Marywood University in Pa., may buy deaf school property far below appraised price

From The Times-Tribune:

Marywood University may be purchasing the 10-acre campus of the former Scranton State School for the Deaf for $500,000 - $1.5 million less than its appraised value.

The state Senate has passed a bill that authorizes the state to sell the Green Ridge property to Marywood - language added to the bill by Sen. Robert Mellow, D-22, Peckville. It is awaiting approval from the House.

Parties say the difference in the sale price and appraisal reflect environmental problems, including asbestos and lead paint within the campus' nine buildings.

But Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-113, Scranton, said that when the House votes on the Senate amendments, he will vote against the bill unless Marywood purchases the property for market value.

The House passed the initial House Bill 2275 in May, but it did not include the amendment made by Mr. Mellow. The House will vote on the amended bill when it goes back in session.

"We have a responsibility to the taxpayers, especially in these most difficult times," Mr. Murphy said. "It's not my desire to see it sold for anything less than it's worth."

Marywood is undecided on the use for the property but has no intentions now or in the future of using it for student housing. It could house academic programs or administrative offices, said Joseph Garvey, the university's vice president of business affairs and treasurer.

Though the state transferred operation of the Scranton State School for the Deaf to the private Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf last year, the state remained owner of the property. Deaf students have been educated at the site for more than 100 years.

After the transfer of operation, WPSD renamed the school the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Children and has leased the Green Ridge campus.

The deaf school may remain on the campus under the lease through 2012, but Marywood will not continue a lease past then, Mr. Garvey said.

WPSD has plans to move its Scranton operations to the Lourdesmont school in South Abington Twp., officials have said.

The $500,000 price was negotiated between Marywood and the state's Department of General Services and Department of Education.

The $2 million appraisal that was sought by the state does not take into account the environmental problems with the buildings on campus - three of which were built in the late 1800s, said Ed Myslewicz, spokesman for the state's Department of General Services.

The state also will save money because it will no longer be responsible for the campus' maintenance, Mr. Myslewicz said.

"We think this is a win-win for the state and the community," he added.

Lisa Scullin, Mr. Mellow's press secretary, said it "makes a lot of sense" to sell the property to Marywood because the campus is adjacent and the university is already a respected member of the community.

There were also concerns about what would happen to the property if an unknown outsider bought it, Ms. Scullin said.

Marywood is also willing to invest in the grounds and the buildings that are "functionally obsolete," she added.

Rep. Ken Smith, D-112, Dunmore, said he was concerned that if the property sat unused, it could have a negative effect on the neighborhood and property values.

"We're in a recession," Mr. Smith said. "If Marywood doesn't buy it, who will?"