Status of St. Nicholas Church, N.S.
On Dec 7, 2011, the City of Pittsburgh’s Historic Review Commission emphatically denied the Diocese’ request for permission to demolish St Nicholas, concluding that the Diocese had not shown either imminent danger or economic hardship, and noting that the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC), working with Preserve Croatian Heritage Foundation, was willing to purchase and restore the property.
The Diocese and NSLC, in a meeting facilitated by City Council President Darlene Harris, reached agreement back in August on price ($1), the contingency (a geo-tech study of the hillside and retaining walls) and various other points. The Diocese delayed in sending a draft Sales Agreement until just prior to the HRC decision. NSLC responded before Christmas with certain necessary changes to the language of the agreement. NSLC continues to work to obtain a fair and reasonable Sales Agreement, and dialogue with the Diocesan attorney is ongoing.
This effort has tested everyone’s patience, but each obstacle presented to us has been overcome in time. Each discouraging development has been followed by a positive step forward. Throughout, the generosity of all who love St Nicholas, and the story it can tell of our heritage, has been a true blessing. Thank you.