The City of Butler has condemned the Penn Theater. Council took the action at their meeting Thursday night, calling the structure “detrimental to public health”.
“I want everyone to be clear about one thing, this is the first step in a very protracted, lengthy, complicated process. But it is the first step and we feel it’s necessary at this time,” Mayor Bob Dandoy said.
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler or a buyer needs to address the structure or the City will have to find money for demolition.
The Authority spent an undetermined amount of money last year to address concerns about bricks raised by the Butler City Zoning office in a Building Code violation letter issued to the Authority.
The authority purchased the Theater through an agreement with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation at a cost of $250,000. An additional $15,000 in interest is added yearly. The Authority has been unable to make payments through this agreement for about nine years.
