compliance with borough property maintenance codes can expect to receive letters in the mail, Hellertown Zoning Officer Kris Russo told Borough Council recently.

Russo said that now that spring is here, letters are going out to a number of owners whose borough properties are not being adequately maintained.

In particular, Russo highlighted a home on Second Avenue, which he told council is "pretty bad."

“We need to keep putting pressure" on the owner, until the issues involving property maintenance are resolved, Council President Phil Weber agreed.

"Just think—you cut your grass absolutely perfect, and you look across the street and it’s just upsetting," he said, referring to neighbors of the home in question.

Council Vice President John Bate asked if the home could be condemned, in order to force its owner to deal with the problems Russo said exist.

Solicitor Michael Corriere said condemnation could be an option, but Russo would need to have access to the home's interior in order for that to happen—and gaining that access could require a court order.

In a case involving property maintenance, Corriere said the home would be boarded up and its owners would not be able to use it until the required repairs are made.