Lawrence commissioners move closer to church building purchase

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County commissioners expect to finalize their purchase of the former Second Presbyterian Church soon.

Commissioner Steve Craig, panel chairman, said earlier this week the county has signed a sales agreement and put a deposit on the 25,000 square foot church building at 439 Countyline St.

The church, which closed in April, is next to the county government building and commissioners now pay $13,500 yearly to lease the basement to store voting machines and use the parking lot.

They plan to convert the three-story building to office space, possibly a courtroom and a public meeting place. The purchase also will make 20 more parking spaces available.

Commissioners voted last month to buy the structure for $275,000 from Paul Lynch Investments and had stated they expected to complete the purchase despite a published report that another buyer was interested in the property.