Residents Press White Oak Council on Blighted Lewis‑Clark Properties; Borough Says County Cleared One for Demolition

At the Sept. 15 meeting of the Borough of White Oak Council, residents of the Lewis‑Clark neighborhood pressed council members and borough staff to take stronger action on multiple blighted properties, citing uncut grass, open garbage, fallen ceilings and rodent and coyote concerns.

The residents’ appeal came during the public‑comment portion of the meeting under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, 65 Pa. C.S. § 710.1. A resident who said she lives at 1225 Clark Street told council, “I brought pictures down. I’ve called, and nothing happens,” and asked for a list of properties and their current status.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the conditions are creating public‑health and safety risks and depressing nearby property values. Council members and staff described a mix of administrative hurdles and legal steps the borough has taken or is pursuing.

Borough response and next steps Borough staff told residents the borough had identified several properties for condemnation and demolition and that the county (referred to in the meeting as “COB”) had been given legal clearance to proceed on 2172 Lewis Street. A borough official said work on other addresses — including two…