Construction company wants to buy former Tarentum roller rink, use it for equipment storage

A Wexford-based construction company is seeking to buy the old Tarena roller-skating rink in Tarentum and convert it into a storage facility.

Representatives of Bridges and Company Inc. appeared before the Tarentum Planning Commission on Wednesday to outline its plan and gain the commission’s recommendation that council approve the project.

That would involve granting Bridges a conditional use, in the industrial category, for a property that is zoned recreational.

Commission Chairman Jim Bonner said Tarentum Council has scheduled a public hearing concerning the proposal for Jan. 18.

Meanwhile, he said the commission will debate the proposal and come up with a recommendation before then.

At least two commission members seemed to balk at the plan outlined Wednesday by Paul A. “Gus” Marquart of Bridges and David Montgomery, the attorney for Bridges.

Marquart said his company is in construction and construction management, having built “a majority of the Target and Walmart stores in Western Pennsylvania.” He said the company now does more in construction management. It now subcontracts much of its construction work with its operations encompassing mostly a five-county area around Allegheny County.

He said the reason Bridges is seeking to move its facility, which is now at a property in Etna that is being transformed into another use, is because of its proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He said while much of the company’s work is centered in this region, it also will undertake projects in neighboring states, too.

“What we will use the space for is storage for our small tools and equipment — industrial heaters, scaffolding, ladders, HEPA filters,” Marquart said.

Planning Commission member Tim Rapp asked if the company would be doing any kind of construction or manufacturing at the property.

“We would be potentially doing some minor contracting work where, for example, we may have to do prep work on doors,” Marquart said. “There will be some days where nothing happens there.”

He said the Tarena building, located at 209 Lock St. that also fronts Second Avenue, will need some work. Roof repairs or a new roof will be needed along with installing a garage door along Plum Alley at the rear of the building, Marquart said. Eventually, he said installation of another garage door on Lock Street might be needed as well.

As for the exterior, he said metal siding might be installed or, at the very least, the building would be painted.

“I guarantee it will look better after we are done than it does now,” Marquart said.

Commission member Cindy Homburg asked if there will be any employees at the facility on a daily basis. Marquart said no, not in “any significant way.”

That appeared to give her and fellow member Dianna Roney pause in agreeing to Bridges’ proposal.

“What are we gaining from this if they aren’t bringing employees in?” Homburg said.

“I want to see a business come in that’s going to be part of our town, to help build our town up,” she said, adding that would be businesses that would have employees who would patronize other businesses in town.

“I just don’t know if that is a good use for a property in the middle of our commercial district,” Roney said.

Resident David Rankin, chairman of the Community Development Corp., said he was worried that approving such a conditional use could affect neighboring properties.

Rapp, however, took an opposing view.

“There are people who have bought buildings in town and haven’t done anything with them,” he said.

According to Marquart, the tax bill on the building yields about $3,200 per year in real estate taxes. It is currently owned by Lori J. Swartz, Darcy L. Carson and Curtis E. Hubert, according to hearing application filed by Bridges.

Bonner asked how soon Bridges would move to purchase the property.

“Within 30 days of approval, we’re prepared to close,” Marquart said. “I would say time is of the essence for us.”