Democratic lawmakers are promoting a new state bill that could enable longtime homeowners in certain Pittsburgh neighborhoods to claim property tax freezes.
During a press conference this morning to promote the initiative, State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) along with State Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Lawrenceville) and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, spoke of soaring property values that have spiked property taxes in recent years and driven many longtime homeowners out of East End neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and East Liberty.
State lawmakers representing Pittsburgh unveiled new legislation Thursday that would let the city offer tax relief to longtime homeowners in neighborhoods where property values have skyrocketed.
If the legislation were enacted in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh would be allowed to create its own version of what’s known as a Longtime Owner Occupant Program, or LOOP — a tax relief system for homeowners in developing areas who get squeezed by big tax bills on increasing property values.
A group of local lawmakers are proposing state legislation meant to give the City of Pittsburgh the power to better manage property taxes in neighborhoods where longtime residents are at risk of being priced out.
The region has experienced rapid economic growth and increased development in recent years, much of it concentrated in neighborhoods including Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and Garfield. For some who have owned homes in those areas for years, the rising property values have come with higher property taxes they can’t always afford.
State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa has introduced legislation that he said would protect longtime homeowners from being taxed out of their homes.
Costa, D-Forest Hills, said the Longtime Owner-Occupant Tax Exemption Program, or LOOP, would allow first- and second-class cities and counties — including Pittsburgh and Allegheny County — to enact ordinances protecting homeowners in developing areas who are facing increasing property taxes as a result.
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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