`Council will back SVIDC plan for former Caparo site`

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

A sharply divided Farrell council on Monday narrowly approved helping Shenango Valley Industrial Corp. develop former Caparo Steel Corp. property.

Mayor Eugene C. Pacsi and council members Robert Burich and Helen Marenchin approved applying for a $300,000 grant that would contribute to SVIDC’s plan to demolish 750,000 square feet of building space to make way for new buildings, install utilities and roads, remove asbestos and hardwood floors, and landscape the site.

Councilmen William Morocco and Peter D. Stephanopoulos voted against the measure. Councilmen Rudolph Hammond and Louis Falconi were absent.

Earlier this year, SVIDC bought 36.8 acres from Caparo along Broadway Avenue, Farrell, which ranges from the Caparo office building south to the Henry Evans Industrial Park, which is in Farrell and Wheatland. SVIDC is committing $659,000 of its own funds — some from selling scrap of the demolished buildings — and lining up financing from state, federal and local agencies for the rest of the $3.43 million project.

The city was asked to apply for $300,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Communities of Opportunity Program. Only municipalities can apply, but the money would be dential property in that area,” Miller said of eliminating the Roemer T-1 zone. “By leaving it the way it is now it would be better for the community.

The commission changes leave a proposal that while similar to the current zoning sets aside more room for single-family residential housing, reduces the space for multi-family dwellings, and requires larger lot sizes for new residential development.

“It’s is family, home oriented,” Yerskey said. “But it’s open and affords a lot of opportunity.” “We hope it works,” Miller said. “We feel it’s good.”

But Miller added the plan is still only a proposal, with more public input required before city council can vote.

“There will be other public hearings,” Miller said. “If people don’t like it they can voice their opinions.”

Council has not set a public hearing date. Mercer County Regional Planning Commission also will have to review the changes and make a recommendation to council.

Back to TOP // Herald Local news // Local news headlines // Herald Home page

Updated July 28, 1998
Questions/comments: herald@pgh.net
For info about advertising on our site or Web-page creation: advertising@sharon-herald.com