Evidentiary hearings for Divine Redeemer Parish’s request to demolish the former convent known as the Herbst House will continue on April 29.
The hearing — remanded by Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas after Sewickley council denied the demolition in April 2023 — is focused on whether the structure can be salvaged and whether the parish has demonstrated sufficient economic hardship to justify tearing it down.
Proceedings are set to resume April 29 at 6 p.m. at the borough building, 601 Thorn St.
Parish officials testified March 26 that they have no plans to sell the property. Instead, they want to knock down the dilapidated building in order to use its green space and create recreational opportunities for its students and parishioners.
The borough’s legal team is arguing the property can be saved, possibly sold to a third party and restored.
The parish has two witnesses left to call while the borough has yet to start with its five witnesses.
No public comment is being taken due to the nature of the hearing.
Its purpose is to supplement the evidentiary record on the limited issues of structural salvageability and the Diocese’s economic hardship claim pursuant to the Sewickley historic districting ordinance.
Council is expected to vote sometime shortly after its conclusion and issue its issue supplemental findings of fact and conclusions of law.
That information will then be filed with the Allegheny County Courts for Judge McGinley to review.
The judge will then determine if it all meets applicable legal standards to support whatever decision council makes.
Either party would have the right to appeal the ruling to Commonwealth Court.