The property has been a contentious point with council, whose members feared it posed a major threat to public safety along Madison Street , especially since it is next door to a daycare provider.

Council has been in contact with the property owner since the beginning of 2005 over the poor state of the structure.

Montana had filed a violation of the dangerous structure ordinance with District Magistrate Kadunce in December.

The owner of the property has submitted a proposal to the council to give the property to the borough if the borough will stop the pending litigation.

Montana told the council that the borough code says a borough may receive gifted property if it “is in the best interest of the borough.”

Council members asked how much a demolition of the structure might cost and borough Secretary Janie Corle said she had one estimate at $8,500.

“What does a lot go for in the borough?” Montana asked the council.

“Depends on who’s selling it,” council member Jim Barger quipped.

Montana said he would conduct a title search on the property to make sure there are no outstanding liens against it. He said he would also request a continuance for a hearing over the property scheduled for July 10 to allow time for the two sides to hopefully come to an agreement.

Council members seemed interested in the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the long-running dispute.