Woman, 91, in fear over crumbling home in North Philadelphia

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 91-year-old woman in North Philadelphia was living in fear that an abandoned home next door would soon collapse. After no help from the city, she reached out to Action News.

The home in the 2400 block of North 18th Street is more than an eyesore, it's a dangerous and potentially deadly situation waiting to happen.

"We had the police out here, PECO, L&I and they haven't been back," said Fannie Monk.

That was 91-year-old Monk's reaction several days ago when she called Action News.

She lives next door to an abandoned home on the verge of collapse.

"Very worried. I'm 91 years old and I'm easy to get upset and right now I am upset," said Monk.

The homeowner of the abandoned property died in 1996 then the building started to fall apart and onto Monk's home.

Trees began growing underneath then rodents and raccoons moved in.

A year ago, Monk began calling the city. Last July, they posted a notice stating that repairs were needed.

Following a tough winter, L&I returned at the end of May of this year and posted a notice stating that the home would be torn down.

"If she wants to come out here and hang clothes, she can't. She's afraid, she shouldn't have to live like this," said Catherine Green, daughter.

Monk's daughter says the recent storms and rainfall posed a new concern. She feared a collapse was imminent and the city wasn't going to follow up.

On Thursday, L&I inspectors did follow up after Action News called.

An inspector took pictured and assured Monk and her family that the demolition could happen as soon as Monday.

When asked about the delay, the L&I commissioner stated that there are more than 300 properties across the city that need to be demolished.

The commissioner also added that on Friday, contractors will be out to begin the bidding process to decide who will tear down this eyesore. Once that bid is awarded to a contractor, then it will be torn down.