Updated: Bank site to be secured for safety after building damaged in sinkhole collapse

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Harold Gelsinger, Guilford Township employee, tapes off an... (Public Opinion, Markell DeLoatch)

CHAMBERSBURG, PA

-- The rear corner of a vacant bank building, 2001 Lincoln Way East, collapsed Wednesday when the ground under it sank. Utility crews were at the scene on Wednesday morning to make sure sewer, water and gas were disconnected, according to Guilford Township Roadmaster Frank Hobbs.

Tower Bank closed the branch office near Ragged Edge Road in November 2010 when it consolidated operations to Norland Avenue in Chambersburg. Susquehanna Bancshares of Lititz a year ago acquired Tower Bancorp of Harrisburg, including the vacant property in Guilford Township.

The former bank branch was constructed in 1955. RE/MAX Realty Agency, Chambersburg, lists the property for $399,900.

Stephen Trapnell, Susquehanna Bank vice president and director of corporate sommunications, said on Wednesday. "We have a contractor on site to assess the damage. At this point, our priority is to secure the site and close it off to keep people safe. Until we have assessed the damage, it is too early to determine a long-term plan for the property. We have no specific information on the sinkhole."

The township does not have a standalone ordinance requiring the repair of a building within a certain time, according to Supervisor Greg Cook. The owner must follow the statewide building code.

The area has had problems with sinkholes. Hobbs said that a sinkhole across the highway has been partly filled.

"It seems like everything is settled in," he said. "We don't have any evidence they are connected."