Yep, they want the garage

by Diana Nelson Jones/Jan 30

As a follow-up to the previous post "Doing the electric slide," Walkabout has gotten hold of a report that confirms Duquesne Light plans to locate what it terms its "assembly electronics" -- previously referred to as a cooling station -- in the garage behind two adjacent row houses at 726-728 Cedar Ave. in Deutschtown.

Several other locations, one within Allegheny Commons Park, have been nixed because of attendant problems and community opposition.

In the report, DL assures that it will work with an architect to make the structure "sensitive infill in the community taking into account the Victorian character of the surrounding community" and that it will work with Northside Leadership Conference to find a buyer for the two homes in front of the garage "at significantly less than DLC paid for the property."

Several people who live near those properties are against it. They fear there will be noise of humming or buzzing. They believe it will hurt their property values and that the space could be developed as housing.

The garage is a little stand-alone behind the two homes, which are beat up but could be beautiful under a preserving hand. Neighbors said they have been owned by slumlords.

DL -- according to the report -- says residents should not be concerned about environmental issues because the oil contained in the transmission system is mineral oil and that the basement of the garage will be designed as a sump to contain spillage.

The system will hold modulating oil valves, electronic controls, system communication devices, battery charger and battery back-up plus heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units and lighting. DL seems pleased that it has come up with a plan that keeps the apparatus out of the park and hidden from view. Some will agree that this is a nifty and clean solution.

It still has to go to the city for zoning approval.