Swissvale – A Community Revitalization Case Study 1

A Three-Way Partnership Local Government Involvement: Swissvale Borough Local citizenship Involvement: SEDCO and MVI County Government Involvement: Allegheny County Economic Development

Swissvale PA East Suburbs 9,600 residents Median HH income of $33,500 Full time Fire Dept & Police Dept Agreed to focus on Code Compliance Committed Demolition Funds to Project Waived Fees and Permit costs 3

SEDCO and MVI Mon Valley Initiative Swissvale Economic Development Corp (SEDCO) Approximately 15 volunteer members Incorporated since 1989 Focused on Community Development, support of local charities Mon Valley Initiative Coalition of eleven Community Development Corporations Provides professional capacity to local CDCs Real Estate Development Workforce Development Housing Counseling Community Organizing 4

Allegheny County Plays two important roles Funder – Department of Economic Development Receives Federal CDBG and HOME Funds Expertise in administering Federal Funds Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Vacant Property Program allows the County to acquire abandoned, vacant property Can acquire blighted, delinquent property for reuse

Project Background 2006 – SEDCO requested MVI assistance Concerned with increasing instability in their neighborhoods SEDCO organized key stakeholders Borough officials Senator Jay Costa Representative Paul Costa Congressman Mike Doyle 6

MVI Feasibility Analysis Met with borough officials, fire department, police department, code enforcement Reviewed several high risk neighborhoods for redevelopment potential Worked with SEDCO to create Comprehensive Development Strategy Highest Priority – Kopp Glass Neighborhood 7

Why the Kopp Glass Neighborhood? Strategic Location – corridor to the Mon Valley Tipping Point Neighborhood Overall Good Quality Housing Stock Great Amenities East Busway Stop Park Two Blocks from Business District 8

Strategic Location Monongahlela Avenue is a Gateway into the Mon Valley East Busway has a Station Adjacent to the Development Area

HOUSING STOCK 10

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ASSETS - East Busway – Swissvale Station 15

ASSETS - AMERICAN LEGION PARK 16

ASSETS - Nearby Business District Two blocks from the Business District Active in the “ALLegheny Together” Main Street Program

Revitalization Goals Remove Blight Maintain Architectural Integrity Introduce New Development Revitalize and Expand the Neighborhood Park Strengthen the Existing Homeowners Environmentally Sustainable Development 18

Action Plan Increased Code Enforcement - BOROUGH Developed a Property Inventory – SEDCO/MVI Created a Redevelopment Plan - SEDCO/MVI Began Fundraising – SEDCO/MVI; ACED ACED Commitment to Predevelopment Funding PA Housing Finance Agency Federal Home Loan Bank State DCED Funds Federal Funds for Special Projects 19

Results 12 Properties being Demolished Strict Code Enforcement Encouraged Owners to Clean up Their Properties or Sell 4-8 Properties Acquired out of Foreclosure 3-5 Arms-Length Sales 25 Properties Acquired Through Vacant Property Program Funding Committed for First Phase - 15 rehabs, 1 new construction – approximately $3.5 million first phase Will be a LEED for Neighborhoods Qualified Project 20

ORIGINAL MARIA DEL CASTELLO CHURCH – EXISTING CONDITIONS 21

ORIGINAL MARIA DEL CASTELLO CHURCH FOUR CONDOMINIUMS

AMERICAN LEGION PARK – EXISTING CONDITIONS

AMERICAN LEGION PARK – AFTER RENOVATIONS

Conclusion There are Benefits to Collaboration Organized Communities can Accomplish Great Things Boroughs Can Add Value Through Political Support Public Works – securing buildings, Maintaining Properties Strong Code Enforcement Flexibility with Fees and Demolition Budgets Counties have Great Resources