Council moves forward after public hearing on dangerous conditions at 2011 Walnut Street

Borough solicitor Nathan K. opened a show-cause hearing over 2011 Walnut Street after repeated complaints about the property’s condition. Andrew Holodnik, director of community development, testified that inspectors found the front door unlocked, open windows and an unsecured structure with no utilities and “a pungent odor of just, you know, garbage and filth.” Holodnik said two second‑floor bedrooms contained children’s bedding while couches on the first floor had been used as beds, and that the kitchen roof has a significant dip supported with plywood.

Holodnik told council the water service was shut off April 1, 2025, and that the rear roof accumulates water and sediment creating rot; he also noted a tree limb leaning on the electrical service cable. Holodnik said the property is fixable but would require substantial work: “we’re looking at…clean the overall cleanliness of the property…repairing the kitchen roof, repairing the porch roof, repairing the exterior deterioration…making repairs to the front porch to make sure it’s safe.” The solicitor explained the enforcement timeline staff recommended: 20 days to apply for a dangerous‑structure permit and remove garbage, 45 days to obtain other permits and completion of repairs by October 31 if owners pursue rehabilitation.

Council then moved to adopt the enforcement recommendation and approved staff proceeding with corrective actions if owners fail to comply. The solicitor described the borough’s enforcement options if the owners do not act, including borough‑arranged cleanup or demolition and placing liens against the property to recoup costs. No owners or owner representatives spoke at the hearing; exhibits and inspection photos were admitted into the record.