Still no interest in Garfield Diner in Pottsville

Amy Marchiano, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 19—POTTSVILLE — A lack of interest in the Garfield Diner has stymied rehabilitation of the once-historic landmark.

The Pottsville Redevelopment Authority received just one proposal to renovate the 402 W. Market St. diner, which has been closed since 2019, after the authority issued a request for proposals for a second time because the initial one didn't elicit any responses.

Built in the 1950s, the former eatery is best known as the site visited in October 1960 by then-candidate John F. Kennedy during his campaign for president.

The authority first solicited bid proposals in April for the diner and an adjacent apartment building in Garfield Square, 402-406 W. Market St. The initial deadline was May 17 followed by a second deadline on Aug. 14.

"It's disappointing because we thought there was a lot more potential there," City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said.

Palamar said he has contacted the entity that bid to inform them more information is needed, but he has not heard back.

He said the redevelopment authority has a meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall to discuss the situation.

Palamar believes the lack of proposals is due to the condition of the diner, which needs repairs to its roof and interior.

Earlier this year, the authority was appointed conservator of the properties in an order issued by county Judge Christopher W. Hobbs. He also declared the properties a public nuisance and in need of substantial rehabilitation.

Hobbs had given the authority 120 days from the extended deadline to solicit proposals for the property and submit a plan. That time frame ends Thursday.

Palamar said the city will have to go before Hobbs again to update the situation.

"We (the authority) were trying to do all the things we could," Palamar said.