Nov. 15—POTTSVILLE — Three blighted properties will be demolished.

The city council on Monday approved demolition contracts for properties at 311 and 313 W. Norwegian St. and 122 S. Third St. Affordable Construction & Demolition was awarded the contracts for both West Norwegian Street properties, each at $11,920. Northeast Industrial Services was awarded a $10,454 contract for the Third Street building.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said the buildings have been on the blight list for "multiple years," estimating at least five years each.

Community Development Block Grant funds will be used to pay for the demolition, which could start within days.

"By the end of the year, all three of them will be down," Palamar said.

The Schuylkill County Parcel locator shows the West Norwegian Street properties are owned by American Hose Company No. 2, 323 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville. The 311 address was bought Aug. 3, 2021, for $100 from the Redevelopment Authority. The 313 property was bought March 30, 2022, for $1 from Anna Nekhavenich.

The owner of 122 S. Third St is listed as Rivera Mayra Johan, according to the parcel locator. It was bought for $1 from Christian Beveridge.

Pottsville fire Chief James Misstishin said the fire company is going to use the West Norwegian Street properties for parking.

In other business, the city approved a resolution appointing John R. Morrow Jr. as police chief; John H. Mohl as captain; Renee R. Truscott as sergeant; and Jonathan D. Randolph as corporal. All appointments were effective Oct. 25.

The city council will hold a budget workshop at 4 p.m. Friday at City Hall. The first reading of the budget is scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 22.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023