Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We continue to receive a steady outpouring of support from the community to protect our neighborhoods and the historic Blacksmith's and Miller's properties. Please continue to spread the word and share the petition link with your circle of friends. Speak to your elected representatives on Edgeworth Borough Council and members of the planning commission.
https://edgeworthborough.org/government/contact-us/
We also encourage you to check out John Linko's intriguing and well-researched weblog: "Endangered History - Six Degrees of Real Estate Separation."
The weblog reveals some illuminating facts. The first and most worrisome, that given that we have no codified historic protections in Edgeworth, Linko asserts, “any property owner has the right to tear down what they own, no matter how historic the property nor how important to the community.” Therefore, getting a demolition permit is a formality for the Blacksmith's and Miller's houses. If we the community does not move quickly to persuade Edgeworth officials to communicate their opposition to the development plans for these properties, they could be demolished any day.
More encouraging, the Blacksmith's property is likely still covered by a covenant stipulating that "the premises shall be used and occupied for single family residence purposes only and for no other purposes whatsoever." Though the covenant was curiously not included when the deed was conveyed in May, elected Edgeworth representatives should be strongly encouraged to ensure the legal status of this property has not been inappropriately altered during the recent real estate transaction.
If the new property owners were to brazenly demolish the Blacksmith’s house, knowing full well they cannot legally develop the property as they had hoped, it would surely be met with community outcry.
Please continue to reach out to your Edgeworth officials and let them know how important it is they protect these beautiful and historic properties. Your voice matters!
You can use this link to send a short message to Edgeworth officials.
https://edgeworthborough.org/government/contact-us/
Edgeworth Borough: 301 Beaver Road, Edgeworth, PA 15143 Ph: (412) 741-2866
Edgeworth Borough Council
Joseph T. Hoepp, President
David T. Aloe, Vice-President
Ivan T. Hofmann
Gregory J. Marlovits
Daniel S. Wilson
Elizabeth H. Genter
Katherine D. Larsen
Mayor
Gary L. Smith
Borough Manager
John F. Schwend
Planning Commission
Patrick Keane – Chairperson
David T. Aloe
Patrick Auth
David L. Martin
Mary Ferris