Easton Adds More Buildings to Blighted List

Easton has added more buildings to its list of blighted properties, Councilwoman Sandra Vulcano said Monday.

The buildings were part of a long list the city announced it would target last year, going after properties that -- in some cases -- had spent decades vacant and untouched.

The properties in this latest round include:

• 56 S. 5^th St.
• 506-508 W. Berwick St.
• 58 Centre Square
• 428 Filbert St. 

Once the city's planners and vacant property board have given the buildings blighted status, the Easton Redevelopment Authority can begin the process of taking the properties by eminent domain.

However, a lot of owners have sold off their properties after the blight designation was handed down, said Mayor Sal Panto, allowing the city to avoid having to flip the buildings.

"We haven’t had to do that," Panto said. "It’s been happening on its own."

Next up, the city will be looking at 28 S. Locust St., 831 Walnut St., 683 Prospect Ave., and 22 N.. 6^th St.