Schuylkill commissioners choose Allentown company to design new building
“Schuylkill County will use a state-contracted company to design the new Children and Youth Services building.
The county commissioners authorized a letter of intent Wednesday with Office Service Co., Allentown, to provide design layout, equipment and installation for the renovation project at 324 N. Centre St., Pottsville. A price will be determined once designs are completed.
The county acquired the half-acre property in January 2012 through the power of eminent domain, the right of a government to take private property for public use. Commissioner Gary J. Hess voted against the seizure.
Under the eminent domain law, the county had to pay the fair market value of the property as determined by an independent appraiser. That cost was $740,000, which consisted of $455,000 for the building, $200,000 for a lot on Second Street lot and $85,000 for the adjacent lot. The 21,000-square-foot building has three floors, including a basement.”
Gilger, Mark. Standard Speaker 21 November 2014.