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WILKES-BARRE — Contracts are being drawn up to demolish three houses, and the city is awaiting bids on three more as it looks to get rid of blighted properties.
The first group of three drew four bids each after the city advertised for the demolitions, said Mayor Tony George on Tuesday.
He identified the low bidders as :
• Stell Enterprises Inc., Plains Township, $7,700 for 57 Taft St.
• Brdaric Excavating of Luzerne, $11,950 for 19-21 Elizabeth St.
• Brdaric Excavating of Luzerne, $8,900 for 167-169 Almond Lane.
The city will use funds from the Office of Economic and Community Development budget to pay for all the demolitions.
The mayor has said he’s heard from residents about vacant and dilapidated properties throughout the city and the effects they have on neighborhoods.
Kurt Sauer, director of the city’s Office of Community Development, said no dates have been set for the first group of demolitions. Once the contracts are completed and returned the contractors must provide insurance and bond documents before a notice to proceed can be issued.
“We’re not going to do it until they have all their insurance and bonds in order,” Sauer said. After the notice is sent, the contractor has 10 days to complete the demolitions, he explained.
The second group to be demolished will follow the same process.
The city has advertised for separate bids for:
• 244-246 St. Clair St.
• 51-53 Prospect St.
• 26-28-30 Sullivan St.
They are due by 9:30 a.m. Aug. 30 and will be opened publicly and read aloud in city council chambers at 10 a.m. Bidders must be licensed in the city or have a demolition contractor’s license.