Westmoreland County tops 100 demolished properties as part of ongoing revitalization effort

By Rich Cholodofsky
Trib Total Media
Mayors in two Westmoreland County communities said demolition of dozens of dilapidated structures has improved the health and safety of local residents and set the stage for revitalization efforts in their cities.
“It means we have reduced crime and reduced costs all around. It allows the concept of a reset and rebuilding of what the city is and what it can be,” said Monessen Mayor Ron Mozer of the county’s ongoing $10.4 million program to tear down old, unsafe properties in seven targeted towns.
County officials announced Wednesday that more than 100 blighted structures have been demolished since the program was initiated in 2022.
Administered by the county’s land bank and redevelopment authority, the program, funded with $10.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds, identified more than 600 properties eligible for demolition.
To date, 103 properties blighted structures have been demolished, according to land bank director Brian Lawrence.
Monessen has seen the most demolitions so far with 54 buildings torn down. Lawrence said 23 properties have been demolished in New Kensington; 19 in Jeannette, three in Vandergrift and two each in Arnold and Greensburg. One property is awaiting demolition in Penn Borough, he said.

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