Jan 13, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A Bullskin Township family will be establishing residency in the city after submitting the highest bid for a home being sold by the city redevelopment authority. The authority tentatively awarded the 203 W. Washington Ave. property to Howard and Stacie Metzger Wednesday after reviewing the four bids turned in to the authority.

The bids ranged from $65,000 to $68,997.54.

The home was acquired by the city last year through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Good Neighbor Policy Dollar Homes. The program allows municipalities to purchase vacated homes for $1 and then utilize them to benefit the city.

While appraised at $72,400, the city agreed to accept any bid more than $62,000. The home has been vacant for nearly three years.

“I can’t believe it,” said Stacie Metzger as she wiped tears from eyes. “I can’t believe we got it.”

The couple is currently renting an apartment where their children – ages 3 and 5 – share a bedroom.

“We’ve been living there for two years, but we’ve been hoping to buy a house,” said Howard Metzger. “The problem has been finding the money for a down payment and to cover closing costs. (The agreement with the authority) is going to make it possible.”

In addition to the discounted sale price, the city has also agreed to set aside $10,000 to defray closing and down payment costs or any needed repairs.

“It’s a really good deal,” said Howard Metzger.

After learning of the sale, Howard Metzger said he began to inquire about the house and any needed repairs.

The two toured the 2 1/2- story brick home during an open house held last month for interested buyers.

“I was there both days,” said Stacie Metzger.

After researching lending institutions to determine whether a mortgage could be secured, they decided to place a bid.

“I pulled the number out of the clear blue sky,” said Stacie Metzger. ” I decided I was going to bid a really odd amount.”

The couple agreed it would be “a great place” for their family.

The home features a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor and four bedrooms and full bath on the second floor.

While the third floor could be transformed into additional rooms, Stacie Metzger said the family plan is to use it as a playroom for the children.

The redevelopment authority has made some repairs to the home, including the replacement of a waterline and have agreed to make any utility-related repairs after the utilities have been turned on by the new owners.

“We will make sure everything is in working order,” said Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director.

Stacie Metzger, meanwhile, said other improvements will be tackled after the family moves into the home.

“It’s a project house,” she said. “It will give us something to do after work.”

Turning to other matters, the redevelopment authority board also conducted the following business:

Agreed to solicit bids for the Water Street storm sewerage project.

Informed that the city would receive $403,190 through the state Community Development Block Grant program – a figure 6.8-percent less than in 2004. Wombacker said that the decreased amount would limit the number of projects undertaken by the city.

Learned that the city remains eligible for funding through the state Home Town Streets Program. Wombacker has submitted a grant application seeking $201,250 to continue the decorative lighting project along Pittsburgh Street and to purchase street furniture and banners and banner arms for the light poles. If secured, the city would be required to contribute $40,000, according to Wombacker.