1. Swissvale – A Community Revitalization Case Study1

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. HOUSING STOCK 10

11. 11

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13. 13

14. 14

15. ASSETS - East Busway – Swissvale Station15

16. ASSETS - AMERICAN LEGION PARK16

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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. ORIGINAL MARIA DEL CASTELLO CHURCH – EXISTING CONDITIONS21

22. ORIGINAL MARIA DEL CASTELLO CHURCH FOUR CONDOMINIUMS

23. AMERICAN LEGION PARK – EXISTING CONDITIONS

24. AMERICAN LEGION PARK – AFTER RENOVATIONS

25. 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