CRESSON — Cresson Township is backing off from immediately demolishing the crumbling Braemar-Jones Cottage even through a Cambria County judge refused Thursday to grant a stay on the razing.
Township Solicitor Gerald Neugebauer said it would not be good from a legal standpoint to move ahead now because of the appeal filed by the Cresson Area Historical Association with the state Commonwealth Court.
“With the matter in Commonwealth Court, we do not feel comfortable proceeding with the demolition. Unfortunately, we’ll lose the offer to have (the demolition) done at little or no cost. This may cost the township $10,000 (for the eventual razing),” Neugebauer said.
He anticipates, however, that a court will require the association to post $10,000 bond to cover the cost in the event its appeal fails.
The township had an offer “for a short period of time” from a private citizen – who wishes to remain anonymous – to pay a demolition contractor “the estimated bargain price of $1,000” to raze the structure while the contractor has equipment in the area, the solicitor has said.
On Tuesday, county Judge David Tulowitzki rejected the association’s attempt to halt demolition of the historic house until after Nov. 15. The association then filed a notice of appeal. The judge said Nov. 15 is the deadline for the township to have the cottage razed in light of his January declaration that the property is a public nuisance as a fire/safety hazard. The cottage was built the late 1800s.
Brenda Kalwasinski, association president, said she is relieved the historical group will have more time to find funds to restore the cottage.
“We're hoping we’ll soon know more about the grant we we are seeking. Hopefully we’ll know something in a day or two,” Kalwasinski said.
The association has said that it hopes to obtain a $150,000 grant for work on the structure, but the township maintains that even if the grant is received, the money still would be insufficient to abate the nuisance.
In a related development Thursday, Ebensburg attorney Tim Burns, who represents the association, said the group had been able to raise $10,000 cash.
Late Thursday afternoon, Burns filed a motion asking Tulowitzki to reconsider his denial of a stay because of the group’s ability to post the
$10,000 cash/bond with the court.
Staff writer Kathy Mellott contributed to this story.
Local News
Cottage gets another reprieve
- Local News
-
-
Richland manufacturer showcases expansion
Business and government leaders gathered Monday at a Richland Township manufacturing company to celebrate the expansion of its export business, made possible through some cooperative government programs.
-
New jury to hear Blair case
The 12 jury members and two alternates chosen nearly a month ago to decide the fate of Nicholas Adam Horner were excused on Monday by Blair County President Judge Jolene Kopriva.
-
Blogging with heart
Launching into the second week of American Heart Month, I'm looking at stories on the leading-edge treatment options and how local heart specialists are helping patients live longer.
-
Marijuana bust: Police seeking runaway seize dozens of pot plants
City police looking for a runaway juvenile stumbled onto a marijuana “grow operation,” seized more than 40 pot plants and arrested two apartment house neighbors.
-
Former speaker convicted
A jury on Monday convicted a senior Democrat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on all but one of six charges in the latest corruption trial stemming from a five-year investigation into the use of taxpayers’ resources for political purposes.
-
‘Dramatic’ Pa. budget cuts expected
Top state senators say they expect Gov. Tom Corbett to propose a budget plan today that relies on cuts in spending for education and social services to balance sluggish tax collections and the rising costs of pensions and debt.
-
ACRP seeks partners for neighborhood gardens
A few years ago, the Alternative Community Resource Program and its partners planted a garden alongside Napoleon Street in a move to fill both hungry stomachs and a need for neighborhood rejuvenation.
-
‘Hope for the future’: Workshops offer confidence boost to cancer patients
Chances are when you look good you feel better about yourself.
-
Police Roundup: Martindale man accused of trying to enter cars at Portage dealership
A Portage-area man has been charged with criminal attempt at theft after state police said he was discovered trying to enter three vehicles in the parking lot of Stager’s Chevrolet.
-
In brief: Fire destroys windmill turbine
Fire destroyed a windmill turbine at the Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm on top of the mountain in Blair County between Blue Knob and Lilly on Monday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
