The Niles Township board has taken the first step toward addressing a dilapidated property on South Third Street.

The board unanimously Monday approved a resolution to solicit bids for an environmental study on the township-owned property,  2059 S. Third St.

Jeff Dunlap, the township building official, said an asbestos study and lead study need to be completed before the township can rehab or raze the property.

Dunlap recommends demolishing the property.

“Neither building on the property has a usable purpose,” he said. “My opinion is to raze both structures and remove the blight.”

Treasurer Jim Ringler said the township should wait until an inspection of the property before the township decides to remove the buildings.

“We need to base that decision on facts,” he said, adding the rehabbed building could provide storage space for the township.

Supervisor Jim Kidwell said he has received multiple phone calls from residents complaining about the eyesore.