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Commission backs RRA request for demolition funding for blighted building at 500 N. 3rd Street
Summary
The commission authorized staff to prepare a planning letter supporting a PA Sites grant to fund demolition and stabilization of a large blighted building at 500 North 3rd Street, citing public‑safety concerns; the Redding Redevelopment Authority will pursue acquisition and further reuse planning.
Reading’s planning commission voted June 27 to authorize staff to prepare a planning letter confirming that demolition and stabilization of the blighted building at 500 North 3rd Street is consistent with the city and county comprehensive plans and to support the Redding Redevelopment Authority’s PA Sites grant application.
RRA representatives described the site as a long‑standing blight and public‑safety hazard adjacent to a daycare; staff and commissioners emphasized the immediate need to remove unstable portions of the structure. The RRA said emergency partial demolition was performed earlier to stabilize falling façade elements and that grant funds are sought primarily to complete demolition and site stabilization.
Commissioners discussed ownership and acquisition paths; RRA staff said they are pursuing acquisition and eminent‑domain options where appropriate and that the immediate priority is safety. "This is a poster child for blight," one commissioner said, urging demolition to protect the public.
The commission’s motion directs staff to prepare a planning letter stating the proposed demolition aligns with both the City of Reading and Berks County comprehensive plans; commissioners approved the motion unanimously. Staff will forward the letter to support the RRA’s PA Sites demolition grant application.
