Jul 28, 2008 5:57 pm US/Eastern
Housing Development Gives East Braddock A Boost
EAST BRADDOCK (KDKA) ―
Three struggling Mon Valley towns received a big boost.
Residents and officials cut the ribbon on the new East Braddock housing development, which straddles the Braddock and East Pittsburgh line.
The development includes 17 apartments in two historic buildings that were renovated to preserve their original architectural elements like fireplaces and tall windows.
"We've got a building that would hold its own in any city and the fact that it's here in Braddock an architectural gem that has been saved," Braddock Mayor John Fetterman told the assembled crowd. "That creates new housing for people to move into our community."
Across the street from the apartment building are three new rental town homes. Rents will be priced to be affordable to low and moderate income tenants. The project was funded by a combination of local, county and state money, something that Brian Hudson of the Pennsylvania Housing Agency says could be a model for other communities. "When I was here last year I was told there hadn't been activity in Braddock for over 20 years so this is exactly what we want to do on the state level and a great model to show others how to partner and get it done."
Tina Doose of the Braddock Economic Development Corporation agrees. "These guys have come and put their money into this community. They've made an investment in Braddock and we feel heartfelt appreciation to you."
Immediately after the ribbon cutting, there was a groundbreaking on Phase II of the nearby Braddock Field's development, located partially in Braddock and partially in North Braddock. Eventually 30 single-family, 3 bedroom homes will be built on the site, and they're already selling well, with 14 of 15 homes built in Phase I already sold. Phase II homes will be offered for $67,000, a price that developers think will make them affordable to lower and moderate income buyers.
County Executive Dan Onorato says the size of these projects says something about Braddock's come back, after years of struggle after the collapse of the steel industry. "Now you're starting to see a critical mass not just one building but blocks, areas and business districts," said Onorato.
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