Borough of Craft secures conservatorship for 82 Belvedere to combat blight

Crafton Borough has taken a significant step towards revitalizing a long-abandoned property at 82 Belvedere, following a recent court ruling that awarded the borough conservatorship over the site. This decision allows Crafton to begin the process of cleaning and renovating the property, which has been a blight on the community for years.

The borough plans to restore the home and eventually place it back on the market, aiming to recover the investments made in the renovation and return the property to the tax rolls with a responsible owner. The immediate next steps include awaiting the judge's written order and publishing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to hire a general contractor for cost estimates on the necessary repairs.

Public works has already begun preliminary efforts, including mowing the lawn and cleaning the exterior. A walkthrough of the building is scheduled for Monday, involving key borough officials and an engineer, to assess the immediate needs for improvement.

This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it circumvents a substantial $600,000 lien on the property, which had previously hindered any potential sale or renovation. By securing conservatorship, Crafton can now move forward without the burden of this lien, which was likely attached due to legal issues faced by the previous owner, an LLC that had abandoned the property.

The borough's approach reflects a broader strategy to manage blighted properties effectively, prioritizing rehabilitation over demolition. Council members emphasized that demolishing such properties often leads to further economic challenges, as new construction is unlikely in the current market. Instead, the focus will be on preserving and improving existing structures to enhance property values and community aesthetics.

As the project progresses, residents can expect regular updates during council and committee meetings, highlighting Crafton's commitment to revitalizing its neighborhoods and addressing long-standing issues of blight.