Neighbors complain about abandoned, dilapidated Baden building

BADEN, Pa. — An abandoned, dilapidated building in Baden is causing those who live near it several problems.

One family who lives next to the old school building on Phillips Street said the problems include rats, snakes, mold and poison ivy.

Karen Molinaro said her family is afraid of the possibility of the building collapsing on the house, and it brings down the property value.

"I've been having rats in the house and I had a snake in my dining room last year. A whole swarm of bats flew through my yard and into the windows of the school," Molinaro said.

Molinaro also said her family is unable to get the proper insurance on the home because of the building.

Neighbors, including Molinaro, said they’ve tried contacting the borough to get something done, but the building remains untouched.

“I’d like to see it torn down,” Molinaro said.

Baden Borough officials said there are plans to demolish the building and they hope to have it done by the end of the year. It is the responsibility of Beaver County, officials said.

In 2007, the fire department sent a letter to the property owner saying it was a danger to firefighters and they wouldn’t respond to fires inside the building.

Then in 2009, the borough passed a resolution to demolish it. In 2011, a county grant of $50,000 was awarded to help with demolition costs.

WPXI