Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Warren City Council approved an easement termination that paves the way for construction to go forward on the Eagles Crest low-income senior housing project.
Kelly Coey, Director of Development for Hudson Companies, the real estate development company in charge of construction, explained that the easement in question isn’t currently being used by the city.
“Hudson owns the title to the property, which includes the property burdened by the easement,” Coey explained. “If we did not build the building, the property burdened by the easement would go back to the city. All we’re asking is that burden be lifted because the city isn’t using it.”
The easement being terminated will allow Hudson to develop an outdoor patio for the 40-unit facility that is slated to be constructed on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Liberty St.
“It looks like an L-shaped easement,” Coey said. “The North side of the easement is a sidewalk, which will remain in place. The piece in the South is a square piece where we would like to put an outdoor patio. It would provide a nice area to sit that would be shaded.”
The approval to terminate the easement passed by a 6-1 motion, with Councilwoman Wendy McCain the lone “no” vote.
“We need development, but we need new development,” McCain, whose main objection is the location of the project. “We know we are embarking on a $10 million riverfront redevelopment project. Voting no would give us an opportunity to pause, engage our community, and approach Hudson to work with us given our situation to find a more appropriate location for senior housing.”
Fellow council members, despite the recent embarkment on the riverfront development, didn’t see the location as a negative factor.
“I look at it from this perspective,” Council Vice President John Wortman said. “I know some members of the community don’t agree with this. When you’re talking about whether or not it will proceed, for me, it comes down to three issues.
“First is population decline. This is providing an avenue for dozens of new people who already live here to stay here or move here to have quality, affordable housing. If we don’t stop the population decline, we won’t be able to support the businesses and industries that are here. Second is the decline in revenue and the final and most significant issue is the lack of development that is going on within our community. If we do not have new growth and new businesses, we don’t have the subsidiary benefit that comes from all that. I fully recognize that in the eyes of many people, this may not be ideal. Those concerns need to be listened to and taken seriously. I don’t understand, based on those three issues, why we would not support this endeavor.”
OTHER BUSINESS
LEASE APPROVED FOR CONTRACTOR PARKING FOR ROUNDABOUT
Council approved a motion for Bob Cummins Construction, LLC to use its Clark St. pump station lot for contractor parking during roundabout construction
City Manager Mike Holtz noted that the roundabout workers will provide in and out access to Allegheny Outfitters and its patrons. AO uses multiple Clark St. lots for transport and parking.
COUNCIL TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DCNR SPRING GRANT FUNDING APPLICATION
By a 4-3 vote, the council decided to move forward with applications for Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant funding for the spring of 2023.
The applications will be to purchase property behind the HIY building on Clark St. for a walking trail and property next to Breeze Point Circle for overflow parking.
The two properties appraised at a combined value of $340,000, with half of that covered by American Rescue Plan Act funds and the other by the DCNR grant, if approved.
The city’s 2022 DCNR application was not awarded.
LANDBANK MOTION REFERRED TO REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The city decided to hold off on a vote to potentially join the Warren County Landbank, citing the need for further feedback from the RDA.
“I think what the landbank wants to accomplish is desperately needed, but I’m curious to hear from the RDA in detail in how this would assist them in what they already do,” said Council Vice President John Wortman.
