Sewickley Presbyterian Church Halts Demolition Plans for the Pink House

Church leaders have halted demolition of Sewickley's  for two months in order to meet with the community to review project plans.

The Rev. Kevin Long, senior pastor at , said the  decided Tuesday night to play host to a gathering of neighbors and community members before moving forward.

“After a long discussion, the session elected to delay the demolition for 60 days,” Long said.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. April 10 in the church sanctuary.

Long said church leaders would attend to answer questions from the public and to hear their concerns and ideas.

The church closed on its purchase of the property at 202 Beaver St. on March 13 and applied for a conditional use, reverse subdivision and demolition permit. Its plans include razing the property to build a youth fellowship and education center.

and who live near the property want the mansion, built in the 1850s, to . 

“The church remains fully committed to the mission objectives of youth and education, better access and safety, which led us to acquire the property,” Long said.

But Long said the session, the church committee in charge of the building project, was also open to hearing from the community.

“We’re certainly willing to listen and hear what people have to say and share ideas.”