BVA sells former WCCC building

By Kaylie Moore
kmoore@yourmvi.com
After sitting vacant for almost five years, a former Westmoreland County Community College branch finally has a buyer.
Belle Vernon Area School Board on Monday approved the sale of the property to Mon Valley C & M Alliance Church for $95,000, pending approval in Westmoreland County Court.
Also known as Gospel Alliance Church, the nonprofit organization founded “The Bag Brigade,” a weekend food-distribution program for students, which has operated within the school district for the last few years.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Dowell said the district has been “trying very hard” to sell the property for more than a year, but could not find any other interested buyers.
“We just have not had any luck,” she said.
Board Director Joe Grata said, although the church is tax-exempt, the district will still see “a bit of a financial gain” through the sale.
“As a result of selling this property, the school district will no longer have to pay approximately $8,000 a year to insurance, utilities, maintenance and other things for its upkeep,” Grata said. “We went through the whole process and got different appraisals, but overall I think we’re pleased to get the price we did and get that expense off the table.”

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