A large swath of Porter Street in Tarentum might soon be open for new development.
Three homes that sit in a row will be demolished this year.
One was destroyed by fire in September, one of the others is condemned and another is abandoned.
Council held a property hearing in January to discuss conditions of the three structures at 913, 915 and 917 Porter St.
Each was deemed a hazard.
“Our primary goals are public safety and the removal of blight,” Manager Dwight Boddorf said.
Demolition is the only option for the wood-frame house at 917 Porter St., destroyed by fire, officials said. No one was injured, but two dogs were killed as a result of the blaze.
The incident was ruled accidental by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal.
When a property is demolished, it remains with the owner or estate, but the borough can place liens on the properties to help recover demolition costs.
Boddorf said in many past cases after properties are demolished, neighboring owners have used the county’s vacant property program to acquire the lots for a small cost.
Demolition bids are being prepared.