Connellsville City Council continues to move forward with Aaron’s Building
CONNELLSVILLE — A process that city council set in motion last month concerning the future of the Aaron’s Building is continuing to move forward.
Council on Wednesday authorized the acquisition of properties adjacent to or near the Aaron’s Building for $25,000, plus additional transfer, closing and settlement costs and expenses.
“The city is buying three lots that provide the best access to work on the Aaron’s Building,” Solicitor Tim Witt said.
In May, council entered into an agreement to transfer the Aaron’s Building property, and any adjacent properties acquired by the city, to Terrance “Tuffy” Shallenberger, on the condition that he renovate, restore or demolish the building within 18 months of receiving the property.
Mayor Charles Matthews said council wants to move as fast as it can.
“It’s [Shallenberger’s] intent to start working on the project as soon as possible — as soon as these properties are transferred to him,” Witt said.
Since the process began last month, Shallenberger has remained mum on exactly what he wants to do with the building.
“This has been a very time-consuming endeavor,” said Councilman Greg Ritch, direct of of public parks and buildings. “Throughout the process, there became a fear of public safety every time a high wind came through the city. [Shallenberger] will make it a viable entity … it will pay long-term dividends. It’s a step in the right direction.”
Matthews said the city, although it is spending $25,000 to buy the city lots, will end up saving in excess of $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money. The city had been saving up CDBG money from the past four years for the demolition.
If everything goes through, the money will be used for other projects in the city to benefit low- to moderate-income people.
Also Wednesday, council authorized to transfer $25,000 from the parking authority fund to the general fund in order to pay for the parcels of land. The city will not replace that money, Witt said.
“At this point, the city is stuck with a liability that in all likelihood is in excess of $200,000,” he said. “But in order to get rid of that, the city needs to make a good faith effort to acquire those properties for $25,000, in which case then the Aaron’s building and those properties would be transferred to Mr. Shallenberger, and the city would have a net benefit in connection with that. … They’ve eliminated a substantial liability.”
In an unrelated matter, Geno Gallo, a representative of Sustainable Connellsville, presented council with a proposed ordinance for chicken farming.
At the February City Council meeting, a small group of Connellsville residents asked council to consider amending the city code to allow people to raise chickens in their backyards. Connellsville Health Board followed up with the request and sent a recommendation to council saying no to the idea.
Gallo said Sustainable Connellsville members have done extensive research and have found that it is growing trend.
“Citizens are becoming increasingly concerned with the quality of their food,” he said.
Gallo said Sustainable Connellsville is proposing the city adopt a pilot program and issue permits to about 20 residents on a trial basis.
Councilwoman Marilyn Weaver, director of public health and safety, suggested those interested attend the June 24 health board meeting.
In other business, council:
n Approved to close North Arch Street in front of City Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the annual fireworks celebration, pending review and approval from Police Chief Jim Capitos and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
n Reminded residents that a farmers market will be featured in downtown Connellville in the PNC Bank parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays beginning July 6 and ending Sept. 28.
n Appointed Cecelia Driscoll to the Connellsville Zoning Board with her term to expire the first Monday of 2015.
n Approved to construct two sand volleyball courts and one pavilion at Mountz Creek at an approximate cost of $11,000. Money from the recreation account will be used to purchase the materials.
n Approved to purchase a new grass mower deck and snow blade at a cost of $2,685 per year for five years. Money from the recreation account will also be used for this purpose.