Deadline extended for offers for Garfield Diner property, adjacent building in Pottsville
May 30—POTTSVILLE — No one made an offer to renovate or raze the former Garfield Diner, but a judge has given the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority more time to solicit proposals.
Schuylkill Common Pleas Judge Christopher W. Hobbs said the authority has 120 days from the date of his May 24 order after no proposals were received by the May 17 deadline.
Six potential investors toured the buildings ahead of the deadline, but City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said he wasn't surprised there was no offer "because the extent of the repairs is pretty significant."
Hobbs appointed the authority as conservator of the former diner and adjacent property along West Market Street earlier this year.
Palamar, who is the authority's executive director, said they are not giving up in their quest to redevelop the site.
In his prior order, Hobbs declared the properties a public nuisance and in need of substantial rehabilitation.
The diner, at 402 W. Market St., has been closed since 2019. A local landmark, it represents a piece of city history because of an October 1960 visit by then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.
Built in the 1950s, the property needs repairs to its roof and interior.
Developing the adjacent building into market-rate apartments would be ideal, Palamar said previously, though it's not clear whether the buildings can be saved.
The authority said it was looking for a proposal that most benefited the community.
Once approved, the developer and the authority would enter into a contract subject to court approval.
Interested parties may submit proposals to Palamar through the authority, P.O. Box 50, 401 N. Centre St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023
