VERY SAD, Foster Twp. Mansion

[jeff of pa]

Detour Tomorrow , I gotta Do this Yard. IF He lets me

Owner seeking to bar demolition of Neale mansion



BUCK RUN — Despite his efforts to repair the historic James B. Neale Mansion, the building’s owner is facing action by Foster Township officials to have the building razed in as soon as two months.

In response, mansion owner Dennis Hewes, Cressona, filed a brief Friday asking a judge not to order the demolition of the historic building.

Hewes had spent his Thursday afternoon making repairs at the mansion, which is tucked away in Buck Run a few minutes’ drive off Route 901.

The stretch of Hill Road leading to the building is tight, and once ended at a gate before the mansion. The gate is gone, but still standing is a sprawling structure that had quarters for even a coachman and doctor.

Civil engineer Charles Yourshaw marvelled at the construction of the building, including parts with two-foot thick stone walls.

“Look at the ceiling,” he said while giving a tour of the building. “You don’t see any leaking, any deterioration, any rotten wood.”

However, the township views the property differently.

On Aug. 20, Foster Township asked Schuylkill County Judge John E. Domlakes to order Hewes to raze the mansion, built in 1900, within 60 to 90 days.





Property



http://www.republicanherald.com/arti...14237_top2.txt

[Cynangyl]

sad indeed! I hope they come up with a way to save the building! Would love to see it! Get in there and detect the area Jeff...hurry hurry! Take lots of pictures for those of us that don't get to see it.

[jeff of pa]

I saw the Mansion for the first time Last Year

I was in Awe

Ended up swinging by Several times since Just to Gawk at it.

[Cynangyl]

I know I sure would! What a fascinating place!!

[jeff of pa]

I don't think I'll be able to wait.
I may end up out there today yet.
Gotta Run & Pay bills
Think I'll swing by.
At least get some pics if he's not there.

Chapel Nearby

[Cynangyl]

beautiful!!

[diggemall]

I don't get it; You can't MD in many places because of their historical significance, but here is historical significance, bigger than life, and some pin-heads want it GONE. Why ? It doesn't appear to be an eyesore. (not that that's anybodys business in my mind) and the guy that owns it obviously wants to make it liveable again. I'm guessing there is a developer with his hand in the pockets of some local politicos.

Diggem'

[bjw]

what bothers me is that you have buildings having no significance that remain yet one that obviously should remain is scheduled to be torn down. Is there more to this than is being said?
Hope you get the opportunity to detect the area, Jeff.
Bruce

[jeff of pa]

Nobody was around Today But here are some more Pics

[jeff of pa]

& Although the Chapel isn't on the same Property

Here is an Updated Pic of the chapel

[Cynangyl]

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing the pics with us! What a great property and such a shame no one is getting a chance to love it back to health!!

[deepskyal]

That's a shame...looks like its in very good condition from the pics...except that lone wall with something missing.

Be a great B&B.

Al

[jeff of pa]

That's a shame...looks like its in very good condition from the pics...except that lone wall with something missing.

Be a great B&B.

Al

Yes that was the only Building that is Gutted.

not sure what the problem is.
I wonder if it's the neighbors complaining to the township.
the road is extremely narrow. a very tight one lane drive.
accross the road are homes.
parking is at an extream minimum.
unless there is a large area behind the mansion,
increased traffic & Parking would be a pain.

The Lot accross the road to the North.
looks like it has been Split up between the
Neighbors also. Maybe one or more of those neighbors
is on the TWP. & Don't want to give up their extended
yard for a parking lot.

[Old Rerntern]

We looked at this property when it was up for sale in 2000. At that time, it was really run down and needed extensive work. From the current pictures it appears that a massive restoration was taken place and there appears to be a 1000% improved.

What is up with these township politicians anyway? Nothing better to do with township tax money then to spend it on destroying someones dream. Go figure. I read that the current owner had some really up lifting plans for the property which would benefit the community, e.g. fund raisings for the Hillside SPCA and historical tours.

I wonder if he attempted to get registered as a state historical site. That certainly would keep the locals at bay.

[CoolFrayers]

Jeff,
If you are able to look at this property and need any help; I could carry your bucket, I take directions well, just let me know

Jeff

[CoolFrayers]

Still waiting on that email.....truck is loaded and the kids are resting so that they will be ready

[jeff of pa]

Still waiting on that email.....truck is loaded and the kids are resting so that they will be ready

I'll Run out sunday again & see if he's there.

Going to get hit by HANNA's Rain Saturday
If the Weathermen Know what they are talking about :P

[CoolFrayers]

I am still trying to talk my wife into letting me buy a metal detector; it never seems to be in the budget.
Our son and I have been rock hounds for ages, and we like to trudge our way through the woods looking for old sites and artifacts; but this one sounds great!

[jeff of pa]

I am still trying to talk my wife into letting me buy a metal detector; it never seems to be in the budget.
Our son and I have been rock hounds for ages, and we like to trudge our way through the woods looking for old sites and artifacts; but this one sounds great!

Explain to her How a Detector(s) are an Investment

in Health (Mental & Physical)
and Very Cool when ya find Neat Things

[CoolFrayers]

She's shaking her head; what does that mean?
Our son looked at your postings...the begging has begun