College Will Sell One City Property If It Purchases Another

If Pennsylvania College of Technology is able to purchase a West Third Street property, it will sell a college-owned parcel on Dix Street in Williamsport, Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour and Mayor Gabriel J. Campana announced today.

On May 30, Williamsport City Council approved the college's request to demolish a structure on a property it owns at 1330 Dix St. The college intended to convert the land, just west of campus, to a parking lot, until another, better opportunity came along in recent weeks.

On June 26, the Penn College Board of Directors authorized the purchase of 1359 W. Third St. (the former Fagnano's auto salvage yard). Gilmour said buying the 8-acre property on West Third Street represents a more favorable opportunity. In addition to adding a parking lot on that site, the college would develop athletic fields and a walking path to connect the area with its Rose Street Apartments student-housing complex.

The president said the purchase of the Fagnano property is contingent upon the resolution of a number of environmental and related issues, which make the property less attractive to commercial developers.

"If the property owner and the college are able to address all the challenges associated with the West Third Street property, and Penn College purchases that property, we intend to sell the property at 1330 Dix St." Gilmour said. "While that property is attractive because of its proximity to campus, we have no interest in holding onto the land without an immediate plan for its use. If we are able to finalize an agreement to purchase 1359 W. Third St., we will actively market for the sale of the Dix Street property."

The college pays taxes on the Dix Street property and will continue to do so until it is sold, Gilmour noted.

She extended thanks to Campana and the members of City Council for "partnering with us in this effort to acquire and enhance an important property along West Third Street, which is a major thoroughfare in our city."

The mayor said he looks forward to working with Penn College.

"Today is an example of how two entities can form a common ground to benefit all citizens of the great city of Williamsport," he said.

For more information about Penn College, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.