Council members in Frackville voted earlier this month to take two problematic properties by eminent domain.
By unanimous vote, council authorized Solicitor Mark Semanchik to file a Declaration of Taking to acquire the following properties:
- 325 N. Center St.
- 232 S. Middle St.
According to the Schuylkill Parcel Locator, the Center St. property is owned by Joseph Ozor, who is deceased. He purchased the property in 2004 for $115,000. The 2026 assessed value of it is $162,300.
Nick Hazlett, Frackville’s Code Enforcement Officer, says the Borough condemned the property several years ago when water service was shut off. He said the Borough believed a squatter was staying at the property and at times, a dog was in the property unattended for days at a time.
The backyard of the property had grass several feet high, making it a haven for rodents and skunks. Eventually, Frackville boarded up the property to prevent anyone from getting inside.
The Middle St. property is owned by George Andrews, of Frackville, who was deeded the property in 2001. It has a current assessed value of $111,300.
Hazlett said the first violations against it were documented in 2023 and there are numerous code issues there. The property has been a constant source of complaints from neighbors. An inoperable vehicle with broken windows is in the driveway.
Multiple letters have been sent to the owner with no response, Hazlett says.
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