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Mon Council accepts bid to sell former armory

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MONONGAHELA – Monongahela Council Wednesday accepted a bid of $5,250 for the sale of the former National Guard armory building on Second Street.

The sale to John Brice is contingent on the city solicitor’s review.

A second bid of $5,000 was also received. A condition of the sale includes keeping the facility as a youth recreation center.

Brice lives in Las Vegas, but said he is from Monongahela and has family in the Pittsburgh area.

“I bought this property for the kids of the community. All I hear about is these kids getting into trouble on their bikes and skateboards. There is nothing for them to do here. This will be a place for the youth in the area,” he told council. He added that he has interests here locally and plans on taking a major role in the facility.

The property at 396 Second St. had been sold last year to Dan Gorman and Angela Gorman for $22,510, but the couple backed out of the deal after several months. The city put the property out for bid twice, dropping the minimum bid in the most recent effort to $5,000.

The city acquired the armory buildilng from the state in 1975 with the stipulation it be used for municipal or recreational purposes.

In other business, council passed a resolution to apply for a $205,000 state grant with the Greenway and Trails Project.

The grant requires a 15 percent match. The prospective grant would be a continuation of the Monongahela River walkability study on connecting the riverfront to the business district.

Plans would include an archway to enhance the Monongahela Aquatorium and better accessibility to the Aquatorium with curb ramps at three locations.

Councilwoman Claudia Williams said she will be working with code enforcement officer Les Pemberton to clean up the town. She said those who have appliances, wood or furniture on their porches or lawns should clean up.

Solicitor Todd Pappasergi said under the neighborhood blight reclamation and revitalization act, residents that do not comply with the city’s request to clean up their properties may face misdemeanor charges and or possible liens.

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