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HB 2513

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 13 co-sponsors

The bill authorizes a one-time sale of ~0.16 acre in Pittsburgh to John Wimer for $140,000, with covenants preventing gambling use and a one-year closing window.

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Bill Summary · HB 2513

Summary of HB 2513 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026 Session)

Purpose and intent

  • This bill authorizes the Department of General Services (DGS), with the approval of the Department of Corrections and the Governor, to grant and convey specific Commonwealth-owned land in the City of Pittsburgh to an individual, John Bradley Wimer, for a purchase price of $140,000.
  • The conveyance is a targeted, one-time disposition of a small parcel associated with historic Commonwealth property.

Key provisions and changes

  • Property to be conveyed

    • Two adjoining parcels totaling approximately 0.16 acre in Pittsburgh’s 27th Ward (formerly 11th Ward of Allegheny) tied to Lot No. 20 in Michael Geyer Heirs Plan No. 2.
    • The conveyed area includes improvements: a two-and-one-half-story brick building on the eastern portion and a stucco garage on the western portion, with a combined fronting on Shadeland Avenue and a depth of about 142.5 feet.
    • The parcels are described by a detailed metes-and-bounds description and are identified as Block 75-D, Lot 136.

  • Authority and process

    • DGS may grant and convey the property on behalf of the Commonwealth, subject to terms to be set forth in an agreement of sale.
    • Deed type: special warranty deed issued by the Secretary of General Services in the name of the Commonwealth.
    • The sale price is $140,000.
    • The conveyance is subject to existing encumbrances, easements, and rights of others (e.g., street rights, utilities, and any estates or tenancies of record).

  • Governing restrictions and covenants

    • A gaming restriction: the conveyed property cannot be used as a licensed facility or similar facility under state law (no gambling operations). The conveyance deed must include a covenant running with the land reflecting this prohibition; violation would cause immediate title reversion to the Commonwealth.
    • The Secretary of General Services may impose other covenants, conditions, and restrictions deemed in the Commonwealth’s interest at settlement.

  • Alternate disposition and timelines

    • If the conveyance is not completed within one year of the act’s effective date, the authority to convey expires, and the property may be disposed of under existing Administrative Code procedures (Section 2405-A of The Administrative Code of 1929).

  • Proceeds

    • The sale proceeds will be deposited into the General Fund of the Commonwealth.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Primary affected party: John Bradley Wimer would be the grantee of the property, acquiring the described parcels and improvements for $140,000, subject to the covenants and conditions set forth.
  • Government and public interests: The Commonwealth (via DGS) would transfer ownership, with protections including the gaming prohibition and any additional covenants. Revenue from the sale would go to the General Fund.
  • Public policy considerations: Ensures non-gaming, non-licensable use of the conveyed parcel and maintains orderly disposition of surplus Commonwealth land.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines a one-year deadline from the act’s effective date to complete the conveyance; failure to close within that period would terminate the authority to convey and trigger disposal under standard Administrative Code rules.
  • Final steps include execution of a special warranty deed and recording of the conveyance, along with any applicable covenants, restrictions, and easement considerations.

Overall assessment

HB 2513 is a targeted land conveyance bill that enables a specific sale of a small, historic Commonwealth parcel in Pittsburgh to a private party, with a purchase price of $140,000 and protective covenants (notably a gaming prohibition) and a defined one-year closing window. Proceeds would support the General Fund, aligning the sale with broader budgetary and asset-management objectives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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