Whitehall Township Board of Commisioners President Linda Snyder questioned the saftey of the Prydun Farm barn at the board's May 5 meeting.

Snyder agrued that the barn's deteriorating stone wall poses a "dangerous condition," to anyone who may wander around the site.

Snyder specifically directed her remarks at Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.

"This is our responsibility," she said. "This is an issue. This is our property. Look at what a dangerous situation it is."

The township acquired the historic 1700s era, 12 acre Prydun Estate, in March of 2013 for $310,000.

The Lafarge fund was tapped for the purchase, which raised the ire of the commissioners. The township is still waiting on $117,000 in state grants to help with the purchase.

Hozza said fire marshals conduct inspections in some municipalities, naming Lower Macungie and Upper Macungie townships as examples.

Snyder said her interest is with the property the township owns.

"It is better for us not to attack each other," said Commissioner Phillips Armstrong. "I think both of you [Snyder and Hozza] want to do the best thing for the township."

Snyder again stressed the danger associated with the condition of the property.

"They could be dead in a minute," she said. "They would not be getting out of there. That's a real, real big issue."

Commissioner Gerard Palagonia, who has visited the site with Snyder, agreed.

Hozza recently said a fence will be erected to prevent the public from entering the area.

He said the township cannot take down the stone wall. Due to its historic nature, only the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission can grant such an approval.

Palagonia said the barn cannot be fixed.

"This needs to be torn down," he said of the structure.

Hozza said the severe winter weather kept the township from removing debris at the site and securing the stone wall.

The mayor said it will take time for the restoration of the structure to occur.

He said volunteers may be sought to assist township public works personnel in the effort.