Feb 22, 2017 3 min read

DONORA – Residents of Donora and the surrounding area on Tuesday got the chance to offer insights and ideas about what they would like to see at a proposed Community College of Allegheny County branch campus at the former Donora Elementary School.

Hayes Design Group is conducting a Phase II study of the project, looking at the feasibility of using a existing building and the possible programs that could be offered. As part of that, the community was asked to give its input.

Kevin Hayes, principal and founder of HDG, said that site, which includes 37 acres and a two-story building, is structurally sound. “The foundation is good, the roof is good and the walls are good.” The building has a multipurpose room, auditorium and classrooms and rooms on the bottom floor could be used as support staff offices, Hayes added.

Hayes said that after determining the building is in good shape, the next step is finding out what the community would want at the CCAC site. Classes that are being considered include certified nursing assistant, welding, information technology, commercial driver training and other workforce development classes.

Dr. Dimitri Petro said that with Monongahela Valley Hospital just a few miles away, a partnership with the hospital and medical training such as X-ray technician and laboratory technician would be an asset to the community.

Ringgold High School Principal Greg Locy said that he has students that don’t know what to do after graduation, with some students not wanting to go to a four-year college and others who can’t afford to do so.

“Kids think that if they don’t go to a four-year program they can’t be successful. That is not true. We need programs for these kids that don’t want a four-year school or can’t afford a four-year school. We need programs that will train them and get them out in the workforce,” Locy said. He added that a computer forensics program that could be an extension of the high school program would be effective for the current job marketplace.

Melanie Patterson, a local entrepreneur, said she feels entrepreneurial classes to help people write business plans, marketing classes and computer classes to help business owners would be an asset. “We have all of these empty storefronts in the Mon Valley; these types of classes would help a person start a successful local business,” she said.

Trish Brickner of PA Careerlink said the proposed site could work hand-in-hand with the state job training and employment efforts.

Patterson said she hoped that the auditorium would be used for classes or local entertainment. “There is nothing like that auditorium or movie theater around.”

Donora Councilman Gib Szakal said as a union carpenter he has to take refresher courses, which are offered only in Pittsburgh.

“As a father of young children, and working full-time, it is very difficult to get to the site for the classes. I would like to see those type of things offered locally,” he said.

The Phase II study is expected to be completed in May and a conceptual plan will be presented to the CCAC board of trustees in June, after which the college will make a decision on how to proceed.