Market House future in limbo, no interest from developers

The borough's hopes for the future of the Market House were dashed today, at least temporarily. At a special meeting for the opening of bids, no bids were opened. Why? Because there weren't any. No bids were received. Rebecca Denlinger, assistant borough manager and community and economic development director, made the announcement at the ten-minute meeting, with a dozen or so people attending. The borough had hoped developers would submit expressions of interest and bids for leasing the property.

Denlinger said officials will be asking "six interested parties" why they decided not to submit bids. She said two bids had been expected to be submitted by the deadline. Denlinger explained that the borough has the option of restarting the process of soliciting bids.

Resident Frank Doutrich asked if the borough would move forward on improvements or renovations to the Market House without any lease agreement. Denlinger said it would not. Officials had previously discussed making upgrades to the building, depending on its future use. Renovations up to $1 million were contemplated for upgrades to lighting, flooring and bathrooms.

The Market House, which has been in operation since 2005 (after a shutdown in 1994), closed at the end of the day on December 23, 2017 due to waning interest.