Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase Property at 231-237 Pennsylvania Avenue West is pictured. The property was going to be the site of a senior housing development. After that proposal fell through, a local group came forward with its own development proposal.

The Warren Redevelopment Authority on Wednesday offered to transfer the 231-237 Pennsylvania Ave. West property to a local group under strict conditions aimed at ensuring the project moves forward.

During the meeting, RDA Chair Gary Sawtelle said the authority would be willing to “basically give” the property to the organization if two primary conditions are met. First, the proposed redevelopment project must be fully operational within three years. Second, the group would be required to provide a $200,000 developer’s bond that could be used to demolish the property if the project fails or the organization dissolves.

“If the project succeeds and is completed, the bond is returned to you,” Sawtelle said.

Representatives of the development group did not make an immediate decision Wednesday. The RDA acknowledged that not all representatives from the group were present and granted the group five business days to consider the offer and respond.

The property has remained a point of debate for months after the Warren Redevelopment Authority regained possession of the site in October 2024 following the collapse of the Eagles Crest development project amid lawsuits and funding issues.

In August, the authority voted unanimously to move forward with demolition because of public safety concerns while still allowing redevelopment proposals through the end of 2025.

A group of Warren residents later stepped forward with a redevelopment proposal centered around nonprofit and community-focused uses for the building. Anchor organizations involved in shaping the proposal include Bee Courageous at Garden Grub, Sugar Bay and Create Community.

Over the past several months, the RDA has repeatedly requested additional documentation from the group, including proof of nonprofit status, leadership information and financial planning details.

At previous meetings, officials raised concerns about funding timelines, project feasibility and the possibility of costly infrastructure issues, including sewer repairs at the rear of the building.

The group has continued to pursue its nonprofit designation and recently received access to the building for engineering assessments as part of its planning process.

Despite continued interest in redevelopment, the authority has also discussed preparing demolition bids in parallel should the proposal fail to advance.