Matzie: $400,000 in tax credits to rehab city of Aliquippa blighted properties, assist residents, revitalize business district

Rep. Robert Matzie    December 7, 2020 | 5:05 PM

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 7 – Tax credits totaling $400,000 will help rehabilitate blighted areas of Beaver County, revitalize parts of the business district and provide residents with food, rent and job training assistance, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the tax credits awarded to Aliquippa Economic Development Corp., which were approved under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, will create investments that transform the landscape while improving residents’ lives.

“I am pleased that the funding for this crucial community project continues the vision of our team of stakeholders led by Mayor Dwan Walker, council members Walker, Mottes, Piroli and Milliner, and community leaders,” Matzie said.

“The public-private partnership with the commonwealth and BNY Mellon has paid big dividends in a variety of ways thus far, and the continuation of cleaning up blighted properties and rebuilding crucial infrastructure is the next step in improving the quality of life for city residents.”

Matzie said that among other things, the tax credits will fund the following:

  • Acquire 7 blighted houses in the West End Franklin Avenue Corridor and acquire and rehab 1 house in this neighborhood.
  • Provide match funding for the house acquisition/rehabilitation projects, replace 800 feet of sidewalk and ADA ramps, and install signage and landscaping at the Gateway entrance.
  • Partner with county and local organizations to provide food to 600 people monthly, rent or utility assistance to 2 households monthly, and training for 12 youths in a bike mechanic's course.
  • Improve the downtown business district by funding a pavilion to be installed over a stage area in Franklin Avenue Park for events to enliven the downtown; beautify downtown with elements from a downtown action plan underway; and provide funding for a green parking lot to serve both the community and a historical library on Franklin Avenue.

The tax credits are part of a package of $36 million approved through NAP to support 214 community revitalization projects across the commonwealth. More information about the funding statewide is available here.

Matzie said the tax credits are a continuation of a six-year, $3.3 million investment in Aliquippa that was secured in 2018. The initial year’s projects included rehabilitation of 18 homes; demolition of old commercial buildings; creation of a digital media lab, classrooms and technology curriculum at B.J. Jones Memorial Library; and development of partnerships to provide food assistance and job training for low-income residents.