McKeesport will seek $250K for improvements
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
In an attempt to further tackle blight and empower development initiatives in the Cultural and Educational District, McKeesport council has taken action to acquire Allegheny County Act 152 funding.
Council unanimously voted to apply for a $250,000 allotment from Allegheny County Economic Development’s Act 152 program, and in a resolution complementing the move to secure county funds, council also approved demolition of more than a dozen properties on the streets surrounding the old Centennial School on Beaver Street.
“Mayor (Michael) Cherepko’s McKeesport Rising continues with the Cultural and Educational Sector Enhancement Project,” City Administrator Tom Maglicco said. “This project will include the demolition of 14 blighted structures within the cultural and educational sector of the City of McKeesport. This project is close to the former Centennial school, which is transforming into a senior living community.”
Allegheny County Council last year passed Act 152. As a result, property owners filing deed and mortgage transactions in the county now pay an additional $15 fee. Revenues are deposited into the Allegheny County Blight Removal Program fund, which is overseen by Allegheny County Economic Development.
The county program uses established blight conditions and focuses on demolition of hazardous structures, site preparation for development projects and multi-phase planning efforts. In March, ACED and Allegheny County District 9 Councilman Bob Macey of West Mifflin, who represents Mon Valley towns including Glassport, Lincoln, Port Vue, White Oak, McKeesport and sponsored Act 152, said the program fund has $1,580,070 available for demolition, planning and asbestos surveys.
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