South Fayette receives two proposals for Star City
The abandoned former Star City movie theater lot has at least two developers interested. Horizon Properties and Burns & Scalo, two real estate developers, pitched initial visions for the property to the South Fayette board of commissioners at the April 8 workshop meeting.
“That site absolutely wants to be a class-A, trophy office space. That’s what is lacking here in South Fayette,” said Jim Scalo, “and we’re flexible. If the township wants to be a part of the building as requested, we’re ready to do whatever is best for the township. So we really need the township to tell us what they want us to do.”
Scalo presented photographs of similar buildings he said he foresees being on the lot next to UPMC Children’s South along Millers Run Road.
Rod Piatt, of Horizon Properties, then presented what he said is a “little bit of a different vision” than Burns & Scalo.
“I think there needs to be a sense of place there. We believe it should be a mixed-use site with a hotel, restaurant, retail and a side office if the township wants it,” he said.
No action was taken on either proposal.
In other business, manager Ryan Eggleston said the township is in talks to potentially partner with Upper St. Clair Township to put on a joint fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day.
“Fairview Park is being discussed as a possible location,” he said, “and this would be held on July 4 … for a bigger show.”
Typically, South Fayete has held its own demonstration on July 3. At the suggestion of commissioner Lisa Malosh, the question was put to the township’s Facebook page, which received at least 25 responses from residents. A majority said they favor keeping the patriotic demonstration on July 3.
“Please keep it… on July 3rd. There are so many competing displays on the 4th, none larger than downtown Pittsburgh. Rather than competing with that show, why not have our own local fireworks the night before? Watching SF fireworks on the 3rd is part of our family tradition!,” said Danielle Divers-Puhatch, the first to reply to the Facebook thread.
Tammy Hock Anthos posted, “I think it could be awesome if we partnered with USC & made it a much bigger production. One of my fondest memories growing up was going to caste village fireworks with all my friends & family, there was live entertainment & all kinds of things for the kids to do before the fireworks and they were the best fireworks around, so much fun!”
Eggleston and township engineer Mike Benton also laid out the $300,000 paving plan for the summer. The roads to be re-paved, sealed or have other road improvement work done are: Saddlewood Drive, Empire Drive, Springhouse Place, Clubvview Drive, Pine Valley Drive, Augusta Drive, Cypress Court, Station Street and Oak Tree Court. In Sturgeon, Main Street and Main Street Ext.