By Councilman Wilson 

Hello everyone!

I’d like to share an update on the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) legislation that I introduced in March and discussed in last month’s column. After a lengthy and robust discussion with my colleagues on City Council, I introduced amendments to the original legislation which addressed concerns and questions posed by fellow councilmembers.

The amendments included the removal of all notions of adding parking as part of the construction or adaptive reuse of any downtown buildings; allow, if permitted by state law, to mandate compliance with the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act of 1961; create tiers for obtaining a tax exemption by creating affordable housing; adjust tier boundaries for obtaining a tax exemption by creating jobs; and create a three-member Monitoring Committee (two appointed by the mayor, one appointed by the president of City Council) to ensure realization of this ordinance’s objectives.

Downtown Pittsburgh presently accounts for about 23% of the city’s total real estate tax revenue, or $35 million out of a projected total of $152 million in 2025. Commercial real estate industry analysts estimate that the assessed value of Downtown Pittsburgh’s commercial-use property will fall by almost 50% in the next few years as property owners pursue assessment appeals, and dozens of downtown buildings risk foreclosure. If we don’t address this situation now, the city will have to find other revenue sources to continue providing basic public services, like paving roads, collecting refuse, and keeping recreation centers open.

I’m proud to say that the amendments received a unanimous vote of approval and am looking forward to the public hearing scheduled on April 29 from 1:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. Written statements on the topic can be emailed to cityclerksoffice@pittsburghpa. gov.

I’d like to highlight a funding opportunity through the City’s Office of Management and Budget, Community Development Division. The office is currently accepting applications for HOME-ARP funding, which is appropriated under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 and is used to assist the homeless and those persons and families who are at risk of becoming homeless. The city has allocated HOME-ARP funds to the following activities: $500,000 towards Supportive Services and $1.5 million towards Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 6. Full details can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/home-arp-funds.

Save the date for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA)’s State of PWSA update to be held at the next East Allegheny Community Council meeting on May 14 at 7 p.m. Join PWSA for an update on current initiatives and engage in an open discussion about the reinvestment of ratepayer dollars back into our water system, ongoing projects to improve water reliability and protect public health, expanded Customer Assistance Programs, and changes to your 2024 bill. I encourage you to bring your questions and learn how PWSA plans to improve water services now and for the future. Location for the meeting is the Café in the Union Place Building Allegheny Center Alliance Church, 801 Union Place.

Last month, the Davis Avenue Bridge reconstruction began, which is the first step in reconnecting the Northside’s largest community, Brighton Heights, with its largest park, Riverview Park. Construction will take place throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, with a goal to reopen to the public in fall 2024. I’m thankful to the leadership of Mayor Ed Gainey, State Senator Wayne Fontana, State Representative Emily Kinkead, and the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI) Director Kim Lucas and Project Manager Zack Workman for their continued efforts to keep this project funded and moving in the right direction.

We wouldn’t be at this point if it weren’t for all the community members who made their voices known throughout the years. I look forward to walking across the bridge with all of you in the next few months. Full details on this project can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/davis-avenue-bridge.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you!