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Developer and residents press Munhall council on blight, sheriff sales and property acquisition options
Summary
During public comment developer Bradley Jacobs and neighbors urged action on dilapidated downtown properties, citing fire and safety hazards. Council explained code enforcement limits, sheriff sale mechanics and use of county Act 152 funds; staff said demolition bids and sheriff‑sale funding are being pursued.
Developer Bradley Jacobs and several residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press the borough for faster action on dilapidated properties in the 8th Avenue commercial district, describing standing water, live electrical hazards and structural collapse risks.
Jacobs, who identified himself as a local developer and rehabber, said the "Outer Skins" building has more than a foot of standing water in the basement while electricity remains on, creating an immediate safety and fire hazard. "Not only is it an imminent risk, it's a fire hazard," he said, urging the borough to pursue condemnation or sale options.
Council and the solicitor explained the existing tools: code enforcement, filing citations that can lead to court fines, and the sheriff‑sale tax process. The solicitor explained the two‑step sheriff‑sale process: an initial sale at the upset price (taxes and liens), and, if there are no bidders, a second sale or a court order to clear title so the municipality or a bidder can acquire the property free and clear.
Council members said the process can be slow and costly and sometimes requires coordination with the county and the school district to share sheriff‑sale expenses. The manager noted there is some money budgeted to put properties up for sheriff sale and that staff would revisit cost‑sharing with the school district.
Staff also said Act 152 funding from the county was approved for three burned houses; the manager and staff indicated they expect to advertise those properties for bid next month as the next step toward demolition and redevelopment.
Jacobs additionally described interest from private investors and his willingness to post funds to participate in a sheriffs sale, but council emphasized that municipal authority and legal mechanics limit what the borough can do unilaterally and that title issues (estates, unresolved ownership) complicate enforcement.
No formal action was taken on any property tonight; council said staff would follow up with enforcement options, sheriff‑sale coordination and soliciting bids for agreed demolition work or sale.
