Monongahela agrees to sell armory to city couple
MONONGAHELA – The former armory in Monongahela has a new owner.
Monongahela City Council Wednesday accepted the lone bid to purchase the building at 396 Second St. from Dan and Angela Gorman for $22,510.
The Gormans, who live in Monongahela, plan to create a youth recreation center, which will be available to people who live in the city and from surrounding areas. Dan Gorman is a licensed counselor and Angela Gorman is a teacher with many ties to local sports organizations, which they feel will add to the operation of the youth recreation center.
The Gormans want to provide opportunities for youth sports development, sport leagues, exercise and fitness classes and after-school activities. The gym will also be made available to youth originations, including sports, scouts, religious and nonreligious groups for meetings and activities.
The Gormans stated they want to see the building made available for the youth and families of the community.
Mayor Bob Kepics said he was happy with the bid and that it met the conditions the city requested.
He said there was other interest in the property, including inquiries from Brent Furlong of Go Time Ministries of Finleyville, but there was a change of mind after it was determined it would cost $200,000 to upgrade the building.
“It will cost too much to do,” Kepics said.
Council required two rooms on the first floor continue to be leased to a community food bank operated by Journey by Grace in Rostraver Township, and that the building continue to be used for recreation and youth programs.
The Gormans plan to apply for nonprofit status for the venture.
In other business, council entered into a five-year agreement with EQT to lease nine acres of land in The Mounds Park area. No drilling or above ground access will be permitted. The city will receive $2,500 per acre and 14 percent of royalties from gas production.
City Council has set the new tax millage in accordance with the county’s reassessment at 602 mills, or $179,264,700.
Councilman Ken Kulak suggested establishing a recreation board in the city. Council directed solicitor Keith Bassi to draw up bylaws for the board.