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Council members press solicitor and staff on fire-damaged West Hobbs Creek property and insurer response
Summary
Councilors expressed concern that a fire-damaged, attached property on West Hobbs Creek remains exposed and may threaten neighboring homes; staff said code inspections occurred, a structural engineer review is planned, and the solicitor will explore options to compel action by the owner or insurer if necessary.
Councilors raised urgent safety concerns about a fire-damaged property on West Hobbs Creek whose roof has partially collapsed and remains exposed. Council members said the house is attached to another residence and expressed alarm that debris continues to fall and that repair or temporary protective measures have been delayed.
Engineering and code staff said the code department performed inspections and had given the property owner a 30-day notice consistent with the borough’s process. Staff said they will show recent photographs to a structural engineer; if the engineer deems the structure an imminent hazard, staff said they will schedule a site visit and take immediate steps.
Solicitor’s staff said legal procedures limit immediate action unless code inspectors label the structure as an imminent danger. The solicitor’s office offered to investigate legal options and to prepare a memo listing remedies the borough could use if an insurer or property owner does not act.
Councilors asked whether the borough should contact the homeowner’s insurer directly; staff said they have communicated with the carrier and that the homeowner had retained an adjuster and that the insurer had begun contracting work but that progress has been slow. Council members asked the solicitor to consider contacting the insurer and to prepare options for the council.
Why it matters: Councilors said falling roof debris and continued exposure could damage the adjacent attached home and create public-safety hazards; they urged more immediate intervention if the property poses an imminent threat.
What’s next: Staff will share photos with a structural engineer for an expedited assessment; the solicitor will prepare a memo describing the borough’s legal options, including possible contact with the insurer, and will report back to council.
