Council orders show‑cause hearing after inspectors find hazardous conditions at 714 N. Juniata St.

Borough inspectors recommended a show‑cause hearing after a danger‑structure investigation at 714 North Juniata Street that documented multiple health and safety hazards, and council voted to authorize the hearing.

The director of community development (speaker S7) told council the May investigation found a strong odor of urine and feces, sewage leaking into the kitchen from improperly installed second‑floor drains, evidence of both cat and mouse feces throughout the house, a leaking roof with partial collapse and mold growth, and a rear addition with no proper foundation that is shifting and separating from the main house. The investigators recorded a collapsed garage roof and other severe deterioration.

"The department found 15 code violations, and the conditions of the property has met all 4 criteria of a dangerous structure," the director said, and requested that council authorize a show‑cause hearing "to discuss why the building should or should not be repaired, vacated, removed, and or demolished in accordance with the code of ordinances."

Council moved and seconded a motion to authorize the show‑cause hearing and carried the motion by voice vote. Staff said the hearing will determine whether the borough orders repairs, vacatur or demolition under the borough code.

The investigation noted the property owners were not present, that a family member present reported the homeowner had been taking baths at the kitchen sink because upstairs plumbing was unusable, and that animals and pest infestations increased health concerns. Council did not set a hearing date at the meeting; staff will return with procedural next steps for scheduling and notice.