Franklin Twp. applies for demolition of second building
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| Messenger photo by Sean V. Lehosit |
| This property on Dover Road is the second blighted residence Franklin Township is submitting for demolition. The structure is unsecure and littered with debris. |
A structure on Dover Road in Franklin Township, described as an eyesore, could soon be demolished.
On Nov. 23, township officials decided to submit this residence to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ township nuisance abatement program.
In October, trustees submitted another abandoned home on Marsdale Avenue.
In an effort to help townships remove nuisance properties, the commissioners allocated $350,000 for the removal of 17 structures throughout the county.
Applicable properties must pose a health risk, lack structural integrity and have secured approval for demolition through the court system.
The project is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
According to Marty Homan, public affairs officer for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, only seven of the 17 townships in Franklin County applied for funding during the first round of filing.
In addition to Franklin Township, Mifflin, Madison, Hamilton, Norwich, Clinton, and Sharon townships submitted one or more applications.
Some townships did not apply, possibly because they did not have eligible structures or have properties caught in legal complications, said Homan.
During the first round of applications, townships could only submit projects that would cost $15,000 or less to demolish. Homan said the commissioners want to use all available funds, so there would be no project price cap attached to the second round of applications.
The township must have all its documentation submitted to the Franklin County Economic and Development Department by Nov. 30. If not accepted into the program, the township will re-evaluate the problem and go from there, said Timothy Guyton, Franklin Township trustee.
Homan said five of the seven townships passed resolutions to enter into agreement with the county. On Nov. 22, the commissioners passed their own resolution to finalize the deal.
“I think the townships are definitely excited,” Homan said.