'TINO'S' AGAIN FOR SALE
Ownership rights resolved on former library

Emporium Borough representatives, from left, Maintenance Manager Tim Leydig, council member Louann Reed and Borough Manager Don Reed, look over real estate paperwork for the former Tino's Restaurant. The building is now officially in the hands of Emporium Borough and back on the bidding block. James Moate Photo

A downtown Emporium landmark is back on the open market.

Emporium Borough Council last week agreed to seek another round of bids for the former Tino's Italian Restaurant - formerly the Emporium Public Library and the First National Bank - at the corner of Fourth and Broad streets.

Months have passed since Council first sought offers for the building, only to return the sealed bids unopened due to questions about ownership of the building's contents.

Council has met in private executive sessions to discuss the issue and finally agreed to advertise for bids last week. That followed discussions between Borough Manager Don Reed, previous owner Kathleen Costantino and former operator Jimmy Costantino.

Tino's closed last October and ownership reverted back to the borough the following month. The Costantinos purchased the building three years ago for $75,000.

Bids are due by Oct. 2.