Hazelwood Green, Susquehanna Street Phase II among local projects funded
Harrisburg – Dec. 22, 2017 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said the $7 million in state grants released today for a variety of local projects will generate jobs, improve the local economy, rehabilitate property and add quality units to important housing initiatives.
“The grants released today will add to our region’s quality-of-life,” Costa said. “The economic development aspects of the projects will not only add jobs, but will help leverage additional investment.”
The approved grants go to projects in Pittsburgh, Munhall and Homestead. The funding is being made available through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The program funds economic initiatives, cultural and historical projects and local development initiatives.
The projects include:
- $1 million for Hazelwood Green project that includes site work, excavation and other site development work leading to the construction of a new research and development facility;
- $2 million to aid the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s acquisition of the Homewood Coliseum site and preparation of the facility for future development;
- $1 million for Best of Batch Foundation to build a state-of-the-art educational complex in Munhall which will be adjacent to the Clubhouse. Features of the project include a basketball court, walking track, cyber café, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms and meeting spaces;
- $500,000 for the Penn Film Group’s multi-media studio interior renovations, including a green screen studio, editing and computer animation;
- $1 million for the redevelopment and conversion of the first floor of the former Homestead Bakery into five commercial spaces;
- $500,000 to help fund the Susquehanna Street Phase II project in Homewood. Funds will be used for land acquisition, blight remediation, utility work, streetscape improvements, pedestrian and bike paths will be integrated into bioretention area to connect Braddock Ave. to the East Busway;
- $500,000 Center for Victims to move to a larger space on the Pittsburgh’s South Side. The new building will have a state-of-the art security system, voice infrastructure and furnishing and equipment for special services, training and therapeutic modalities;
- $500,000 to the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged for upgrades to the courtyard in the Charles Morris Nursing Home, plus the creation of new resident-centered kitchen and dining areas to promote independence and socialization, as well as for renovations to memory care space at Weinberg Village.
Costa said that he was pleased Gov. Tom Wolf worked with the members of the General Assembly to fund important local projects. He said it was critical that state dollars are available to help complete critical community development projects and economic initiatives.
“To grow our economy and create jobs, we need to make sure we invest in projects that contribute over the long haul,” Costa said. “The projects approved today will not only help build our communities today but will result in sustained growth.”
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