In the past six months, Senator Costa has brought nearly $8 million to the community
Pittsburgh, Pa. − April 22, 2022 − Senator Jay Costa today announced the award of nearly $5 million in state grants for the Wilkinsburg community, adding to the major investments he has advocated for in the past six months.
“Today’s grants are a continuation of the investment I have prioritized for the Wilkinsburg community,” said Senator Costa. “The combination of state resources we have allocated along with private sector funding has made Wilkinsburg a desirable place to live and do business. We can all take pride in these projects and the cooperation it has taken to revitalize this community. Nonprofits and developers have recognized the progress we have made here and we can continue to look forward to strong investment from a variety of partners.”
The projects funded today are part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
The grants announced today include:
- $1.75 million for the conversion of an old Texaco gas station on Ardmore Boulevard into a multi-story commercial space with outdoor seating and significant new landscaping.
- $1.5 million of continued investment in the Hunter Building for refurbishing this space that serves as an entry to the business district of Wilkinsburg
- $1.25 million to Wilkinsburg Townhome Development for the construction of 14 townhouses. These units will have 2 and 3 bedrooms, basements and garages.
- $500,000 for the Pleasant Bell Building to construct a mid-rise, mixed use structure to replace an empty lot. It will include tech space, housing units and four storefronts for retail and services
- $300,000 as the final installment of state investment in the Wilkinsburg Train Station
“With the increased interest surrounding Wilkinsburg, these investments will be crucial to the current infrastructure and future of the Borough,” said Representative elect Martell Covington. “I am excited to support this continued momentum and revitalization efforts along with Senator Costa.”
The grants announced today will be matched with private dollars and are in addition to millions previously awarded to Wilkinsburg by the state in its rehabilitation efforts.
Earlier this April, Senator Costa supported a $700,000 grant for 1009 Wood Street in the Community Revitalization Fund Program from PHFA for the reactivation of this long-vacant and underutilized building in the heart of Wilkinsburg into two story, mixed use buildings with 10 commercial storefronts.
Late last year, Senator Costa secured $1 million for Hosana House, funded by RACP, to develop 24,000 square feet of commercial space with new storefronts and move-in ready business space. Additionally, he successfully advocated for nearly $650,000 in multi modal grants for three projects in Wilkinsburg: $143,312 for the 1009 Wood Street Development, $250,000 for the Whitney Avenue Transportation improvements and $250,000 for a sewer rehabilitation project on Ardmore Boulevard.
Wilkinsburg, Pa. − September 5, 2018 − Today, Senator Jay Costa, Jr. announced the award of $1,000,000 to the Chatham University for the creation of a new turf field after the merger of Wilkinsburg and Westinghouse high schools in the Borough of Wilkinsburg.
“I’m so proud of working with this community to envision something new for Chatham University,” said Senator Costa. “The new Graham Field is a valuable joint venture and I want to thank Governor Wolf for recognizing its importance in our community.”
The state funds will be used for construction costs associated with completion of the project. Construction costs include the replacement of the existing grass field with artificial turf and drainage system, replace and repair fencing around the property and field, resurface the parking lot and install sidewalks, and much-needed lighting.
In addition, the 30-plus year-old stands need new seating and structural improvements and the locker rooms need refurbished and repaired as well as furnishings to make them useable for a variety of teams.
“We are so thrilled to be working with the community to repurpose and renovate an athletic field for our two area high schools, said Rep. Gainey. “It is truly a win-win project for the schools, the kids, and the communities.”
“This is a major win for Wilkinsburg. Graham Field will be completely remodeled and utilized even more by residents,” said Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett. “In this process, we have ensured that Chatham University is committed to our community to build a foundation for a strong partnership. I truly appreciate Senator Costa and Governor Wolf’s work to make this happen”
###
Pittsburgh, PA – January 3, 2018 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and State Representative Ed Gainey announced $475,000 in state support today to rehabilitate the Ardmore Linear Park in Wilkinsburg.
“I’m pleased to have worked with the Borough of Wilkinsburg to secure this funding,” said Senator Costa. “The rehabilitation of this park is a worthy project that will bring together community organizations with local government.”
The Ardmore Wall Linear Park stretches along the existing 950 linear foot portion of land burdened with the deteriorating 8-foot-tall concrete wall along Ardmore Boulevard between Penn Avenue to Franklin Avenue in Wilkinsburg Borough. The proposed improvements will repair and replace the sidewalks and handrails; provide proper storm water drainage, to help manage storm water, and renovate the green space, landscaping, and streetscape accents. The improvements will also increase overall safety by upgrading aging infrastructure and increasing pedestrian and commuter safety on the roadways connected to the project area.
The Linear Park is one of 22 projects that were approved today through the Keystone Communities program, for a total of $5.4 million in state investment.
“A solid public-private partnership is crucial to any community revitalization effort, so this infusion of state funding for Ardmore Linear Park is a testament to the success of our team-building approach,” Representative Gainey said. “We’re jointly positioning Wilkinsburg for a brighter future, and that’s something we should all be proud of.”
Keystone Community projects encourage community-based organizations, public agencies, business leaders, private developers, financial institutions, and private citizens to work in partnership with local government to develop a comprehensive approach to address community development and housing needs.
The goal of these partnerships is to create more attractive places to live and will encourage business and job expansion and retention in Pennsylvania.
###
