NEW CUMBERLAND — New Cumberland officials may be taking the owners of two properties in the city to court in an effort to address what they say are ongoing concerns of blight.

Members of New Cumberland Council, during their meeting Tuesday, agreed to begin the process of action in the 1st Judicial Circuit Court on properties located at 700 North Chestnut St. and 822 Second Ave.

“They’re challenging properties. Blighted,” said Mayor Will White.

White said the city has exhausted its processes to address dilapidated properties on the two sites through the city’s nuisance ordinance, and will have to take things to the next level.

Under city code, officials begin an investigation of a property following receipt of a complaint. If violations are found, notification is sent to the owner listing those violations, with a hearing scheduled.

“To progress, we would have to take it to circuit court,” White said.

City Solicitor Kevin Pearl noted this would include receiving a declaration from the court designating the properties as nuisances in order for the city to take any further action, which could include demolition if action is not taken by the property owners.

According to online realty sites, the house on the North Chestnut Street property consists of 2,548 square feet, with four bedrooms and one bathroom. It sits on a 7,200-square-foot lot.

The Second Avenue property has a 1,461-square-foot house with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It was last sold in August 2024, records indicate.

White noted the property on Second Avenue may be for sale, and the city would monitor that situation and move forward with its plans to take it to Circuit Court if that is not the case.

Councilmember Penny Spilecki abstained from the vote on the North Chestnut Street property, citing a family relation to the owner.