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Who We Are

The EastShore is
Pittsburgh at its best

Our community is comprised of the neighborhoods of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale. We are an area steeped in tradition and bursting with potential. We have strong community associations, vibrant and emerging retail quarters, quick access to the core of the region and miles of riverfront on the Monongahela River. And we are right in the middle of Allegheny County.

Check out more NEWS from the EastShore https://eastshorepgh.com/news-in-the-eastshorepgh/

#VisitEastShore #VisitEastShorePgh #Braddock #NorthBraddock #RankinBorough15104 #Swissvale #LiveWorkPlay #GreatPlaceToLive #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz #ShopEatPlay #EZCB

ENTERPRISE ZONE CORP. (EZCB)

The EZCB works to support economic development in the EastShore communities. 

As of Fall 2024, we have provided $3 million in direct loans, leveraged $16 million in other funding, and created 600 local jobs. We’re among the top five Enterprise Zones in Pennsylvania at processing tax credits.

Known for expert leadership, EZCB continues its strong support for businesses of all types and sizes through a variety of targeted services. We also work to promote major projects that will bring both opportunities and resources to our service area.

The area has rebounded from the steel industry’s decline and today successful businesses are capitalizing on a prime location with low taxes and a skilled and hard-working labor force.

EZCB is a membership organization with nominal dues of $10 to $50 per year, depending on the membership category. Membership is open to individuals and to public and private organizations, but is not required to benefit from EZCB’s programs. 

Administrative Assistant Job Description 

The Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock, PA (EZCB) is a 501c3 tax-exempt economic development organization covering the boroughs of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale.  EZCB provides small business financing via two revolving loan funds, and works to eliminate blight, assemble tax-delinquent land parcels for new development, and market the four boroughs as a well-located, cost-effective location for new and expanding businesses in metro Pittsburgh via its EastShore Initiative.  Since its founding in the 1980s, EZCB has provided $3 million in direct business and building investment loans, leveraging over $16 million in other funding, and creating almost 600 jobs.  

EZCB hired a new Executive Director earlier in 2024 and is in the process of opening an office, which will be located within or very close to the four EZCB boroughs.  The Administrative Assistant is expected to physically work in the EZCB office four days per week. 

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in entering the community and economic development field; the new Executive Director has 25 years of experience in the field and will enthusiastically share his expertise to help grow the next generation of leadership in the field. 

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Bernie McShea, EZCB Executive Director, at bmcsheaezcb@gmail.com

The Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock names Bernie McShea as the first Executive Director effective May 1, 2024.

EZCB works to encourage business investment and create and retain jobs in the boroughs of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale by providing reduced interest rate financing to employers. Since its founding in 1985, EZCB has provided $3M in direct business and building investment loans, leveraging over $16M in other funding, and creating almost 600 jobs. The EastShore Pittsburgh initiative was launched in 2018.

McShea brings strong economic development experience to EastShore, having led the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance’s business development team for almost a decade in the 2000s. Recruited to Space Florida, the State of Florida’s aerospace economic development agency, his team led efforts to bring companies like Space X and Blue Origin  to Florida, provided low-cost financing to aerospace supply chain companies, and partnered with the Florida Venture Forum in conduction an annual Aerospace+Emerging Tech Forum. Collectively, these efforts assisted more than 200 companies in creating 24k new jobs, with $3B in new capital investment.

Please see the Press Release for full details.

2024 EZCB Annual Meeting

The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock was held on February 13.  Vice President Michael Aldrich and Treasurer Michael Tobias retired from the Board of Directors.  Danielle Vasquez of Triton Holdings in Rankin and Chelsea Burket, owner of the Swissvale Dari Delite were elected to replace them on the Board.  Mary Manges of the Braddock’s Battlefield History Center was elected as a non-profit organization representative.  Rob Parker returns as a Board Member representing Braddock Council.

Subsequently, the following Executive Committee officers were elected:

President:        William J. Pfoff

Vice President:  David Gumpher

Secretary:        Deneen Swartzwelder, Mayor of Swissvale

Treasurer:       Charles Bennett

EZCB has been successful in securing substantial funding to implement the EastShore Report.  This strategy document was undertaken in conjunction with the Urban Land Institute based in Washington, D.C.  At the February 13 meeting, the Board of Directors authorized funding various initiatives and other actions to support community and economic development in the boroughs of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale.  According to EZCB President William Pfoff,

“We’re seeing new investment taking place in the neighborhoods and business districts.  At the Carrie Furnace site, one new building is nearing completion and a second one is planned.  The goal of the EastShore Initiative is ‘Improving Prosperity in the EastShore!’  We look forward to working with our local government partners, private sector representatives and the non-profit groups to transform the area.”

BRADDOCK ARTS AND MEDIA (BAM) BUILDING 

Please won’t you be our neighbor!

The historic Carnegie Cooperative building (built by Andrew Carnegie himself) at 818 Braddock Avenue, is being rehabilitated! 

This magnificent structure is being transformed into the BAM Building and the new home of Pearl Arts, a nonprofit dance and recording studio that will occup the entire 5,000+ sq ft. third floor. See the exciting announcement here:  https://www.pearlartsstudios.com/newfuture.

As of November 2023, the 1st and 2nd floors are available for elease, have open floor plans, 15-foot ceilings, and long-term low rent leases available. 

The $17 million renovation of the Braddock Carnegie Library and Theater is just up the block.

If you are interested in learning more or touring the property, please contact Robert Ketcham 412-863-6646 or  ketchamphotography@gmail.com

Heritage Highlands – Rankin

The Grand Opening for the Heritage Highlands neighborhood and the Michael F. Doyle Community Center dedication in Rankin was held on November 1st.  The 54 unit, $20 million first phase of the development represents a transformation of the Hawkins Village site.

Many local and state elected officials along with representatives for the many government agencies were in attendance.  Master of Ceremonies Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr. introduced the dignitaries.  Dr. Slaughter is very familiar with the area as he was a banker in Braddock and served as Treasurer of the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB).

Former Congressman Doyle and a native of Swissvale, who recently retired, was honored for his 28 years in the U.S. Congress and his support for the Heritage Highlands development and the many projects and initiatives he supported.

The Mayor and members of Rankin Council were cited for their cooperation in helping the project move forward.

The master plan will be completed in two phases.  The $20 million first phase which broke ground in June 2022, is now available for new tenants.  The $22 million second phase will provide an additional 51 units.

  • Pictured: Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mike Doyle at Heritage Highlands.

 

  • Pictured in front of the Michael F. Doyle Community Center are (Left – Right) Bill Pfoff, Rankin Council Member and EZCB President, Rankin Council Vice President Faye Powell and William (Lucky) Price, Rankin Council President.

Carrie Furnace Development

First panel going up at Carrie Furnace. (September 19, 2023) #crepgh 

https://ridc.org/carrie-furnace-development-continues-to…/

SWISSVALE DARI DELITE

We were back at the Dari Delite to visit with Chelsea Burket and she fills us in on her 3rd season at the Swissvale Dari Delite, support from the Enterprise Zone & how she partners with local businesses. She makes a sundae with fudge brownies from the Triangle Grill (Bread Co) and fresh whipped cream from Turner’s Dairy. (This past spring she worked with Braddock’s Brassero Grill for a churro sundae.)

The Dari Delite is always busy so the video is loud. It’s a good reminder that when you stop by, make sure to speak up so the best ice cream preparers in the EastShore can hear you!

https://youtu.be/1JIObF0RjA4

#VisitEastShorePgh #Braddock #NorthBraddock #rankinborough #Swissvale #LiveWorkPlay #GreatPlaceToLive #EconomicDevelopment #smallbusiness #ShopEatPlay #supportlocal #EZCB

Rankin Borough Exits Act 47

“Rankin Borough’s celebration of exiting Act 47 has been a labor of love for our community. I commend the current and past council members, mayors, our staff and residents. Their commitment and persistence to stay on course to reach this moment is a wonderful reflection of each and every one of us. The new development within the borough and fiscal independence just proves that when you stay focused, committed and work together all things are possible. This is the beginning of endless possibilities for Rankin, “ – Council President Price. 

Pictured:
Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock President and Rankin Councilman Bill Pfoff addresses State and County officials about new developments in Rankin and the EastShore area.
 
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) officials meet with Rankin Borough representatives regarding the borough’s exit from the State’s Act 47 program.  From left to right: Richard P. Vilello, Jr., DCED Deputy Secretary, Rankin Councilman William Price, Councilman Bill Pfoff, Mayor Joelisa McDonald and DCED Secretary Rick Siger.”

Carrie Furnace – RIDC

Construction has begun at Carrie Furnace! This has been more than 20 years in the planning. Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) has a couple of videos on the site availability and history. You can also see stories on how this project evolved at the RIDC website ​​​​Home – RIDC: Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

https://youtu.be/5WYczDL4d1Q

https://youtu.be/cX2ALGbxtCs

​​​​Construction Underway at Historic Carrie Furnace Site – RIDC: Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania

RIDC catalyzes and supports economic growth through high quality job creation, real estate development and financing of projects that advance the public interest – developing real estate to capture emerging and existing growth opportunities across diverse industry sectors.

Pittsburgh Business Times article Construction underway at historic Carrie Furnace site – Pittsburgh Business Times (bizjournals.com)

And coming soon The Pittsburgh Film Office. ​​​Carrie Furnace – Pittsburgh Film Office (pghfilm.org)

EZCB Business Loan Program Guidelines

Enterprise Zone Corp of Braddock, serving Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale, offers low-interest loans that stimulate business development and create new jobs.  Projects can include acquiring land and buildings, renovations and infrastructure improvements, purchase of machinery and equipment, and building inventory and working capital.

The number of jobs to be created, especially for local residents, will be a factor in determining the amount of the loan.  Loans can be up to 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum of $100,000.  The loan must be secured with adequate collateral.  The fixed interest rate is 4%.

10/14/22 – Carrie Furnace Groundbreaking 

Federal, State and Local Officials along with interested parties were on hand for the RIDC groundbreaking at the historical Carrie Furnace in Rankin and Swissvale.

​​A star is born? Carrie Furnaces site eyed as campus for the region’s film industry | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Attending at the Carrie Furnace Groundbreaking:  (from left) Rankin Council President Lucky Price, Swissvale native and United States Representative Mike Doyle, Swissvale Mayor and EZCB Secretary Deneen Swartzwelder and Rankin Councilman and EZCB President Bill Pfoff.

2022 – EZCB worked with the Urban Land Institute to create a Strategic Plan for the EastShore area.  EastShore is an initiative of EZCB to promote the assets and opportunities and the many events and activities taking place in the communities of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale – ULI Advisory Services Panel Strategic Planning Report for EZCBs.

ULI’s Advisory Services Program has decades of providing assistance to cities, towns and organizations throughout the United States and the world.

This 3-day panel completed work the week of June 6, 2022, here in the EastShore area.  During that time the panel, directly and through its staff, studied the designated area; consulted with public and private officials, representatives of other relevant organizations, and other individuals familiar with the problems involved; and prepared its conclusions and recommendations. The report was presented to the EZCB in oral form at the close of the on-site assignment. 

On September 20, 2022, the EZCB announced the EastShore Plan.  Approximately 50 people heard former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy, a Senior Fellow with ULI, review the plan and discuss initiatives to improve the EastShore area.

Mr. Murphy encouraged the group to “dream big” to transform the area.  He cited the success of groups that have revitalized their communities.  He said he can see similar success taking place in the EastShore.

Check out our YouTube channel for videos of some of our great businesses and what our four communities have to offer.  EastShore Pgh – YouTube

 

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