Connellsville looks to preserve historic building
CONNELLSVILLE – The fate of the former Aaron’s Furniture Store remains unknown, but council took measures this week to preserve certain architectural features should the building be demolished by the city. Mayor Judy Reed said that the Connellsville Historic Preservation Commission recommended the salvage of the stone archway and its glass dome atrium, intricate stonework at the front entrance of the building along with the decorative metal cornice along roof edge should the city oversee the demolition.
The city health board has ordered its owner, Mohamed Hassanain of New Jersey, to tear it down. However, Hassanain is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of racketeering and other related charges.
Hassanain has until the end of October to initiate the demolition. City health officer Tom Currey said that should the owner not comply with the demolition order, the health board has the option to file citations with the local magisterial district judge.
The North Pittsburgh Street six-story store opened in 1906 and closed after nearly 70 years in operation. It has been vacant since its closure.
Reed said that should the city have the ability to recover the ornate remnants, they would be integrated into other city projects.
Turning to other matters, council also amended an ordinance to offer a discounted licensing rate to businesses with more than 20 gaming tables or devices that do not sell or permit alcoholic beverages on the site.
Currently, bars or organizations are charged $200 for each gaming device at their place of business. The amended 1953 ordinance would reduce the amount to $50 for each machine or table for those businesses that exclude the sale of alcohol.
Reed said the amendment will hopefully attract family fun center type businesses.
Turning to other matters, council also agreed to repay the 2009 tax anticipation loan to PNC Bank. The city sought the $450,000 loan last year to help with first-quarter expenses.
In a related issue, council directed city clerk Antoinette Tesauro to solicit quotes for a possible 2010 loan.
Council also directed the city redevelopment authority to oversee the demolition of a 608 E. Murphy Ave. property that has been deemed by the health board as uninhabitable.
In addition, council authorized a $69,157 payment to Glenn Johnston Inc. of McKeesport for paving work.
n Approved the closure of certain roads for the Nov. 14 Connellsville Area School District Wellness Committee annual Falcon Fitness 5K run/walk.
n Requested residents looking to make financial donations to Habitat for Humanity or the Salvation Army designate the Connellsville projects on their checks.
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n Accepted the resignation of part-time janitorial employee Ron O’Nell.
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n Authorized