Tarentum reviewing bids to tear down 3 buildings

Tarentum received bids from five contractors to tear down three vacant and abandoned residential properties in the borough.

The buildings are a duplex at 243-245 W. Seventh Ave. and single-family homes at 339 W. 11th Ave. and 532 E. Third Ave.

They had appeared on previous lists to be torn down but were delayed or postponed for various reasons.

Bids were opened at the borough building Thursday afternoon.

Ron Gillette Inc. submitted the apparent lowest bid of $33,786. The highest bid, $59,800, came from Myers Demolition & Excavation.

The other bidders were A.P. Wise, $38,200; Minniefield Demolition, $42,275; and Siegel Excavating, $43,200.

All three will require asbestos abatement, code enforcement Officer Anthony Bruni said.

Borough Manager Michael Nestico said officials will review the bids. Council is expected to award a contract at its next meeting Sept. 7.

The cost will be paid from borough funds, Nestico said.

47 buildings razed in 2 years

The borough has completed 24 demolitions so far this year and did 23 in 2020, Bruni said. Some of the cost has been paid with grant funding.

Most were single-family houses, while one was an apartment building that is considered commercial, Bruni said.

“We’ve made a significant jump on the backlogged properties,” Bruni said. “The goal is to get caught up so we’re dealing with them on a case-by-case basis.”

The borough has at least a half dozen more buildings targeted for demolition next year, Bruni said.