Heidelberg Moving Forward with New Building

is moving closer to converting a two-story office building on Route 50 into a public works garage and community center.

The borough council approved purchasing the building at 1639 E. Railroad St. for about $270,000 at its Jan. 3 meeting, and the sale is nearly complete.

They decided against behind the borough building, and hope part of the new facility just a couple doors down can be rented out to subsidize the costs. The new building also will have space for a community room that could be used by area historical societies.

“We’re getting all of these great facilities without having to hit the taxpayers,” borough Manager Joe Kauer said after council's Tuesday night voting meeting.

He added that a portion of the money used to make the purchase is from rent paid from a company that uses a large borough-owned facility next to Heidelberg Park.

The new space has 3,000 square-feet on each of its two floors, making it an idea space for community use and office space. Kauer said they hope to rent it out after converting it into a borough property.

Also during the meeting…

• Adam Nida was formally hired as a Heidelberg police officer after beginning his probationary period on Jan. 15. Nidal replaces Adam Helf, who left Heidelberg to join the Scott Township Police Department. Nida has a justice studies degree from Kent State and graduated from the Allegheny County Police Academy in 2010. He was previously working as a police officer in McKees Rocks, and brings Heidelberg’s force back up to four full-time officers and six part-time patrolmen. “I think he’s going to be a good asset,” police Chief Vernon Barkley said.

• The council is considering a request from nearby Rosslyn Farms to take over police protection for the borough. Heidelberg is expected to put together a bid and send it to that borough in the coming weeks.

• The borough plans to dedicate the Heidelberg Raceway state historical market with a ceremony on July 15. The state will design the sign and send it to the borough to be installed.

• Borough Manager Joe Kauer and Mayor Ken LaSota participated in the Red Cross shelter seminar session on Jan. 16 with a dozen borough residents and representatives from Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park and other communities. Heidelberg has a Red Cross certified disaster response team with a specialized trailer to handle emergencies if needed.

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