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South Fayette hires consultant to conduct market analysis of Star City property

By Jacob Calvin Meyer staff Writer jmeyer@thealmanac.Net 2 min read
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The “up and down” Star City property in South Fayette will be getting a new market analysis.

South Fayette commissioners during their June 13 meeting approved a proposal for a market analysis of the Star City property, hiring Fourth Economy for $38,940 to run the study.

“This analysis will allow the board to receive a recommendation from Fourth Economy to give them an analysis of what the best use for the property is,” said interim township manager La Verne Diggs.

The township was previously in an agreement with Horizon Properties Group, which agreed in October 2015 to buy the former Star City movie theater property for $5 million, for the 8.2-acre parcel. Horizon pulled out of the agreement last September.

The board then again put the property out for bid, but the members were not satisfied with the bids in February. The commissioners declined bids from Burns & Scalo Equities, LLC, and another from Continental Real Estate Companies.

Burns & Scalo offered a $1.5 million bid for a restaurant outlet called “The Piazza,” promising to put five “national or super-regional restaurants” in the development. Continental proposed a $2.8 million bid for a senior housing community.

Commissioner Gwen Rodi said while the Star City lot has been an “up and down” development over the past year, the board is committed to keeping the community’s needs at the forefront.

“Right now, the way we view it is as a blank canvas,” she said. “We want to make sure whatever we do is in the best interest for the community. This study is going to tell us the best uses for this parcel.”

Rodi said she did not know when Fourth Economy will finish its analysis.

Also during the meeting:

  • The board approved a new master plan for the township’s parks, hiring Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc., as the consultant.
  • The board approved the purchase of three 2018 Ford Explorers for township employees to replace old vehicles. Each SUV costs $28,840 for a total of $86,520.
  • The board transferred $1.6 million to its capital reserve, or “rainy day,” fund.

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