PITTSBURGH, PA – March 23, 2023 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa, Mayor Ed Gainey, and Representative Sara Innamorato gathered to call for the speedy passage of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP) in order to protect homeowners living in areas with rapidly increasing property tax rates. If passed, this legislation would allow Pittsburgh’s mayor and city council to freeze the property tax rates for people who have lived in homes they own for a certain period of time.
“The people who built our communities belong in those communities, and we have the opportunity to deliver on that crucial value here in Pittsburgh,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “As the costs of living rise, along with property taxes, it’s up to us to ensure that seniors and long-term members of our communities can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love.”
“I’m proud to support this important legislation that will help keep people in the houses they made into homes,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Nobody should be pushed out of their neighborhood because of development and this legislation will help make sure people can continue to call their neighborhood home.”
As Pittsburgh continues to experience increased investment and development pressure in specific neighborhoods of the city, longtime owner occupants have been and will continue to be put at risk of being forced out of their homes due to rapid increases in property taxes. Given rising living costs and constantly increasing tax burdens in areas where real property values have risen markedly as a consequence of the renovation of other deteriorating residences or the construction of new residences, coupled with the practical challenges for counties of the second class to implement such a program, the City of Pittsburgh is seeking amendments to the “First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act” to provide the same abilities to cities of the second class in order to allow longtime owner-occupants of residences to remain in peaceful possession of their homes.
“Bottom line: this is about protecting the people and families who have been here during the tough times while also welcoming new neighbors and new investment. It’s a win-win. It just takes the political will to get it done,” said Representative Sara Innamorato. “Establishing a LOOP would allow Pittsburgh to protect homeowners – from young working-class families to our seniors on fixed incomes – across the city from unaffordable property taxes, people who have been here for a long time and deserve to stay in the neighborhoods they’ve invested in. It’s one small step towards achieving equity in our governmental systems.”
Proposed changes to The First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act would involve:
- Amending the title of the statute from “First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act” to “First and Second Class County and City Property Tax Relief Act”;
- Amending occurrences of “counties of the first and second class” to read “counties and cities of the first and second class”;
- Further discussion on whether any amendments to Section 4749.4(c) would be necessary; and
- Amending Section 4749.5(c)(2) from “School districts and municipalities within a county of the second class may…” to read “School districts and municipalities within a county of the second class, including cities of the second class, may…”
Text of the legislation is accessible online here.
Footage of the press conference is available on his website, SenatorCosta.com. Downloadable photographs and video are available upon request.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – March 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Jessica Benham are proud to announce $180,983 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“I’m thrilled to see the state invest in expanding local outdoor recreation,” said state Rep. Jessica Benham. “This project at McKinley Park will build new trails, repair dilapidated trails, and establish better stormwater management systems, allowing our community members to enjoy the park for years to come.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $180,983 for the rehabilitation of McKinley Park and the establishment of new trail and boardwalk connections to the existing trail system.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – March 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Abigail Salisbury are proud to announce $4,001,924 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“I am thrilled to announce these state investments in our communities,” said Representative Abigail Salisbury. “Earlier this week I hosted a committee hearing in Swissvale talking about the need for these kinds of contributions to empower our communities and to jumpstart their revitalization. These funds are a direct investment in our neighborhoods, the people who live and work there, and I want to congratulate everyone who is involved in making these projects happen. I’ll keep working in Harrisburg to make sure our communities have a seat at the table — and to make sure we continue to receive the investments we need to thrive.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Forest Hills Borough was awarded $726,307 to rehabilitate three public stairways and associated sidewalks located in Forest Hills Borough, Allegheny County.
Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $635,000 to demolish 61 blighted properties located in Wilkinsburg Borough, Allegheny County.
Wilkinsburg Borough was also awarded $197,148 to purchase two dump trucks and uplift dump body package for use in Wilkinsburg Borough, Allegheny County.
Swissvale Borough was awarded $599,877 for road infrastructure improvements located in Swissvale Borough, Allegheny County.
Wilkins Township was awarded $256,445 for improvements on Clugston Avenue located in Wilkins Township, Allegheny County. The proposed project will include the construction of a retaining wall along the east edge of Clugston Avenue.
Edgewood Borough was awarded $250,000 for a stormwater improvement project in the Koenig Field watershed located in Edgewood Borough, Allegheny County.
Edgewood Borough was also awarded $100,000 for stormwater improvements along Elmer/Beech Street and Mifflin Avenue located in Edgewood Borough, Allegheny County.
Chalfant Borough was awarded $200,000 for the rehabilitation of a community center in Chalfant Borough, Allegheny County.
Rankin Borough was awarded $175,000 to complete updates to the municipal building located in Rankin Borough, Allegheny County.
Through the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, Hosana House Inc was awarded $100,000 to create a parklet on the Northwest Corner of Wallace and Center Streets in Wilkinsburg Borough, Allegheny County.
Through Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, L.I.F.E. Male Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math Academy was awarded $100,000 to renovate a former office building into an all-male K-12th grade science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and technology (STEAM) academy, located in Wilkins Township, Allegheny County.
Churchill Borough was awarded $75,000 for the installation of traffic warning signs in Churchill Borough, Allegheny County.
Through the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation was awarded $27,500 to complete the planning phase of a large-scale lighting project located at the Carrie Blast Furnace in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants
The Borough of Wilkinsburg was awarded $225,577 for roadway and sidewalk improvements along Hay Street in Wilkinsburg Borough, Allegheny County.
Edgewood Borough was awarded $334,070 for the replacement of the Koenig Park Stairwell located in Edgewood Borough, Allegheny County.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) provides grants to deliver a safe and reliable system of transportation that is accessible to people who call Pennsylvania home. The program offers financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – March 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Joe McAndrew are proud to announce $398,265 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“The safety of our constituents is vital, and I’m proud to help support a strong local economy,” said Representative Joe McAndrew. “I appreciate working with Senator Costa who truly did a fantastic job in supporting the region with these crucial funds.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Verona Borough was awarded $158,625 for a municipal vehicle and equipment purchase for use in Verona Borough, Allegheny County.
Through Oakmont Borough, Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $100,000 to add additional space to their fire department garage, including partial demolition of the existing structure and construction of an addition to extend the length of the garage to house the new ladder fire engine.
Penn Hills Municipality was awarded $70,000 for the design of the VOPP Segment 2 Milltown Park Trail extension located in Penn Hills Municipality, including hiring an engineer to complete the design, engineering, specifications and bid documents to provide for the complete construction of this portion of the trail.
Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants
Oakmont Borough was awarded $70,000 for pedestrian improvements on Hulton Road and 9th Street in Oakmont Borough, Allegheny County.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) provides grants to deliver a safe and reliable system of transportation that is accessible to people who call Pennsylvania home. The program offers financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – March 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Dan Frankel are proud to announce $88,573 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“Investing in our communities doesn’t just mean helping pay for hard infrastructure like bridges and highways, but in human and social infrastructure as well,” said Representative Frankel. “A bridge may connect two towns together, but it’s these other projects that help connect our neighbors to each other and build a sense of place, a sense of home. I want to congratulate everyone who worked to secure this funding, and know that I’ll keep working in Harrisburg to secure funding for projects large and small that benefit our community.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, WQED Multimedia was awarded $88,573 for the purchase of six field camera equipment packages. The packages will include cameras, lenses, audio and lighting, batteries, and camera bags for proper storage.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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Pittsburgh, PA − March 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative La’Tasha Mayes are proud to announce $258,341 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“I am thrilled to be announcing this funding for our community. The Latin American Cultural Center is very important to our area because it acts as a place where Latinx people can come together and express cultural pride and identity,” said Representative La’Tasha Mayes. “When we talk about community investments, these types of projects are just as important as any other infrastructure – helping communities thrive and grow, develop a sense of place and attract other development. I want to congratulate everyone who worked to make this happen.”
Statewide LSA
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Latin American Studies Association was awarded $258,341 for roof replacement costs at the Latin American Cultural Center located in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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