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Yes, sorry, there’s been a lot about the Iron City Brewery site lately. What can we say? Sometimes an issue intensifies. In today’s paper, there’s an article on the recent code violation relating to the removal of 20 feet of brick from the smokestack. The site’s designation as a historic property makes it illegal for the owner to do any site modifications, including demolition, without a permit. This is the second time in three months that the company has incurred a code violation for it’s actions, and the second time they have been penalized.
This recent violation is ironically quite timely; it comes just in advance of a public hearing in which Collier Development will argue that they should not have to pay the $20,000 fine imposed in Pittsburgh Housing Court for the illegal demolition of buildings on the property in August. A de novo (new) trial will be held on Tuesday November 20, at 8:15 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Gallo of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Room 821, in the City County Building. Judge Gallo has discretion to strike the fine as the appellants have requested, or to uphold the fine. This is a public hearing — which means a chance for residents and stakeholders to testify.
This is one of those instances where it will help a lot if residents — come out. It means a lot to officials if regular people care enough to show up. If you feel that Collier should be fined for illegal demolition at this protected historic property and you can attend this hearing, please do.
(photos by Leslie Clague for the PHCA — use only with permission, please.)
