Agreement appears near on amphitheater deal
The key player from the state dealing with a proposal to allow development at Great Meadows Amphitheater should have an agreement in his hands this week that could pave the way for Fayette Films LLC to set up shop at the site. Fayette County Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls, a stalwart supporter of project that aims to turn the unused Wharton Township site into a movie production studio and tourist attraction, said Friday that he was hopeful that the agreement would be ready for his signature by the end of the day.
Larry Williamson of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said Friday that he is anticipating he will receive the proposal next week. Williamson is working with county officials and representatives from neighboring Fort Necessity Battlefield to work out an agreement acceptable to all concerned.
Joanne Hanley, superintendent of Fort Necessity, has expressed concerns with such items as building height and preservation of the Braddock Trail. Once Williamson signs off on the agreement, Fayette Films can begin operations at the amphitheater and several acres surrounding it.
The commissioners earlier sought proposals for use of the 1,500-seat outdoor amphitheater and surrounding acreage to lease or sell the property, which has been dormant for decades. Fayette Films, a limited liability company with partners from Uniontown, Wyoming and California, was the only company to submit a valid proposal. The company wishes to lease or purchase the site and produce about five modest budget family films per year. Other plans include events at the amphitheater such as jazz concerts, soap opera weekends and “old time mellerdramas.”
Although the county can sell the 6.1 acres that house the amphitheater now, the surrounding 127.2 acres have deed restrictions imposed by the state that can only be lifted through legislation that has been given the blessing of the DCNR. The restrictions limit the use of the land to recreation, conservation and open space.
For months, Nehls has advocated signing a deal with Fayette Films to use the 6.1 acres now with a contingency that the other acreage can be used when the deed restrictions are lifted. However, if development occurs on the property before the restrictions are lifted, the county is subject to fines that could total more than $900,000.
Nehls said he is hopeful Fayette Films will approve the draft that has been reviewed by the commissioners and county solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr. He said requests that a sign is not erected are not acceptable and a request that building heights are limited to 30 feet is also not acceptable. Although Hanley has cited site lines as concerns, Nehls said that isn’t the case. “Site lines are not a problem.”
Fayette Films earlier agreed to a no-build buffer zone. Also, concerns about preservation of the Braddock Trail may lie with Fort Necessity. Nehls said he has discovered 1974 documentation that states that the National Park was given that section of land.
At a public forum last week, Fayette Films chairman Jason Thomas said the development, which will include backlots and studios, will likely occur in the valleys. He said a 30-foot restriction on building height is not acceptable.
Commission chairman Vincent A. Vicites said he and Nehls sat down Thursday and hammered out the agreement they are comfortable with. Vicites said he would consider signing off on the agreement that would allow Fayette Films to come in with Williamson’s concurrence. He said the DCNR is the gatekeeper of ensuring the deed restrictions are lifted. Vicites said he would agree to a 50-foot height limit on buildings.
Uniontown attorney Ira B. Coldren Jr., a partner in Fayette Films, said a 50-foot height limit is acceptable to the company. He said there are a few other issues that need clarified, but he anticipates that it “may well be ready” to send to DCNR this week. He said the commissioners want to get it moving. “I’m trying not to hold it up,” he said.
Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh could not be reached for comment.
The proposed development has drawn opposition from The National Parks Conservation Association and the Braddock Road Preservation Association. Additionally, millionaire philanthropist Robert E. Eberly has distributed a letter against lifting the restrictions.
Once the agreement is signed, Nehls said the project will really need help from all the state legislators. “To get the legislation through, I hope we can count on them,” he said.