The saga of the former WCVI building continues at 131-139 E. Crawford Ave. in Connellsville.

Local residents and city officials are watching as the present owner, Leighton Simpson of Pompton Lakes, N.J., continues to list the building on several real estate websites.

In October, Simpson told the Daily Courier that he was “just testing the water� by placing the ads on various sites.

A check on Tuesday afternoon found the building listed on at least two, Craigslist and Loopnet.

The building and property were listed on Craigslist for $9,999. The description of the building states: “a nice 11 unit apartment building with 4 store fronts, 7 apt/office units, 8 space parking over 8,000 sq. ft. It has 10 baths 25 rooms.�

The description of the building states “the area is safe and taxes are very low.� It says the building is being sold as is and estimates a yearly income of $90,000 after repairs.

The ad says the Amtrak station is five minutes away, “which is only a short ride from Penn Station in NYC.� There is no direct Amtrak connection between New York and Connellsville.

The description claims the building is the historic site of the WCVI TV station. It was actually the site of the WCVI radio station.

The ad finishes with an offer of a land contract priced at $1,000 per month.

The Loopnet ad is more optimistic. The price tag on that site is $55,250. It lists the taxes at $1,349.

The description of the spaces in the building is the same.

It ends with the following statement: “I’m selling buildings AS-IS. The buildings does need work. Foundation solid. There is over $25k/$30k of scrap material if that’s a option for buyer.â€�

Simpson faces three charges for problems with the building and property. Simpson has been charged with property code violations by the city of Connellsville, including noxious weeds, a property maintenance code violation and vacant structures and land.

The charges were filed in the office of District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr. on Oct. 27 and Oct. 30, 2014. All are listed as awaiting a plea.

A warrant has been issued for Simpson and a process server has been hired to find Simpson and serve him with the charges. Nothing has resulted.

Tom Currey, Connellville’s health, code and zoning officer, said he has been monitoring the Internet ads. He said he has not heard from Simpson.

Mayor Greg Lincoln said he has not heard anything on the status of the building or on the status of the charges against Simpson.

“More bricks have fallen off the building recently,� said Lincoln. “We are preparing forms for a funding search if we have to take it down.�

Councilman Greg Ritch said bricks fell from the structure just last week.

Attempts to reach Simpson via email and telephone on Tuesday were not successful.

Simpson purchased the building from Fayette County in 2014 for taxes. He paid $200.

Karl Polacek is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at kpolacek@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.

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