Pittsburgh Greenhouse

All:

We have some disconcerting news to report. We're getting scattered reports that 329 Hancock was bid on at the City property auction today. The information is scarce (coming in from a 2nd party). Here's what we know so far:

• The bidder's name is not known, and officials at the city would not disclose at the time (although it will become public domain once it is written down)
• The bidder may have purchased as many as three properties, Hancock St. included
• The bidder apparently had cash money / money order
• The bid was for the back tax value at the County: ~ $10,800

The City of Pgh will action the land and building off Friday morning starting at 10 AM. This is mostly a formality (the initial building price will be the total sum of all back taxes and liens), however, there has been a complication and there may be another party interested. Terry cannot attend -- so we're looking for someone who can speak for the organization should competitive bidding occur.

Sunday, October 12th - 1->5 PM -- Plus get a free CFL -- Details at: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08266/914030-53.stm -- "Next month's free expo will run from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Conservation Consultants building. It will feature 41 informational tables, and there will be chances to win a home insulation or home-energy audit. Those who bring up to three incandescent light bulbs can trade them for compact fluorescent bulbs, which last years longer and use less energy."

Terry Doloughty and the PHCA organized a meeting last week with PA State Senator Tom Ferlo, City councilman Patrick Dowd, and representatives from the City of Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Initiative. The plan was to have a preliminary discussion with about a Brereton Street business corridor consolidated redevelopment project. Stay tuned for news on property acquisition news – there are 6 lots (7 buildings, well, 5 after the recent fires / demo), and one lot. A big applaud to Terry for coordinating the initiative (I was just a fly on the wall for this).

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravelstahl visited PHCA community leaders in Polish Hill on 09/11/2008 with plans to show off new hand-held devices for use by BBI inspectors to automatically issue citations on-site. However, because of a technical glitch, the devices weren't available. Dozens of inspectors were on site for a walking tour regardless, plus Terry Doloughty was able to showcase some of the redevelopment initiatives.

News clip at: http://kdka.com/video/?id=46084@kdka.dayport.com

In an update to the 07/03/2008 post: it would seem that the URA has cancelled the HRP program altogether and/or placed it on hold until 2009 at the earliest. The web site has a message: The URA regrets to inform you that we can no longer accept applications for the Housing Recovery Program. Due to circumstances in the mortgage market and not within our control we must restructure the program. Please check back in 2009 for further information.

This changes things drastically, leaving only a few options for financing available:

Great news -- we're one step closer to acquiring 329 Hancock. The VPWG/PCRG has informed Terry Doloughty that 329 Hancock has been moved into the land bank. It may be an additional month (or 6) before all of the liens and taxes are cleared. Unfortunately, I have to dump a grand into my 98 A4 for some suspension components (Pittsburgh winters eat underbodies), which will set back my closing costs savings.

There are two local Lumber/Plywood Suppliers within 1 mile of 329 Hancock, there are two large lumber suppliers /

Book Review: “Green from the Ground Up”, D. Johnston and S. Gibson. # ISBN-10: 156158973X ISBN-13: 978-1561589739 Courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. An informative overview for novice level persons seeking to understand modern, particle green methods from authors who have been in practice for decades. Nothing on the fringe -- just common sense. Visually informative and many illustrations to help relay complex topics (advantages of solar positioning and relation to the seasons).

I spoke with Bonnie Booth at Dollar Bank. It seems that the URA HRP program underwriter that Dollar Bank works with, US Bank has stopped the processing of URA loans. This is likely related to budgetary / economic conditions. This comes on right on top of the PCRG / VPWG paper work submission with a Dollar Bank commitment letter attached in addendum. Likely that process will drag out for the foreseeable future, so this isn't as disturbing of a report as it seems.