Public Relations Committee report to Avenues website:

As time moves on we tend to forget the incredible transformation that has and is occurring in the Steel Valley. It was October of 1998 when many of us attended the kick off for the Waterfront development in the Pennsylvania boroughs of Homestead, West Homestead and Munhall. As I remember it, McDonald’s Restaurant was the first store to open its doors in mid 1999 and look how far we have come since then. The success of this former industrial brownfield has made the news both locally and nationally ever since.

The redevelopment of the old business district has also been incredible. The public streetscape has seen millions of dollars in improvements with the redevelopment of 6th, 7th, 8th Avenues as well as the connecting side streets throughout the three boroughs. As of last count over $2million in business or building loans have been provided by the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone for development. Over $39 million in funds have been leveraged through these loans. 13 State tax credits have been provided and over $90 million has been leveraged through loans and tax credits for redevelopment.

Every Steel Valley resident can take pride in the work that has occurred. Many state, county and local government agencies are responsible for seeing this work through as well as the private developers who stepped up and invested money to get this work done.

The public relations committee is working on bike racks along the business district; supports the creation of signage along Amity Street; a Steel Valley brag book; pocket guide map and a Steel Valley tour.

Looking forward to reporting more exciting developments in the future.

Environmental Enhancement and Control Committee:

Potential Projects and Activities:

Tree Pruning and Landscape Improvements - Prune and trim the existing trees along East Eighth Avenue, plant flowers in the tree wells and install hanging flower baskets on the street light standards. Project initiated in Fall 2009 and to be completed in the Summer 2010. Note: Main Street/Tax Increment Financing Committee has authorized tree pruning for 2010.

Amity Street Parking - Develop a leased parking lot at the southeast corner of the intersection of Amity Street and East Seventh avenue. Potential of 12 new leased spaces. Develop the adjacent alley into a walkway connection to Eighth Avenue. The Borough owns the property and could easily develop the parking lot to replace the 24 spaces that were lost for the construction of the new Municipal Building on East Seventh Avenue. Project could be initiated in the Fall 2010. Homestead Borough has submitted Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund application to Allegheny County.

Eighth Avenue Parking - Acquire and assemble a site in the 100 Block of East Eighth Avenue (north side of street) to remove blight and develop additional parking. This site could accommodate a two level parking structure. Parking off Seventh Avenue could be for 12 cars and an additional 15 cars could access parking off Eighth Avenue. The building at 113 East Eighth Avenue was recently demolished along with the deteriorated walkway that was adjacent to it. The proposed parking facility would be built on property from 113 to 121 East Eighth Avenue. Acquisition of private property would have to be accomplished before the project could begin and this could add significantly to the total project cost. Project could potentially be initiated in the summer of 2011.

Vacant Property Review Board - Prepare and submit a list to the Allegheny County Vacant Property Review Board to cite and take action against the property owners who have neglected their properties and allowed them to come a blighting influence on the community. This should be coordinated with a concentrated code enforcement effort. Project could be initiated in the Summer 2010.

Entry Points/Connections Committee:

Amity Crossing Conceptual Design: The Steel Valley Council of Governments (SVCOG) has acquired the Homestead Train Station Building on Amity Street and land between the railroad tracks. Strada Architects has provided SVCOG with a conceptual design to create a gateway to The Avenues from The Waterfront. The concept will create a safe pedestrian access with signage, way-finding and improved lighting. The estimated cost for full buildout is $867,395.

Route 837 widening and new Flyover Ramp to The Waterfront: Munhall Borough has taken the lead in seeking funding for improvements to the Route 837 Corridor in the east from the Rankin Bridge to the Flyover Ramp and to construct a new Flyover Ramp. The proposed project is intended to provide better access between The Waterfront and Route 837 and improve the entryway to the Steel Valley area. The proposed project cost is $20 million.

Historical and Architectural Review Board Committee:
2010 Action Plan

Advance Proposals through the Steel Valley Intergovernmental Initiative for the following: