Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-02
NOT IN THE MARKET,
Mr.. Schenley Says None of
the Estate is for Sale.
ALL TO BE IMPROVED,
Either by the Owner or New Pos
SCISSORS of Leaseholds.
NO CHURCH SITE CAN BE GIVEN

Mr.. George A. Schenley was not in {
pleasant mood yesterday. He felt that hi
had been misrepresented in vital matters
concerning the great estate in this city. A
story was published yesterday that ne haC
virtually agreed to place the Point prop
erty in the market, and to recommend ia
vorably to his mother the donation of site
for a new church for the Roman Catholic
congregation of ST. Mary of Mercy.
Mr.. Schenley SAID last evening: "Some-
body has been telling some large falsehoods
about the interview between myself and
Father Sheedy. Who it is do not know.
1t does not seem reasonable to me that the
reverend father himself circulated these
stories. If the published story did come
from him, it is my duty to deny it, all the
same.
WHAT he DID NOT SAY.
ST did not say to Rev. Morgan Sheedy
that would favorably recommend the do
nation of site for q new church for his
people. 1 said the very opposite. I told
him that would not recommend TO my
mother that a site should be donated for his
church, Tor which he asked me. 1 would
neither give one nor recommend that one be
given. think that my language was plain
enough. I think enough has been given for
public purposes, but beyond that there
would be disastrous results If we would give
land for a Catholic church. Every other
denomination in Pittsburg would have
right to ask us for a location and there
would be no end to the demands.
Another thing that operates against the
granting of lot to Father Sheedy's parish
is this: While it is true that majority of
the people in that section are members of
his church, it will not be so in at least two
years. Next year the rents will be so high
that they cannot well remain. The property
is the best in the city. The exigencies of
trade and municipal growth demand that it
should be occupied by business houses.
Residence districts must be elsewhere.
WHAT HE HAS LEARNED.
"My survey of the city shows me that the
business district OF the city is ALREADY
greatly crowded, with the result that rents
are decidedly too high, and real estate in
the center OF town is commanding prices
entirely disproportionate with the business
done, when you compare the condition of
affairs here with that in other considerable
cities. The business o! the city demands an
outlet, The hill stops it in one direction,
but in the other there is a great level tract,
occupied by poor novels which surprised
and shamed me, where seems to be the
natural site for great business blocks, teem-
ing streets and active warehouses.
NOW, as to another point: Not one foot
of this ground will be sold. / learn that
there have been contrary stories, but they
are wrong. The present market value of
the property would not allow US to part with
it. We can greatly appreciate its value.
CHANGES TO BE MADE.
zone of two things will be done. Either
we will give leaseholds to business men who
wish to erect their own buildings, or we
will erect the buildings ourselves NV in
ouiries have almost decided me that we will
do better 10 erect our own buildings and
rent them. Ultimately, think, the greatest
revenue can be derived in this manner. At
any rate, great changes will be commenced
within twelvemonth.
'I have already said that my inspection of
the property has resulted in many surprises,
and some humiliation. / know that my
mother has no idea of the real condition of
affairs here. have now gone over all of the
property at the Point, on Old avenue and in
Oakland, and have visited, besides, all parts
OF the city. 1 have had photogra phs taken
Of many OF the most squalId places, and will
carry them home with me.
''In regard to the blind asylum site, to-
day sent my mother long telegram concern
ing the various opinions here and my own |
view. That question will be settled, think, |
within ten days. l expect now to sail for |
home on May IA, but 1 will be back here |
next spring"