Demolition begins on blighted property in Clearfield Borough

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – The demolition of an abandoned building in Clearfield Borough has begun.

The former home of Brody’s/Home Furnishing will soon be no more. The building, located along N. 2nd Street, has been abandoned for years and has become an eyesore for the borough. With the demolition, it will allow for a new business to come in and build a store or it could become a pocket park.

In April 2023, the Clearfield County Redevelopment Authority proposed a pocket park, but the building had to be demolished before they could do it. Mayor Mason Strouse said either decision will benefit the borough.

“We were concerned with health issues, vegetation growing inside and animals had made their way into it. So I think we’re eliminating a hazard there,” Mayor Mason Strouse said. “If someone decides to build there that’d be great to have another business, have another building, another building on the tax rolls. And if it does become a pocket park, that’s another great option for our local area.”

RACC will have to be careful with demolition. Part of the building is shared with Jim’s Sports Center. Mayor Strouse said local businesses may be affected by the construction with entrances but businesses are prepared.

For the borough, it will eliminate a blighted property and help the downtown area thrive with a new space for visitors.

“Hopefully we can kind of move on past this. It’s been this eyesore right downtown, right across from the courthouse. You know, hundreds of people see it every day. And I’ve had so many people visiting that are like, what’s up with that building? It’s just been it’s been a problem for a while,” Strouse said.

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It’s not known how long the demolition will take but Strouse said he anticipates it only taking a few weeks.

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