In Wilkinsburg, a plan is taking shape to completely transform a vacant lot.
A vacant lot is being transformed into commercial space and 41 affordable homes: 12 two-bedroom homes, nine three-bedroom homes and 20 one-bedroom homes.
Hosanna House, a longtime pillar of the Wilkinsburg community, has worked for years to bring this project to life. They say they want to make sure they create affordable housing for families.
It’s a project that has been in the works for almost five years, but has finally been given the green light thanks to additional help and funding.
Republican Chris DeluzioAlong with other local and state legislators, Hosanna House and Affordable Housing Action presented a check for $1.6 million.
Channel 11 spoke with Rep. Chris Deluzio about the plans.
“I think we need to take action in Washington to keep housing prices down so people can afford to live a decent life and Washington can keep hedge funds and others out of our communities,” he said. “Families in our region need affordable housing, it’s a fundamental part of the American dream, but high rents are stealing that dream away.”
The $1.6 million handed over Monday was the final amount needed to break ground on the key piece of land along the busy Penn Avenue corridor.
There will be retail space on the ground floor.
“What Penn Avenue used to be in terms of Wilkinsburg as a central district, we see as a cornerstone for economic mobility for other projects that come alongside it and benefit the residents,” said Loeon Haynes, CEO of Hosanna House.
The project, which will cost a total of $25 million, will start in October.
“Affordable housing in the Wilkinsburg community is essential, so many of our residents are moving because they don’t have it,” Haynes said. “We focus on family first.”
The developers expect the project to be completed next fall.
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