Elizabeth gets money for more business district improvements

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

Funding has been approved for the next round of improvements to Elizabeth’s central business district.

State Rep. Mike Puskaric, R-Finleyville, said he helped the Elizabeth Area Development Corporation obtain a $376,250 state grant through the Gaming Economic Development Fund. 

“This will be run through the Allegheny County Economic Development Fund,” Puskaric said. “This is for the next phase: removal of the bump out planters on Second Avenue and sidewalk and streetscape improvements, and security cameras as well. There will also be a small part for a facade program.”

This is the third grant Puskaric has helped the economic development group obtain for downtown Elizabeth improvements. 

The first two grants of $300,000 and $325,00 from Allegheny’s County’s Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund were used for asbestos abatement and demolition of the Moose building and paving for a parking lot. That work is set to be completed this year. 

The second phase, which will improve traffic flow on Second Avenue, is expected to take place starting next year, Puskaric said, with the EADC working closely with the borough on the project.

“The council has some housekeeping issues to take care of, so the EADC has been willing to step up to handle development in town,” Puskaric said. “I don’t know that a timeline has been developed. It will be great to see more accessibility along Second Avenue.”

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