Conemaugh Hospital officials say the concrete demolition and removal of the brick at the Sani-Dairy site should begin within the week. They would like to break ground on Phase 1 by late spring or early summer, even if they don't have all the property bought.

"We hope to have most of the properties under control by the time the project starts, but it won't preclude us from moving ahead," says Michael Lauf of Conemaugh Health System.

Lauf says at this point Phase 1 is set, but it's too early to know for sure about Phases 2 and 3.

But as Conemaugh moves ahead with its plans, some businesses neighboring the Tech Park site are in limbo. The owner of Cornucopia Tattoos, Mike Dorchak, says he's heard some rumors, but Conemaugh has never contacted him to tell him if anything is going to happen.

"I know a move is inevitable knowing what's going on across the street. I've been looking here and there. I'll probably move out before I'm forced to move out. I'd rather go on my own terms than to wait until the last minute and be forced out," says Dorchak.

Dorchak says he would like to keep his business in the downtown Johnstown area.