MINERSVILLE — The Minersville American Legion might not be standing for much longer.
The borough is seeking bids for the demolition of the building at 3 E. Sunbury St. after purchasing the property earlier this year. Borough Manager Bob Mahalchick said the borough would like to have the building demolished “sometime in October or November.”
“It’s kind of a liability for the borough to leave it standing,” Mahalchick said.
The property is in disrepair. Interior problems such as collapsed ceilings, missing plumbing fixtures and asbestos are in the building.
“To bring it up to code is cost prohibitive,” Mahalchick said, but he did not mention the cost of repairs.
A legal advertisement in Friday’s edition of The Republican-Herald says that bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. Oct. 3 for the demolition of the building. Bids received will be opened and read about 2:15 p.m. the same day at the borough council chambers, North Delaware Avenue and East Carbon Street.
Mahalchick said the contract could be awarded at the 7 p.m. Oct. 11 monthly borough council meeting. The borough reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all bids received.
For more information, prospective bidders can contact Entech Engineering Inc., 201 S. Penn St., Suite 300, Reading, PA 19601: Attention Mary Wyniawsky. They can also email mwyniawsky@entech.com or call 610-373-6667, ext. 1112.
The building went up for sale in February.
Mahalchick said the area will be turned into the Memorial Legion Park and that the borough could apply for grant money to add equipment.
Bob Laughlin, commander of American Legion Post 544, said previously the building was costing the Legion too much money. The group now meets at the Black Diamond Navy Club in the borough.
Mahalchick said he has an emotional attachment to the building because his father, Mike Mahalchick, was a life-long member and served as a commander for many years.
“Emotionally, it’s a tough decision,” he said.