steel valley intergovernmental initiative: the boroughs of homestead, west homestead and munhall

Steel Valley Intergovernmental Initiative:The Boroughs of Homestead,West Homestead and Munhall

September 8, 2010

Proud History

Renewed Energy

Promising Future

Introduction:Working Together

1970s: The Steel Valley was devastated by the decline of the

steel industry.

Late ’90s: Waterfront development marks

start of new era.

Three boroughs beganto work together.

Steel Valley Council of Governments Steel Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation Steel Valley School District Steel Industry Heritage Corporation Clean-up Days Mutual Aid for Police and Fire Comprehensive Urban Design Plan Historic Architecture and Review Board Cooperative Code Enforcement Main Street/TIF Fund The Avenues Tax Abatement Program

September 2000: Comprehensive Urban Design Plan State Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and Allegheny County Funding Redevelopment Plan Historic and Architectural

Review Board (HARB)

A Decade of Progress

The late ’90s marked the start of a decade

of progress.

The former Homestead Works is transformed

from a brownfield site to a shopping/entertainment

complex.

Homestead Works – 1997

The Waterfront – 2007

Avenues Revitalization Housing and residential investments,

including Huffin Green Roof Project

Avenues Revitalization Huffin Green Roof Project

$750 million in public/private investment including:

• Homestead Grays Bridge rehabilitation

• Allegheny County Housing Authority Homestead Apartments

• Homestead Borough Building

• The Waterfront and other private developments

New Businesses

New Jobs

Increased Tax Base

Beyond the Waterfront:

The Avenues 2010and Beyond

We’re seeking resources and other assistance to help us continue the

evolution of the Steel Valley.

By creating vibrant business districts and neighborhoods, we can be an

example of how former steel towns can reinvent themselves through cooperation,

partnerships and initiative.

2010 New Projects& Initiatives

Main Initiatives

Five committees include public and private sector representatives:

Entry Points

Avenues Revitalization

Architectural Standards and Code Enforcement

Public Safety and Security

Marketing

Entry Points

Amity Crossing

Widening of Route 837 and East Flyover Bridge

New Intersection at Eighth and Seventh Avenues in West Homestead (under construction)

New Welcome Signs at Multiple Entry Points

Entry Points

Amity Crossing - $867,395

Entry Points

Create a gateway to historic Homestead Encourage visitors to The Waterfront to also

visit Eighth Avenue Create/Improve bicycle and pedestrian

connections between the Steel Valley Trail and Eighth Avenue

Provide safe pedestrian access between Waterfront and Eighth Avenue

Provide signage and wayfinding Improve lighting

Paris Kiosk Three Rivers Park Signage

Steel Valley Heritage

Signage Concepts

Signage ConceptsParis Kiosk with a Steel Valley Twist

Backlit images

Upright could incorporate lighting

Images could be historic, artwork or advertising for local businesses and organizations

Could incorporate rings of neon or LED tickers

Street Sections

Separate pedestrian from roadway

Use planting to create a sense of passage

Area between roadway and sidewalk could be planting, brick or cobble

Entry Points East Flyover Bridge

Entry Points Widening of Route 837 and East Flyover

Bridge – $19.5 million

Avenues Revitalization

Avenues RevitalizationGoals

Attract new businesses and professional firms onto The Avenues as first-floor occupants

Develop the upper floors of the existing buildings into residential housing units

Create a better “mix” of retail and service type commercial uses along The Avenues

Attract new residents and customers to the business district

Avenues Revitalization

Key Initiative – Improve and expand parking facilities

Avenues Revitalization Amity Street and Seventh Avenue, Homestead

Avenues Revitalization New public parking

facility - $120,000

Amity Street and Seventh Avenue, Homestead

Avenues Revitalization New public parking facility – $1.5 million –

100 Block East Eighth Avenue, Homestead

Avenues Revitalization Traffic signs, traffic-control devices and

landscaping improvements - $30,000

Avenues Revitalization Bicycle trail enhancement

Avenues Revitalization Identification of property improvement issues

Pattern book housing proposal - $200,000

Architectural Standardsand Code Enforcements

Architectural Standardsand Code Enforcements

Pattern book housing proposal - $200,000

Adoption of ordinances - $75,000

Architectural Standardsand Code Enforcements

Stepped-up code enforcement - $80,000

Architectural Standardsand Code Enforcements

Public Safety and Security

Public Safety and Security

Ann, Amity, Grays @ Eighth Avenue and W. Sixth Avenue @ Amity Street Security Cameras - $250,000

Public Safety and Security

LED lighting for The Avenues and nearby areas$220,000

Publicize existing attractions and ongoing improvements

Marketing

Marketing Development of “brag book” - $2,000

Steel Valley pocket guide map - $10,000

Steel Valley tour - $3,500

Bicycle racks in business district - $10,000

Conclusion

Conclusion During the past 12 years, the three boroughs,

Allegheny County and the Steel Valley School District have created an environment that is attractive to private investors.

During that time, we also have upgraded infrastructure, cleared blighted property and placed other property in the hands of private developers.

Thousands of new jobs have been created.

In residential neighborhoods, houses are being rehabilitated and homes are being built.

Conclusion In The Avenues, we’re creating an environment

where young professionals want to live, shop and find entertainment.

There’s an improved and more positive image of the area.

Still, there is more to be done. While the economic climate presents funding challenges, we are determined to fulfill our promise.

We are organized at the local level. Now we seek new partners and resources to carry out our plans.