Project Spotlight
Redevelopment Authority (RAAC): Carrie Furnace
As part of ongoing efforts to redevelop severely blighted areas of the Mon-Valley, the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County utilized $3 million from the Economic Development Fund towards the purchase of the Carrie Furnace property in August of 2005. Carrie Furnace is a former steel yard and current brownfield site comprising of 168 acres of underutilized land, including a vast amount of vacant prime riverfront property. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in September 2006 and there is pending Congressional Legislation to incorporate this site into a National Park. However, regardless of any pending Congressional Legislation, RAAC is committed to incorporating the remaining historic elements into the future development proposals of the site.
Authority for Improvements in Municipalities (AIM): Project Spotlight: Auberle “Helping Troubled Children and Families to Heal Themselves”
Auberle, a nonprofit corporation, has been dedicated to the mission of caring for and healing abused, neglected and troubled children throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for over 50 years. They have been able to help thousands of children and their families through residential care, foster care, emergency shelter, in-home intervention, education and community programs. Family preservation, the reuniting of families in a positive home environment and preparing children to be responsible adults are the ultimate goals of Auberle. The Authority for Improvements in Municipalities, by the issuance of a Note(s) through the Authority, provided $2,000,000 towards the construction of a 24-bed health center facility in McKeesport.
Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA): The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center
The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center was designed to create a comforting and healthy atmosphere. With the current state of the economy, it is also important to look at cost effective ways to live. The “green” movement has shed light on ways to maximize efficiency, while caring for our environment. The Children’s Home’s new building was constructed with recycled materials. More than 50% of the building utilizes high performance HEPA filtered air systems and humidification. Also, more than 75 % of the interior space of the building is day lit, contributing to a reduction in energy consumption, while improving the quality of the patients’ stay.
Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority (ACHDA): Helping West Penn Allegheny Health System Help Others
One of the most far-reaching initiatives assisted by the Authorities was an ambitious project of West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS), one of the County’s foremost health care providers. At its two tertiary and four community hospitals, WPAHS annually admits more than 80,000 patients, logs in excess of 173,000 emergency visits and delivers nearly 6,000 newborns. It’s the third-largest employer in Western Pennsylvania with more than 13,000 employees.
To help assure the ongoing health of WPAHS, ACHDA issued $752 million in revenue bonds to underwrite a number of thrusts. First, the financing will allow WPAHS to expand and renovate the Forbes Regional Campus of West Penn Hospital. In addition, it will enable WPAHS to refinance senior debt to reduce debt service and interest rates and thereby keep its services priced as economically as possible.
Allegheny County Higher Education and Building Authority (ACHEBA): Point Park University Renovations
ACHEBA issued $35,000,000 in University Revenue Bonds to purchase and renovate certain structures on the Boulevard of Allies, renovate Lawrence Hall and construct an Academic Village to bring new cultural and academic resources, architectural and streetscape improvements, and greater economic opportunity. It represents the confluence of Point Park University’s guiding principles: academic excellence, quality student experience, community engagement and managed growth.
Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority (RFA): Metowers Senior Residences
This Federally subsidized complex offers 88 single-bedroom units designed for mobility-impaired tenants as well as senior citizens. It features a library, a chapel, a picnic pavilion, a crafts room and a spacious community area for in-house activities and private gatherings. Metowers will use RFA financing to improve amenities and operating services and, perhaps most significantly, for financial assistance to low-income tenants. In these ways, Metowers and the Division are partnering to meet the distinct residential needs of a vulnerable population.