Amazon is looking for a second HQ. Why not, Pittsburgh? (Sewickley: homeowner, station)

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Originally Posted by eschaton

When I was down in Savannah for vacation the other week, I saw several historic homes which still had working gas lights on either side of their front door. I don't think I've ever seen that in Pittsburgh.

Growing up, my next door neighbor still had these. I haven't been by to check lately, but I recall the gas lamp being there as late as the late 90's / early 2000's. This wasn't in the city, however, it was in New Kensington.

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by eschaton

When I was down in Savannah for vacation the other week, I saw several historic homes which still had working gas lights on either side of their front door. I don't think I've ever seen that in Pittsburgh.

There are gaslight neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It was always my dream to own one of those brownstones.

[ferraris]

Katarina, I feel like we're saying the same thing but coming to different conclusions. And that's okay, not everyone is comfortable with the level of risk, hassle, and surprise factor that comes with an old house.

I'm not going to address every single point, but since you bolded the part about no ground wire, I want to point out that current code allows you to install a GFCI outlet anyway. Doing that lets you use a 3-prong plug and greatly minimizes the risk of electric shock to you (but it probably wont' save your device, which is why it's not a great idea for a computer or TV or something).

I'm not saying you should be happy to find knob and tube during a home inspection, but it's not something that has to be a deal breaker either. Not just in Pittsburgh, but all over the region there are old homes with knob and tube all over the place. I got a bit over zealous about replacing all my knob and tube and called one electrician who pretty much said "Look, I'll take your money if you really want me to, but half the homes in this neighborhood have live knob and tube. My house has live knob and tube. It's not as big of a risk as inspectors make it out to be"

I'm not sure how it first got brought up in this thread, but I really don't think it's going to have any impact on Amazon's decision.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by ferraris

Katarina, I feel like we're saying the same thing but coming to different conclusions. And that's okay, not everyone is comfortable with the level of risk, hassle, and surprise factor that comes with an old house.

I'm not going to address every single point, but since you bolded the part about no ground wire, I want to point out that current code allows you to install a GFCI outlet anyway. Doing that lets you use a 3-prong plug and greatly minimizes the risk of electric shock to you (but it probably wont' save your device, which is why it's not a great idea for a computer or TV or something).

I'm not saying you should be happy to find knob and tube during a home inspection, but it's not something that has to be a deal breaker either. Not just in Pittsburgh, but all over the region there are old homes with knob and tube all over the place. I got a bit over zealous about replacing all my knob and tube and called one electrician who pretty much said "Look, I'll take your money if you really want me to, but half the homes in this neighborhood have live knob and tube. My house has live knob and tube. It's not as big of a risk as inspectors make it out to be"

I'm not sure how it first got brought up in this thread, but I really don't think it's going to have any impact on Amazon's decision.

Last things first, no, this probably won't impact Amazon's decision. However, did you note that both articles said it might be difficult to insure a home with knob and tube, whatever one's beliefs about it are?

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by Katarina Witt

Last things first, no, this probably won't impact Amazon's decision. However, did you note that both articles said it might be difficult to insure a home with knob and tube, whatever one's beliefs about it are?

I've insured two homes with knob and tube and it was only a minor obstacle. Yes, a few companies turned me down, but I still found insurance within a few days both times, and the premiums were under $1,000 a year so it wasn't an exorbitant cost. The person who bought my house also apparently didn't have any trouble finding insurance. Heck, Progressive turned me down in Pennsylvania merely because the home was built before 1970-something, regardless of any other details.

There are plenty of homes all over Pittsburgh that are insured with knob and tube or even fuse boxes.

[krogerDisco]

Originally Posted by krogerDisco

Has Amazon visited yet? Haven't heard that they have. Just worried that by not visiting, that's Amazon's decision on Pittsburgh.

PG giving some calming thoughts.

Amazon

So only about half of those on the shortlist have been visited.

[djfiler]

It isn't difficult to insure homes with k&t. I had plenty of options for my house.

The insurers I talked to were more concerned about fuses. Ironically, fuses are actually safer than breakers. It is pretty much impossible for a fuse to fail to blow while a defective breaker can fail to trip. However the problem is that people will swap out a constantly blowing 15A or 20A fuse with a 30A fuse or even a penny. The fuses were blowing as they should because otherwise the circuit would be over the rated current. Higher amp replacements result in the wire heating up from too much current. That's what causes fires. So because people are less likely to open up a breaker panel and install a higher current breaker, that is why some insurance companies mandate breakers instead of fuses.

Is the prevalence of k&t wiring in Pgh a deterrent for Amazon? I don't think so. Breaker panels are relatively inexpensive and quick to install. Once installed, insurance is easy and the houses are still cheaper here, including the rewiring cost.

Overall, the older housing stock could be considered a negative in the selection process. Or it could be considered a positive... depending on who you're talking to.

[acenturi]

Originally Posted by krogerDisco

PG giving some calming thoughts.

Amazon

So only about half of those on the shortlist have been visited.

OTOH, taking a positive interpretation, maybe the ones that Have been visited were done to confirm their elimination.

[gg]

Originally Posted by krogerDisco

So only about half of those on the shortlist have been visited.

As much fun as it was to dream, lets face it Pittsburgh has no chance. If Amazon was okay with growing a city and with that would be they would have some power that would work, but they seem to want everything in place right now. Probably Boston or some other bigger city that can just have what they need right away. I think we are dead in this since they haven't even looked at Pittsburgh. It was nice to see us included though.

[bluecarebear]

Peduto would never pass up the chance to gloat. Amazon hasn't been to Pittsburgh.