Nesquehoning council has concerns over several blighted properties in the borough, but one building is of great concern because it is half of a double home.

During council’s recent meeting, Councilwoman Abbie Guardiani gave updates on the 10 blighted homes she picked as the first group of properties that need to be addressed. She outlined these properties two months ago and has been providing updates monthly.

Two of the properties on the list have been demolished, leaving eight remaining.

One in particular, at 217 W. Catawissa St., has been classified as in imminent danger of collapsing because of the deterioration of the structure.

From the street, a hole in the roof is visible and, according to RoniSue Ahner, borough secretary, Chip Stalega of Barry Isett and Associates, said that while posting the home as condemned, he noted the front door was not secured and believes based on the structure’s current condition, that it will not make it through the winter without collapsing.

According to the Carbon County Property Records, the home is owned by a couple who live in Pembroke, Maine, and is vacant.

The problem, council noted, was that the other half of the double home at 215 W. Catawissa St., is occupied.

Ahner said the 217 property owner has been cited and the owner has not been cooperative.

Guardiani said that the report council received on this property is “frightening” because the town has a lot of double homes and if one side doesn’t keep up with the maintenance, the other side could suffer.

She cited a recent case in Jim Thorpe, where a homeowner would need to pay to shore up their side of the double home if the other half was demolished.

Council also pointed out that Lansford recently took down a half double and shored up one side.

Guardiani said she feels council needs to be aggressive with this property because it is a safety hazard for the area, as well as the homeowner residing on the other half.

Borough Solicitor Robert Yurchak recommended the borough get a second recommendation on whether the property is in imminent danger and should be torn down.