Friday, June 18, 2010

Historical Commission Wants More Info on Arena Plans

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has sent a letter to the City-County Sports and Exhibition Authority questioning the speed of the razing of the Mellon Arena. The facility officially goes dark in August when the Penguins move their offices into the Consol Energy Center. At that time, using tax dollars, the SEA would be responsible for utilities, maintenance and insurance costs. A consultant told the SEA board that would be about $78,000 to $100,000 a month depending on whether the plan is to demolish the arena or keep it ready for possible re-use.
In her letter to the SEA, Historical Commission Director Jean Cutler said they want to make sure they've received all crucial information to fully understand the process and the effects on historic resources (the arena). The SEA sent a study it commissioned that supports the Penguins plans to demolish the arena and develop the 28 acre site. Two preservation groups have commissioned their own study on keeping the arena.

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