Eight public housing complexes throughout Westmoreland County will see security upgrades later this year.
Those upgrades included installation of high-definition security cameras at seven county Housing Authority sites in Irwin, Latrobe, Scottdale, Monessen and Trafford, and modernized door locks at a facility in New Kensington.
The project will be paid for with a $250,000 federal grant the authority received late last week, according to Michael Washowich, the authority’s executive director.
“It will go to good use to protect our residents,” Washowich said.
The grant is part of a $13.7 million allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program to pay for projects throughout the country, including installation, repair or replacement of equipment or systems which contribute to a safer living environment for residents. This may include security systems and surveillance cameras, fencing, lighting, emergency alarm systems, window bars, deadbolt locks, doors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Washowich said facilities for low-income seniors and disabled residents, including Valley Manor, Eastgate Manor, Scottdale Manor, Irwin Manor, Trafford Manor, Latrobe Manor and and Westgate Manor in Monessen will get upgraded digital camera systems to replace older analog equipment. Cameras will record all building entrances, common areas and corridors. Local police departments in those communities will have access to the video feeds.
“The cameras serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and give residents peace of mind,” Washowich said.
Upgraded security camera systems were installed at 20 other housing authority properties throughout the county in recent years, officials said.
The authority’s 50 apartments at Central Towers in New Kensington will receive upgraded door locks as part of the program.
Installation work of the camera system and door locks will be done by the authority’s in-house staff, Washowich said.
