Blair County has bought and is preparing to tear down three houses near the prison. The properties are (from left) 406 and 402 Mulberry St. and 214 Wayne St. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners have taken another step toward creating more employee parking within the borough.

Commissioners previously voted to buy three houses near the county prison, at 402 and 406 Mulberry St. and at 214 Wayne St.

When meeting Thursday, commissioners voted to approve a disbursement of up to $30,000 from the county’s Demolition Fund for tearing down the three structures.

The Demolition Fund, administered by the county’s social services department, was created through legislation that allowed fees to be added to deed and mortgage recordings, so the generated revenue could be used to pay the cost of addressing blighted, unsafe and abandoned properties.

Commissioners have previously indicated that after the structures are demolished, the areas will be paved and designated for employee parking.