STROUD TOWNSHIP, PA — Demolition at the former Penn Hills Resort in Stroud Township is entering the final phase. Crews are now working to tear down the last standing building on the property.
Stroud Township Manager Daryl Eppley says this process started in 2021 after several fires and growing safety concerns.
"There is continuous trespassing on the property, illegal dumping on the property. It is just not being managed by the private owners," said Eppley.
Stroud Township spent nearly $1 million to tear down the buildings at the former Penn Hills Resort. Now, it's taking legal action to ensure it gets those tax dollars back.
"We want to be in first lien position, so if the property is ever sold or redeveloped, a lender for whoever is going to go in and redevelop it will want to have this and need to have this lien extinguished, so we are looking to recoup those dollars," explained Eppley.
The former resort was once a highly sought out destination in the Poconos. It then closed in 2009.
Years later, the township had to step in.
"It had that reputation, and then it fell into disrepair. It was sad to see. Having the property cleaned up. It could be a new beginning for the property, but we're not there yet," said Eppley.
Township officials say demolition is expected to wrap up in early October.