Allegheny County Council yesterday took the first step in approving the sale of the county Health Department building in Oakland, which would be torn down and redeveloped as a hotel, offices and parking garage.

Council's Economic Development and Housing Committee gave the go-ahead for the sale. The building at 3333 Forbes Ave. houses about 400 employees of the department's administrative offices.

The sale goes before the full council for final approval next Wednesday.

The sale has been a much-debated topic since the county accepted a $4.9 million bid for the building and three-acre property in June.

A group of developers wants to build a 120-room hotel, an office building and a 500-space parking garage at the site, located at the entrance to Oakland's bustling commercial, medical and university corridor.

The development group includes Massaro Properties LLC, Langholz Wilson Ellis, Kratsa Properties and Tasso Katselas Associates.

Council previously rejected plans to sell the building because of unanswered questions concerning the relocation of the Health Department offices.

And even as they tentatively approved the sale yesterday, council members reiterated their desire to see the department's administrative offices remain in Oakland.

"Our Health Department would like to stay in Oakland. That's their wish. I have no problem with that. I would like to see them stay in Oakland," said Councilman Michael Finnerty.

In addition to the department's offices, the building, which is adjacent to the Carlow College campus, also houses a county fee and permitting center.

Council members Vince Gastgeb and Rich Fitzgerald yesterday said the county should consider relocating the Health Department offices to the UPMC Braddock building, which will soon be vacated by the health provider.

"We have to find a place that has easy accessibility. That could be in Oakland or Braddock. That may possibly be a new factor," said Mr. Fitzgerald, D-Squirrel Hill.

Gary Wilson, principal partner at Langholz Wilson Ellis, told council that if the sale is approved, demolition of the building and new construction could start in eight to 12 months.

"First, we would build a hotel, garage and then the office building," said Mr. Wilson.

Councilman William Robinson, D-Hill District, said he plans to introduce legislation that would require the project to comply with the county's standards on hiring minorities and women.

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