Brackenridge focuses on revitalization, eyes 12 blighted structures for demolition

Five ramshackle structures in Brackenridge are expected to be razed this fall, and council is eyeing another seven to follow.

It’s the first push in an effort to remove blight, clean the community and lay the groundwork for redevelopment.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” Councilman Dino Lopreiato said. “They’ve been dilapidated for more than 20 years.”

The cost is expected to be $81,100.

Council last month awarded a contract for the first round of demolition to A.P. Wise Excavating. The company will take down five buildings along Brackenridge Avenue, stretching from Morgan Street to Mile Lock Lane.

Engineer Gordon Taylor said the borough is waiting for the contract to be finalized by Allegheny County.

Work will be covered by a grant received through the county’s Act 152 program, overseen by the Department of Economic Development. Revenue is derived from an additional $15 fee on deed and mortgage transactions in the county.

Applications are based on criteria that includes community impact and potential reuse of the property.

According to the county website, properties targeted for demolition have to meet at least three of nine conditions, such as being a public nuisance, unfit for habitation or a fire hazard.

The grant was among more than $1.9 million doled out by the county.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said money was awarded with particular emphasis on removing structures designated as unsound or those that are near each other.

A date has not been set for work to begin.

“It’s in the county’s hands. We’re just waiting for them to sign off on the paperwork,” Council President Tim Connelly said.

“Hopefully, it makes an improvement for the better.”

Council is eyeing more abandoned homes in the First Ward.

Taylor said the borough has applied for $129,375, also through the county’s Act 152 program, in hopes of removing seven structures next year.

Five of the homes are along Brackenridge Avenue, one is on Orchard Avenue and another is on Third Avenue. Most are residential, and all of them have been vacant for many years.

“We will not be hearing about these awards until later this year,” Taylor said.