Pittsburgh, Pa. − November 1, 2024 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams announced that eight local projects have been awarded grant funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
“Each of these projects represents a significant investment in community space,” said Senator Williams. “This funding is focused on ensuring that our neighborhoods have those all-important ‘third places’ for people to gather, celebrate, find support, or just be. I am incredibly proud to support funding that builds strength in our communities, which is what every single one of these projects will do.”
“With this funding, we make critical investments in Pittsburgh’s economy, allowing us to build up our communities and create opportunities for more residents,” Rep. La’Tasha Mayes (D-24) said. “In doing so, we will also create jobs and attract visitors to the area, further growing our economy and creating opportunities for everyone in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.”
The following projects will receive funding:
- $1 million to Riverfront 47 for the Allegheny Shores Site Renewal project in Sharpsburg. This funding will complete the site preparation for Phase 1 and will include grading and earthwork, utilities, constructing a new roadway network and parking facilities, and building public spaces between 19th Street and the Allegheny River.
- $5 million to Walnut Penn Shady LP for the District Vision Plan at the Former Club One site in Pittsburgh for site preparation and general infrastructure construction. This development will become a mixed-use retail, office, biotech, and residential space with public parking.
- $1.5 million to the Etna Community Organization for the Etna Center for Community. Funding will be used for renovation of the ground-floor to create a community space, library programming, and flex-space that can be used for meeting rooms or office workspace. The upper floor residential units will also be renovated and reconfigured.
- $1.5 million to the Evolve Coaching Inclusion Center for demolition and renovation at the site of the new Inclusion Center at 5025 Penn Avenue. Funds will be used to construct a new elevator, parking space, retaining wall, sidewalk extension, fenced-in patio, and to plant trees.
- $500,000 to the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company for expansion and reconfiguration of their Department in McCandless Township. This project will expand the physical footprint of the station and create additional space for separate rooms for washing and storage of firefighting gear, as well as a decontamination space, engineering room, and additional administrative spaces.
- $1,775,000 to the Pittsburgh Zoo to for construction of a new Giraffe Barn. This will be a new single-story agriculture structure with a mezzanine level for husbandry and care. Construction will include both structural and utility connection, including fire alarm, and telecommunications.
- $300,000 to West View Borough for their Downtown Revitalization project. This funding will go towards replacing sidewalks and cement concrete curbs throughout the corridor, improving accessibility for everyone. ADA ramps will also be reconstructed for mid-block crossings throughout the area.
- $1 million to the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation for the Negley Rotunda Restoration. Funding will be used for revitalization and renovation of the decommissioned, former B’Nai Israel Synagogue and School. Phase 1 of this project includes replacing a decrepit parapet walkway that encircles the domed roof that is causing water damage to the building and causing long-term damage.
Heather Conroy, Executive Director of Evolve Coaching, Inc. said, “These funds are essential to helping us renovate 5025 Penn Ave, a long-vacant building in the heart of Garfield. The Evolve Coaching Inclusion Center will serve autistic and other neurodiverse college students, job-seekers, and artists, offering a public gallery space, paid training opportunities in our new media center, and a new program for independent living training. With this RACP award, we have reached our minimum fundraising requirement to begin work in the coming months. We are so grateful to the Governor, Senator Williams, Representative Mayes, and the many other elected officials and Garfield community members for their tremendous support of this project. You can learn more about the project or support our fundraising efforts, at evolve-coaching.org.”
Rick Swartz, Executive Director of the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, said “A commitment like this is an important milestone for us in turning the former synagogue rotunda into a community-owned and managed arts and events center. We need to raise $12 million to cover the renovations to the building, and we can now look for support from other philanthropic quarters. A big thank you to the Governor’s Office, to State Senator Williams and her colleagues, State Sen. Jay Costa and State Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, for being our advocates on this project.”
RACP funding is awarded to projects that focus on the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. These projects should either increase or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue, or other measures of economic activity. Additional information can be found here.
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