Allegheny Land Trust reaches $3 million goal to purchase former Churchill Country Club

Two years and $3 million of fundraising later, the Allegheny Land Trust has reached its goal to purchase the former Churchill Country Club, the nonprofit announced Thursday — which serendipitously fell on Earth Day.

The Sewickley-based organization has sought ownership of the 148 acres shared between Churchill and Penn Hills since May 2019. The plan is to conserve the hills, meadows and golf cart paths as a place where an estimated 95,000 surrounding residents can enjoy the outdoors.

Originally, ALT had until March 2020 to raise $3 million in order to close on the property owned by Zokaites Properties LP, a real estate development firm.

The deadline was extended to March 2021 when the nonprofit hadn’t secured enough funds. It was extended again, through June, as the organization again fell $365,000 short of the money needed.

The Department of Community and Economic Development announced ALT’s awards of two grants Thursday. One of them was through DCED’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for $250,000. The other was for $115,000 through its Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

ALT also received donations from foundations and individuals throughout the campaign.

Tom Dougherty, ALT’s vice president of development and external affairs, was elated by the news . He said the organization hopes to throw some sort of celebration at the site once they officially own it.

“The really interesting thing about this project has been the mix of public, private, individual and corporate funding,” Dougherty said. “It’s really a testament to the value of the property. That kind of collaboration is necessary but really encouraging. It was really neat the way that worked out.”

The project has been publicly supported by a number of residents, civic groups and politicians, including state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, state Rep. Summer Lee, D-Braddock, Churchill council members and three members of the Penn Hills council, ALT said in a news release.

Although all on Penn Hills Council voiced a willingness to sign a letter of endorsement for the project, only council members John Petrucci, Jim Getsy and Frank Pecora did in a letter dated Dec. 3. . Some critics have said the hesitancy was because of State Rep. Tony DeLuca’s influence over certain council members. DeLuca, a Democrat, has served in the state House of Representatives since 1982.

He has remained staunch in his opposition to the project, saying he wants the land to be developed in order to gain tax revenue for the area and that residents have come to him to voice opposition. DeLuca has rejected the notion he has any influence over council members.

“Together with the community, we’ve worked for two years to raise awareness of and support for this special land,” said Chris Beichner, ALT’s CEO and president, in a statement. “Many neighbors shared stories of their connection with the land. Many had memories of the country club itself, and many others have built a connection with the land since the country club closed and its trails became a green sanctuary. Their support through the project was crucial and means that many more people will be able to create memories at this green space.”

ALT said it will close on the deal in June. Once that happens, the organization will begin the process of acquiring national land trust accreditation and release a plan for stewardship of the site.

“This is a huge milestone, but now we get into the whole stewardship part of it and figuring out the enhancing of the natural landscape in the best way for the community,” Dougherty said.