cKeesport CITY OF MCKEESPORT NEWS
MAYOR ’ S
Corner
MICHAEL CHEREPKO
PHOTO BY GARY YON
As we usher in the season of growth and renewal , the City of McKeesport is proud of boast an abundance of new developments that play a role in the revitalization of our community . In this Spring 2017 edition of In McKeesport Area Magazine , readers will learn about retail businesses as well as industrial facilities that are opening their doors in McKeesport .
As my administration continues to focus development efforts on the Walnut Street corridor , specifically in Christy Park , I am happy to see the McKeesport community supporting the new Ollie ’ s Bargain Outlet and other shops in that area . The City is working with the state of Pennsylvania and local developers to improve the intersection of Walnut Street and Long Run Road ( Route 48 ) as we make way for more businesses along that corridor . In addition to economic development , McKeesport is continuing its commitment to community programming through City events as well as those hosted by volunteer organizations . This edition features events hosted by the NAACP McKeesport Unit , Meals on Wheels , and the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center . It also promotes a new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh .
This spring , we are having a citywide cleanup in as many neighborhoods as we can find volunteers on Earth Day , April 22 . I would encourage any available volunteers to call my office at 412-675-5020 , ext . 605 , to register . Participants can work in their own neighborhoods or select areas that may need extra helping hands .
In this edition , we get a closer look at four stellar individuals who are being honored with this quarter ’ s Living the Message awards : Jason DeFelice , Sharon Soles , Gerald Grayson , and Hannah Klingensmith . Each of these folks has a unique story ; but they all have McKeesport roots , and they are working hard to make our town a better place .
In fact , all of us are doing our part to improve our city . That being said , I want to make sure McKeesport property owners understand the basis for our revised ordinance on regulating rental properties . This ordinance is not intended to create hardships for landlords ; rather , it is intended to hold them accountable for keeping their tenants safe to the best of their ability . That means fitting rental properties with adequate living conditions , as mandated by international fire and property maintenance codes .
We want all McKeesport residents – whether they own or rent their homes – to share the same opportunity to live a safe and healthy life . As Mayor , it is my job to speak for McKeesport residents and to serve them – guaranteeing their access to necessary public services , and helping them achieve the quality of life they deserve .
32 McKeesport Area
STATE FUNDS TO AID IN INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
The City of McKeesport is proud to be moving forward with infrastructure improvements , thanks to a state transportation grant worth more than $ 300,000 .
A $ 316,100 grant , approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority ’ s Multimodal Transportation Fund , will be used to improve the intersection of Long Run Road and Walnut Street . A traffic light and turning lane will be added to the intersection – a necessary improvement allowing ingress and egress to the Walnut Crossing development .
“ This has been an intersection that has needed significant improvements for many years ,” said McKeesport Community Development Director A . J . Tedesco , who sought after the grant . “ We are pleased to have state support that will encourage and aid development of the Walnut Street corridor .”
CFA projects are designed to bolster economic revitalization through strategic state investment . The Long Run-Walnut improvements not only will support Walnut Crossing , but they will allow safer , more efficient access to businesses along both thoroughfares .
State Senator James Brewster , D-McKeesport , said the city ’ s vision for this intersection falls in line with the grant ’ s goal .
“ The key to bringing more growth , development and jobs back to the Mon Valley is by making the area attractive for new employees and more productive for those that are already up and running ,” Brewster said . “ CFA transportation grants help open access to developmentready land parcels and improves the marketability of sites .”
The grant requires a city match of $ 135,472 , which will be paid in full by the Walnut Crossing developers , Walnut Street Partners , LLC .
“ This is a shining example of public-private partnerships that will improve McKeesport ’ s economy ,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said . “ My administration is willing to work with developers , who are committed to our community . I want to commend Mr . Tedesco for his work on this project on behalf of the City of McKeesport .”