Poorman Seeks Historical Designation for Rosemeier Holdings

Latest Chapter for Development of Abandoned Bellefonte Avenue Property

LOCK HAVEN — The stalled several year effort to develop two Bellefonte Avenue properties has taken a new turn.

Already enmeshed in two court actions and a bank foreclosure proceeding, a vacant building at 311-315 Bellefonte Avenue has now been listed for inclusion on the Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places.

The public posting appeared this week at the Robert Rosemeier holdings at Bellefonte Avenue and Commerce Street. Rosemeier signed the historic designation tax credit program request, the contact for the effort listed as Stephen P. Poorman & Company. That company’s Steve Poorman has served as a consultant to Rosemeier through the continuing legal travails as a Camp Hill development company remains stalled in its attempts to build a CVS pharmacy on the Rosemeier holdings and the adjacent Jason Roberts property.

The historic preservation signage, posted at four different locations on the Rosemeier buildings, describes the request for inclusion in the state program as “certification that the building contributes to the significance of the above mentioned historic district for the purposes of rehabilitation.” The referenced “historic district” is listed as Lock Haven’s central business district.

Poorman said the historic preservation option is being pursued also for a second Bellefonte Avenue building, the old Town Tavern site, a property he recently purchased. Asked to comment on his plans, he provided a statement which said in part “…both structures deserve to be considered for preservation. We’ve now gathered interesting history and there is no question the architecture is worth preserving if it is financially feasible. I obtained an architect’s opinion and began the Part I application process with the Pennsylvania Museum Commission. The City condemned The Town Tavern and the Casselberry Building is the subject of unresolved litigation. At this writing, I’m not certain either can be salvaged. My reason to ‘put the brakes on’ is to allow time to study the cost. I’m hoping to find young developers who might want to take on these kinds of projects with some guidance and financing.”

Meanwhile two civil cases against Rosemeier and Poorman remain active in Clinton County Court and a local bank, mortgage holder on the property in question, has also been involved attempting to protect its interest.