LEHIGHTON, Pa. — At first glance, you'd never know a building along the 100 block of North First Street in Lehighton is condemned.
but taking a look at the back, and you might think twice.
Borough officials say the building is unsafe and dangerous. That's why they are getting ready to tear it down.
"It is an eyesore for over a decade. The structure can come down at any point with a strong gust of wind or a snowstorm, and our first plan is to make sure that the town, you know, the residents and adjoining property owners and their occupants are safe," said Dane DeWire, the borough manager.
But there's a catch. The building is filled with cats and not just a couple.
"I heard a dozen. I've heard 50," DeWire said.
When Newswatch 16 stopped by the property, there were over a dozen feral cats.
David Silvonek works in the pharmacy next door, he says he feeds the cats regularly.
"There's a tuxedo. Several tabbys, grey's which I prefer. Multiple colored ones. I'm concerned that there at the point now they're old enough to reproduce again," said Silvonek.
The borough manager says the building must come down for safety reasons. That's why they're hoping to partner with several organizations to safely evacuate all the cats.
"I would hope that someone would come forward and help trap them and spay and neuter them and place them in homes which would be ideal. We just don't want the building collapsing on top of them, that would be tragic," said Silvonek.
The building isn't owned by the borough, so officials say they can't financially and legally help get the cats out. They hope a nearby rescue can.
"Majority of these cats are feral. They will not come to people, and while there might be rescues that may spay and neuter the animal, they cannot take them. So at this point, I am going to be reaching out to the rescues and shelters to see if we can get a combined effort together," said DeWire.
The borough manager says the building will be taken down in pieces starting in a few weeks.
If you can help trap, neuter, release, or rehome the cats, you're asked to contact Lehighton Borough.