Coaldale officials asked Schuylkill County Court on Friday to allow them to remove what they termed a dangerous building.
In the lawsuit, Coaldale alleges Street Stage Inc., New York City, has allowed 146 Fisher Ave. to become a public nuisance and danger that must be taken care of immediately in order to protect citizens.
“Located (there) is a house which has been allowed by defendant and his predecessors in title to deteriorate to the point that it is in an extremely dangerous condition,” according to the lawsuit.
The borough asked the court to allow it to declare the building a nuisance and a dangerous structure and permit officials to remove it.
It alleges Street Stage bought the property on May 20, 2009, at a tax sale for $1,199, and recorded the deed on June 1, 2009. However, Street Stage has not improved the building, according to the lawsuit.
“The building is in imminent danger of falling down,” the lawsuit reads in part.
In the lawsuit, the borough alleges the building is unsecured, unrepaired, contains debris and animal infestations that enter neighboring properties, and has unsafe flooring, unrepaired windows and falling plaster. It also is a health hazard that can cause great injury and irreparable harm, the lawsuit reads in part.
Street Stage has refused to repair the building in spite of several requests, including a letter from the borough code enforcement officer, according to the lawsuit.