After years of property maintenance problems at properties on Fisk Avenue in Avalon, residents have been told the buildings will be demolished as soon as a contract can be awarded for the work.

Fisk resident Linda Hudgins has complained to the borough several times about the condition of property at 309-313 Fisk. Problems with high weeds at the vacant property have grown into broken windows, holes in the side of the house, rats and other wildlife taking up residence and teenagers getting inside. During this winter's heavy snows, the porch collapsed, Hudgins told Avalon Council members at their April 20 meeting.

She also noted a dangerous condition that existed at the commercial property at the corner of California Avenue, where wood molding was falling onto the sidewalk in large chunks.

The buildings present health and safety risks, she said, including being a fire hazard that endangers the adjacent homes.

Borough manager Harry Dilmore said that Avalon has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant through the Quaker Valley Council of Governments (QVCOG) to tear down both buildings as well as a deteriorated Norwood Avenue house. The project currently is being advertised for bids, he said, so work will begin as soon as a contractor can be hired.

In the meantime, Avalon's street crew will attempt to cordon off the sidewalk around the California Avenue commercial property to protect pedestrians.