In the 100 block of North First Street in Lehighton, a seemingly inconspicuous building conceals a pressing issue, and it’s not just its condemned state. Borough officials, deeming the structure unsafe and hazardous, are gearing up for its demolition, citing a decade-long eyesore that poses a threat to residents and neighboring properties.
Dane DeWire, the borough manager, emphasized the urgency, stating, “It is an eyesore for over a decade. The structure can come down at any point with a strong gust of wind or a snowstorm, and our first plan is to make sure that the town, you know, the residents and adjoining property owners and their occupants are safe.”
However, the challenge lies within the building’s current inhabitants – a multitude of feral cats estimated to be over a dozen, with varying reports suggesting numbers as high as 50. Concerns regarding their well-being and the potential for reproduction add a layer of complexity to the impending demolition.
During a visit to the property, Newswatch 16 observed a significant feline presence. David Silvonek, who works in the adjacent pharmacy, shared his regular efforts to feed the cats and expressed worries about their reproductive capabilities. “There’s a tuxedo. Several tabbys, grey’s which I prefer. Multiple colored ones. I’m concerned that there at the point now they’re old enough to reproduce again,” said Silvonek.
While the borough acknowledges the necessity of the building’s removal for safety reasons, the feline occupants present a unique challenge. Officials are now seeking collaboration with various organizations to safely evacuate and address the welfare of all the cats.
“I would hope that someone would come forward and help trap them and spay and neuter them and place them in homes which would be ideal. We just don’t want the building collapsing on top of them; that would be tragic,” expressed Silvonek.
Complicating matters is the fact that the building is not owned by the borough, limiting their financial and legal capacity to intervene. The hope is for nearby rescues to step in. DeWire outlined the dilemma, stating, “Majority of these cats are feral. They will not come to people, and while there might be rescues that may spay and neuter the animal, they cannot take them. So at this point, I am going to be reaching out to the rescues and shelters to see if we can get a combined effort together.”
The timeline for the building’s gradual dismantling is set to commence in a few weeks. The urgent plea extends to anyone who can assist in trapping, neutering, releasing, or rehoming the cats to contact Lehighton Borough. The collaborative effort aims to ensure the safety of both the feral cats and the community affected by the condemned structure.
