Connellsville council looks to sell armory
CONNELLSVILLE – City Council agreed Wednesday to post a “for sale” sign at the city-owned National Guard Armory in hopes a buyer for the building will come forward. In unanimous action, the officials agreed to list the West Washington Avenue property for sale and restructure a previous loan agreement with the state Department of General Services (DGS) to extend the payments over a six-year period.
“It is the right thing to do,” said Councilman Tom Karpiak in supporting the measures.
“(This administration) was not the ones to take it, but it is now our responsibility.”
Earlier this year, the city failed to make its annual $8,000 payment to the DGS after project funders declined to submit their respective donations.
Through the efforts of city solicitor Herbert Mitchell and city clerk Antoinette Tesauro, said Mayor Charles Matthews, a new agreement was reached with the DGS and allows the city several months to market the property before the next payment is due.
In 2007, with the financial assistance offered by VFW Post 21 and former resident Nancy Stafford, the city entered into an agreement with the DGS to purchase the historic landmark.
Stafford agreed to donate $15,000 and the VFW $25,000 over a five-year period with the city to be responsible for $10,000 of the $50,000 total cost.
To date, payments totaling $16,400 have been made to the agency.
This year, the veterans organization and Stafford declined to submit their payments, noting that the project was no longer proceeding in the same course they had earlier agreed.
Initial discussions about the uses included a veterans museum and community center.
According to Matthews, the city is seeking a minimum of $58,000 that would allow for the remaining $33,600 to be paid to the DGS, repayment of state grant money utilized for a feasibility study and potential reimbursement to the VFW and Stafford.
Matthews said he favors the reimbursements, however, a contract was not signed with either party to guarantee repayment should the building be sold.
“I’d like to see us get $90,000 as that would really help us get out of debt,” said Matthews. “But, we could take less than $58,000.”
Both Karpiak and Matthews said there have been inquiries about the building that is located in a South Side residential neighborhood and adjoins other commercial structures.
Matthews said there have been discussions about using the multi-story brick building as a day-care center, sports complex and wrestling arena.
Should the building not be sold, the new agreement will require the city to pay the DGS $5,600 by March 31.
“We do have some time,” said Matthews.
Bids for the property will be opened at the Sept. 15 council meeting.
In other matters, council also conducted the following business:
n Adopted the multi-municipal comprehensive plan for the city, South Connellsville Borough and Connellsville Township.
n Appointed Mary Beth Salatino to the Connellsville Recreation Board with her term to expire in January 2015. Councilwoman and director of parks and recreation Yvonne Rush said two openings remain on the board and letters of interest are being received.
n Agreed to purchase a mower from Brilhart Hardware at a cost of $8,891 with funds to be taken from the city parking lot account.
n Amended an agreement with the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority to permit the agency to oversee the disbursement of $204,500 received from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the further development of Yough River Park.