Hoping to sell the former Greenwood Hill Fire Company building in Pottsville in the new year, the remaining members of the fire company have dropped the sale price.
When the property at Ridge and Wolfe streets was initially listed on the website for Mountain City Realty, Sheppton, in April, it was $79,000. In October, it was reduced to $59,500. Now, it's down to $49,900, according to Mountain City's website.
George Moyer, a member of the fire company, said Tuesday that while some potential buyers have shown interest in the building, but haven't signed any contracts.
" 'Smokeblowers,' I call them," Moyer said with frustration Tuesday.
Listed as a "residential property" on the website, the building sits on 2.1 acres and includes two floors. The ground level includes a banquet hall with a wet bar and two-bay garage. The lower level includes a bar and dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms, a utility room and a one-bay garage. The property also includes a parking lot and small playground.
On April 21, the Pottsville Zoning Hearing Board unanimously rejected a variance request from Pottsville developer Stephen R. Buzalko to turn the former fire company into office space.
Barefield Development Corp., Pottsville, is still considering buying the building.
"We're still interested but it's down on our list of priorities right now. We'll probably take another look at it in the springtime," Barefield CEO Craig S.L. Shields said Tuesday.
Barefield, a nonprofit development group, has been focusing its attention on a $3 million project to renovate the former Alpha Mills knitting mill at 317 1/2 N. Ninth St., Pottsville, and install 11 apartments for the elderly.