Tarentum, Harmar secure Allegheny County grants to fight blight

Tarentum and Harmar were among 33 Allegheny County communities last week to be awarded a total of $2.1 million in grants to address blight.

Money was made available through the Act 152 Demolition Fund, now in its second year.

Tarentum will receive $35,000 to raze three structures; Harmar will get $17,500 for one building.

“It’s good news, indeed,” Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said.

“We are pleased to hear it. The borough has committed to addressing blight through its comprehensive plan, and these funds will help us continue the efforts.”

More than 50 municipalities applied for the grants to tear down deteriorating properties.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said particular emphasis was put on structures designated as unsound and for demolition clusters, where structures were located close to each other.

“This program has been immensely successful in helping municipalities deal with blight in their community while also allowing them to embrace development and other opportunities to improve their neighborhoods,” Fitzgerald said.

Applications were evaluated on criteria that included existing demolition lists, community impact and potential reuse of the property.

Harmar Manager Jennifer Steiner said the grant will pay to take down a dilapidated property at 128-129 Cherry Lane Ext.

She said the demolition will get rid of a blighted building while alleviating an eyesore for neighbors.

Because the abandoned building sits near the river, demolishing it also will eliminate potential rodent problems, Steiner said.

In Tarentum, council has not yet slated the money for a particular project, but there are several buildings on the list to be torn down by the end of the year.

Potential demolitions include a retail building at 215 Corbet St., along with houses at 110 W. 11th Ave., 338 W. 10th Ave. rear, 1219 Pitcairn Ave. and 505-507 E. Eighth Ave.

“The grant will be used just as part of the plan to address blight throughout the borough,” Boddorf said.

“The first phase of addressing deterioration was 2019-22. We are in the planning process for phase two, in which we will decide what to do with any vacant property the borough still owns and address any remaining blight.”