READING, Pa. – The Berks County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to authorize an agreement of sale between 600 Penn Street LP and the county, subject to a final review and approval by the county solicitor.
In May, the county began the process of negotiating for the purchase of the former Meridian Bank office building at 600 Penn St. from an affiliate of the Shuman Development Group.
The building stands on the site of the former Pomeroy’s department store.
The county plans to move most county departments and services from the current County Services Center to allow for the creation of a judicial center that would include all court-related functions.
The city has not endorsed or opposed the plan, but some members of council have raised concerns about the loss of revenue from property taxes on the building.
Earlier this year, a building assessment found serious issues, including asbestos, with the needed renovations at the current 19-story courthouse.
An estimate of $135 million for renovations caused the county to look at a different option and approach developer Alan Shuman for consideration of the purchase of 600 Penn St.
Renovations at the courthouse are indefinitely on hold until a time when the county has the financial means to undertake all or a portion of the project.
The county is offering $7.2 million for the building at 600 Penn St. based on the fair market value determined by two real estate assessments.
The county expects to spend about $95 million on the acquisition of the building and renovations at both 600 Penn St. and the current County Services Center.
But the county’s finance department determined the county would save about $70 million from project estimates of renovating the courthouse and the services center.
Imagine Berks
In other business, the commissioners authorized a letter to urge all municipalities to actively participate in the Imagine Berks comprehensive planning process.
The letter encourages participation, as the commissioners believe “the plan is vital to coordinate infrastructure, strengthen communities, and protect the resources that make Berks County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Commissioner Chair Christian Y. Leinbach made it clear that the county has no authority to demand participation from municipalities, and that the letter only urges participation in the economic development action plan.
Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. added that the planning committee has done a great deal of work on the plan, including regional meetings with municipalities.
“This comprehensive plan is really important, sets things for the future, and I think that our local communities should stay very involved with either their elected officials or planning departments,” Santoni said.