BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna Depot now requires anyone purchasing a structure in the borough that has known code violations to bring the building up to code or demolish it within 18 months.

Council adopted the compliance ordinance at its Wednesday, Oct. 14 meeting.

Some deteriorated properties in the borough are being sold and purchased with the code violations, with no actions being taken to remedy the conditions.

According to the ordinance, this has caused the borough to duplicate enforcement actions and expend additional public funds for code enforcements; and has allowed the buildings to continue in a deteriorated state for a longer period of time.

The ordinance requires buildings with known violations to being it into compliance with building, housing, property maintenance and/or fire codes or have the structure demolished.

Purchasers are also required to make an effort to address the problems within one year of purchase.

Violators of the ordinance could face prosecution and would be held liable for the costs of repairs or demolition, and could face a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.

In other business, Susquehanna’s Department of Public Works reported the equipment is ready for winter.

Leaf pick-up is underway in the borough. Residents can rake their leaves to the curb where the street crew will pick them up as needed, or residents can call the office when a leaf pick-up is needed.

A tree leaning over Laurel Avenue may be a hazard. Council approved taking necessary measures to have the tree removed; and pine trees on Columbus also cleaned up.

Mayor Nancy Hurley reported a number of vehicle break-ins in the area and asked residents to keep an eye out for suspicious or unusual behavior in their neighborhoods and advised them to call 911 to make a report.

Trick or treat hours in Susquehanna will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.

A proposal for the creation of a new handicap parking space on Main Street had been brought to council but after some discussion, council opted to not move forward with that request at this time.

The space was proposed to be located near the middle of the block, in the general area of the American Legion hall. Council reported the American Legion had said they were not in favor of having the spot in front of the building changed.

Council President Joe Varsik said, “We don’t want it to be one person’s personal parking space.”