Lawrence County to borrow $1.5 million to renovate building

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – No one objected to the Lawrence County Commissioners borrowing $1.5 million to buy and renovate the Second Presbyterian Church at a public hearing today. The money will be borrowed from ESB Bank at 4.5 percent interest.

After the hearing, commissioners Steve Craig and Daniel Vogler authorized an ordinance to borrow the money. Commissioner Richard DeBlasio is out of the office this week on family business.

After the hearing. Chief Clerk and Administrator Jim Gagliano said the county will be seeking architects’ proposals for the project until July 31.

Commissioners bought the church earlier this month for $275,000 from Paul Lynch Investments and plan to renovate the 25,000 square foot structure at 429 Countyline St., for county office space.