Two Ross Homes Scheduled For Demolition

voted 8-0 Monday night to demolish two homes, and for neighbors of one of those homes, the decision is long overdue. 

The home at 578 Cyrano Avenue is hidden from the street, and tucked toward the back of the property. However, the home at 814 Quaill Avenue is just a few feet from several, occupied, well maintained homes.

It has been vacant for nearly 15 years and was condemned nearly two years ago. 

“It’s a safety concern, it’s dangerous,” said one neighbor who did not want to be identified. “People can still get inside the home, kids have gone in there, we’ve had to call the police several times over the years.” 

Virginia Nash, who also owns another home on the same street, owns 814 Quaill. According the Allegheny County real estate web site, the property taxes have not been paid since 2009. The house and lot are valued at $49,100. 

“It’s not just the house that frightens me, it’s all the overgrown trees,” said the neighbor. “I’m afraid one of them is going to fall and hurt someone. There has to be a way of fast tracking these demolitions.” 

manager Wayne Jones sympathizes with neighbors’ concerns about such dilapidated properties, but also said that getting a demolition completed within two years of a condemnation is relatively quick. 

“2-3 years, that’s pretty fast,” he said. “Say we got 15 homes on the list, and we can only do two a year, you’re talking seven years before some homes are torn down.” 

As with everything else these days, said Jones, it’s a matter of money. 

“We get grant money from Allegheny County, basically RAD funds to take down these homes,” Jones said. “And with the economy, everybody’s got less money.” 

Are there abandoned or condemned homes in your neighborhood? Have you complained about them? Tell us in the comments box below.

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