Jul 13, 2024 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

A vacant building next to the borough parking garage in Donora has been condemned, and officials are taking steps to demolish it.

Solicitor Steve Toprani has been authorized by council to seek approval from a Washington County judge for an emergency demolition of 618 McKean Ave.

“The roof caved in,” said council President Cindy Brice. “We took a drone shot of it and you can see it’s all the way down three floors through the middle of the building. We had an engineer come in and he condemned the building.”

Brice said the owner of the building lives in New Jersey. Several attempts to contact the owner have failed.

“We sent him a registered letter. We sent him a certified letter and he has not returned any correspondence to us,” Brice said.

The proximity of the building to the borough parking garage has forced its closure. It’s also near the borough building and fire station.

“Our borough building and our fire department are in danger because if it goes back through the alley it’s hitting our borough building,” Brice said.

The condition of the building is impacting two upcoming community events. Donora’s Fourth Annual Craft and Vendor show, scheduled for Aug. 10, has been moved to the new pavilion on Seventh Street. A decision on moving the Summer Bash Festival, normally held at the garage and planned for Aug. 24, has not been made.