Those waiting to learn the fate of the former Mayview State Hospital property in South Fayette will get to sate their curiosity a bit next week.

The task force studying the reuse of the hospital's 300-acre property is scheduled to release its draft report and recommendations Tuesday and will hold a public meeting on the document July 28.

"We want to give the task force members a chance to discuss it, and to get feedback from the public," said Greg Mahon, who is an aide to state Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon, and has been handling administrative duties for the task force.

Mr. Pippy is co-chairman of the task force with state Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Robinson.

The hospital, which cared for the mentally ill, was closed by the state at the end of 2008. The task force has been studying the best reuse of the property, which fronts Chartiers Creek along Mayview Road.

Mr. Mahon said those who have followed the issue will most likely not be surprised by what they see in the report. "At our last meeting, we sort of summarized all the feedback and ideas we'd gotten, and saw which ones the task force members could support."

Advocates for mental health care have been pressing for a sale at a maximum price, with the proceeds dedicated to mental health care. Task force leaders have echoed that sentiment, but have warned that the property's value may not be as high as some might think.

Slopes and wetlands limit the usable part of the property to about 80 acres, and several involved have noted that the hospital buildings contain significant amounts of asbestos, so either demolition or reuse will be expensive, said South Fayette Manager Mike Hoy.

South Fayette recently created a commercial recreational zoning designation with the Mayview property in mind to allow low-density residential development, parks, golf courses and similar uses. The township has also expressed interest in acquiring the hospital's former geriatric area, adjacent to the township's Fairview Park on the west side of Mayview Road.

The draft report will include an assessment of the property's value at its highest potential use, regardless of zoning.