Lawrence County approves $600,000 purchase of former St. Joseph Church in New Castle

Lawrence County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement of sale to buy the former St. Joseph Church at 1111 South Cascade Street in New Castle for $600,000, the board said at its Oct. 28 meeting.

The county solicitor reviewed the purchase documents before the vote. The agreement the county received from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh includes conditions the diocese described as prohibited uses; the document states, in part, that the purchaser "shall not use any portion of the subject premises" for the following: the sale of alcoholic beverages; any type of adult entertainment or business enterprise; use as a church, shrine, or for any type of religious worship; or any commercial, office, or retail use "in any manner inconsistent with the teaching and beliefs of the Catholic faith, including, but not limited to, abortion or abortion related services as solely determined by the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh." The county read those provisions during the meeting.

The board also reaffirmed a prior commitment to allow the ongoing food-distribution program on the site to continue for a minimum of 18 months following the sale, a condition referenced in the county's earlier letter of intent. County officials said the purchase will be funded from the county's capital reserve.

Commissioners described the building as well-maintained and said it could relieve space pressures in county facilities. They discussed possible uses, including relocating children and youth services staff to the Cascade Street property and leasing excess space to generate revenue. No firm occupancy or renovation timeline was announced; officials said further study of maintenance needs and space planning will follow.

The board approved the resolution authorizing the agreement of sale by roll call. The motion passed and the resolution carried.