Carnegie has signed leases for most of the rental office and retail space in its new borough building, now that the Char-West Council of Governments has signed a 10-year lease with plans to move in Dec. 1. John Posteraro, president of the council of governments, said the organization is leasing 1,000 square feet in the new borough building that opened four months ago off Main Street. Some Carnegie Council members have criticized the lack of tenants in the building, but borough Manager Lori Ritter said the situation has improved. "Our goal has been met, as far as filling up most of the tenant space by the end of the year," she said. The council of governments has four employees, and its office will be on the second level of the $3.1 million building. On the ground level, Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Association is to fill 2,000 square feet, and its neighbor will be M.A. Beech Corp., an engineering firm. One space on the first floor remains available, Ritter said. On the second floor, next to the council of governments, will be another engineering firm, Energy Systems Associates. The borough still is working out the final details of a lease with Energy Systems. Ritter said she expects all the companies to be moved in by Dec. 31. While the council of governments will pay $500 per month for the first year, with an annual escalation, Ritter wouldn't say how much rent the other tenants will be paying. The borough will tailor the office space to suit the council of governments' needs, including adding carpeting and walls. The organization, which handles joint purchasing and other projects for western suburban municipalities, now is located in the former borough building on Glass Street, where the rent also has been $500 a month. Others have expressed interest in space at or around the borough building, which is along the West Busway. They include Rick Wagner of Collier, who approached council this week with an idea for a restaurant somewhere on the borough building property or on nearby Port Authority property near a park and ride lot. Freelance writer Kim Lawrence contributed to this story.

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