Milford - The Pike County Commissioners voted recently to make an offer to Joseph Biondo for the purchase of the Biondo Building at 221 Broad Street in Milford, two blocks down the street from the current Administration Building. Commissioners Harry Forbes and Karl Wagner voted for the purchase.

Commissioner Rich Caridi is opposed, at this time.

“I can’t justify in my mind going out and purchasing this building at this time”, Caridi said.

He noted the cost of the  Emergency Services Training Building the county is planning to build near the Pike County Correctional Facility as one of his main reasons for voting against the purchase.

“The county has planned around $5 million for the project. That leaves the county $2 million from the $10 million approved bond issue. My fear is that with the addition of a new 911 center as part of the site, the $5 million will not be sufficient to cover the cost,” he said. “What if we go over the projected cost? I don’t want to have to ask my neighbors for more money” he continued.

Forbes said,” We don’t want to pass by the chance to purchase this building. The opportunity may not come again to buy it. The county will need more office space. We need more office space now.” He felt that there was enough of a revenue source to buy the building and get the Emergency Services Training building built.  

Wagner basically agreed with Forbes.

“We need this building. It will give us room for all our departments. We can’t find a building of that size near the Administration Building. It will help us to get our satellite offices back here in Milford,” Wagner said.