GOOD NEWS
What’s Happening in The EastShore Pittsburgh
The good news of neighborhoods of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale are many times overlooked by bad news. Great things are happening here!
Check out our YouTube channel for videos of some of our great businesses and what our four communities have to offer. EastShore Pgh – YouTube
#VisitEastShore #VisitEastShorePgh #Braddock #NorthBraddock #RankinBorough15104 #Swissvale #LiveWorkPlay #GreatPlaceToLive #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz #ShopEatPlay #EZCB
EZCB / EastShore Pittsburgh Newsletters
The Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock, in conjunction with the EastShore Pittsburgh initiative, has launched a newsletter for members and are sharing them with you!
Interested in learning more about this economic development non-profit and how you can participate? Contact Executive Director Bernie McShea.
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 & Media Building (BAM)
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 in Rankin
The Grand Opening for the Heritage Highlands neighborhood and the Michael F. Doyle Community Center dedication in Rankin was held on November 1. 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
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.
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.
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 Board Election 2023
At the EZCB Annual Meeting on February 14, members re-elected Michael Aldrich, David Gumpher and Mary Manges to the Board of Directors. Also, Chuck Bennett of First Commonwealth Bank was elected to represent a financial institution position on the Board.
Subsequently Board Members elected the following Executive Officers:
- William J. Pfoff, President
- Michael J. Aldrich, Vice President
- Deneen Swartzwelder, Secretary
- Michael Tobias, Treasurer
Mr. Pfoff said “We have a good team in place to continue our work in the EastShore communities. Implementation of the Urban Land Institute Strategic Plan is a top priority along with supporting the exciting redevelopment of the Carrie Furnace site.”
EZCB Business Loan Program Guidelines
EZCB low-interest loans 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%.
12/6/22 – EZCB Annual Dinner – US Steel Presentation
The members of the Enterprise Zone Corp (of Braddock) representing the 4 communities of the #EastshorePgh came together for their year end dinner on December 6 at Mary’s Vine in Rankin. The mayors were in attendace – Cletus Lee of North Braddock Borough, Joelisa McDonald of Rankin, Deneen Swartzwelder of Swissvale and Delia Lenon of Braddock Borough. The evening’s speaker was United States Steel Corporation’s Kurt Barshick, a Pittsburger, who is the General Manager – North American Flat-Rolled – Mon Valley Works which is made up of the Clairton Plant (coking operation), Edgar Thomson Plant (primary opertions), Irvin Plant (finishing), and Fairless Plant (galvanizing). USS has pledged $1M for the refurbishment of the Braddock Carnegie Library. Part of Mr. Barshick’s message was that there are good paying jobs available here for those willing to work hard. The Economic Impact in the Pittsburgh Region includes being the area’s largest manufacturer, and Mon Valley works expenditures in 2018 was over $3B, there are 3,000 people employed directly and 10,500 support jobs and $4.6B in economic output throughout the region.
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.
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.
9/29/22 – $9.2M Allegheny County Federal Stimulus funds
Funds will be used for the “Great Allegheny Passage trail on the homestead side of the river and create new trails to improve access on the Rankin side. That includes rehabilitating the long-closed hot metal bridge that linked Carrie to the former U.S. Steel Homestead Works, creating a new nine-mile connection upriver to the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in Trafford.”
9/26/22 – Heritage Highlands in Rankin
Heritage Highlands will be a family development located on the site of the former Hawkins Village community in Rankin, Pennsylvania. On the site, the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) operated a 198-unit public housing community that needed an overall transformation and revitalization. ACHA is working with Pennrose-Falbo to demolish the existing units and build a new, well-planned community in two phases of new construction. Phase I consists of nineteen (19) two-story buildings and a new community building, for a total of fifty-four (54) new high-quality units.
The community will be 100% affordable, with all units restricted to tenants with household incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development will include a community building with onsite management space, supportive service space, and a community room. The development will also include green space, playgrounds, and a basketball court.
The total development cost of Phase I is approximately $15 million.
Photo: Rankin Council President William Price and Enterprise Zone Board Member discussed the project and the cooperative efforts of public and private entities at the Groundbreaking on September 26, 2022.
9/23/22 – NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Chuck Starrett, EZCB Administrator at chstarrett@comcast.net
On September 20 at the Grand View Golf Club in North Braddock the Enterprise Zone serving Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale announced the EastShore Plan prepared by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). 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.
Also, Tim White, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy with the Regional Industrial Development Corporation, reviewed development plans for the former Carrie Furnace site. A groundbreaking for new buildings is being scheduled for this Fall. Construction on a Tech Flex Building for tenants and a building to be used by the Pittsburgh Film Office to attract film production projects to the Pittsburgh area will begin in the Spring of 2023.
According to Enterprise Zone President William Pfoff, “We’ve been awaiting development of the land at Carrie Furnace in Rankin for many years. Allegheny County, who owns the land, and RIDC are moving quickly on bringing new development and jobs. They’re working closely with a Steering Committee comprised of local officials and residents”.
Mr. Pfoff continued, “The EastShore Plan offers a vision for the future of the area. We will now move forward in implementing the plan in conjunction with our municipal, non-profit and private sector partners.”
The EZCB is the designated economic development organization for the boroughs of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale. For more information call the EZCB office at 412-371-6380 or visit the websites at www.ezcb.org and www.eastshorepgh.com.
7/8/2022 – RIDC & Carrie Furnace
More development funding for part of the Carrie Furnace property is in the news. Construction jobs could start as early as Spring 2023.
“A low-interest $2.2 million state loan has been approved for the Regional Industrial Development Corp. of Southwestern Pennsylvania to be used on construction of a new $10 million flex-industrial building in Rankin, near the historic Carrie Furnaces.”
RIDC gets $2.5 million loan for new building near Carrie Furnaces | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
6/9/2022 – The Urban Land Institute Strategic Plan “Dreaming Big Dreams”
You can watch the ULI ZOOM presentation here: https://uli.zoom.us/rec/share/ehMFyXkwCDoOwga6JCRyFj2mRGHTVI6EElJPZ2-ZmZ0yfrmBTOOV_w_sEZjLB3_a.XPXUFaXdpOgmn9iz
Passcode: 2sc&i3qc
On Thursday, June 9, a group of renowned urban planning and real estate experts convened by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) made recommendations to the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB), serving Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale on policies and initiatives to improve community and economic development conditions. The presentation of a Strategic Plan was discussed at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at The Waterfront.
Sponsored by the EZCB, the panel is with ULI’s Advisory Services Program which connects urban planning and real estate experts to explore solutions to community challenges. The panel has toured the area and interviewed approximately 60 stakeholders to understand the area’s needs and deliver advice on how to improve community and economic conditions.
The panel was chaired by Alan Razak, Principal, AR Spruce LLC, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “We are excited to be part of the EastShore initiatives. The panel sees tremendous opportunity in the four boroughs. The proximity of the Monongahela River and the Universities provide this area with an incredible advantage. The communities need to have an articulated vision that all of the boroughs can use to raise money and complete the projects that will make them part of the larger success in Pittsburgh. We look forward to providing input to that vision.”
Mr. Razak was joined on the panel by four other professionals from around the United States.
6/5/22 – EZCB and Urban Land Institute to Undertake Strategic Plan for EastShore
The Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB) has entered into an agreement with the Urban Land Institute (ULI), based in Washington, D.C., to undertake 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’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 will begin this work on Monday, June 6, 2022, here in the EastShore area. During that time the panel, directly and through its staff, will study the designated area; consult with public and private officials, representatives of other relevant organizations, and other individuals familiar with the problems involved; and prepare its conclusions and recommendations which will be presented to the EZCB in oral form at the close of the on-site assignment. Subsequently, the ULI panel will provide a summary report on the panel’s conclusions and recommendations.
EZCB President William Pfoff said, “We’re excited about securing the services of a prestigious organization like the Urban Land Institute. They’ve done great work with groups in developing plans and strategies to help the economic and social conditions in those areas. With our EastShore Initiative we’re transforming our organization and how we work with our member communities.”
8/2/2022 – Steel Valley Fabricators, LLC Receives Enterprise Zone Loan
The Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB), serving Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale, closed on its 61st Enterprise Zone loan with Steel Valley Fabricators, LLC. The company is located in Braddock. The loan of $160,000 will be used to acquire industrial equipment. Steel Valley Fabricators, LLC was recently incorporated by parent company Conway-Phillips Holding, LLC after the assets of Gray Welding were acquired at the beginning of the year.
Lenny Phillips, President, said “This is an exciting time for our company. We will significantly increase our business activity and employment. The Enterprise Zone has helped us in financing our business development many times. We’re pleased to be here in Braddock. It’s a great place for our business!”
According to EZCB President Bill Pfoff, “We’re pleased to help the company continue to grow. We worked with them to locate here in Braddock and previously provided two (2) Enterprise Zone loans. They’re great people to work with – and we’re proud of their success.”
Check out some great EastShore videos on YouTube:
*9/14/22 Swissvale Dari Delite has 30 days or so left in the year so you can get to and enjoy the @swissvaledaridelite, it doesn’t mean things are slowing down at this business. There are fall specials, a new element to the sign that is being refurbished and a celebration being planned on 10/15. Check out these videos to see some of the action happening.
Thank you to Chelsea for your support of Enterprise Zone Corp of Braddock and its EastShore Pittsburgh initiative! Chelsea Burket thanks the communities: https://youtube.com/shorts/pZN7OWM963k?feature=share
Pumpkin Roll Sundae: Swissvale Dari Delite’s Chelsea Burket makes the Pumpkin Roll Sundae – YouTube
Dari Delite sunburst: Sunburst added to Swissvale Dari Delite sign – YouTube
*4/20/22 Marty Busch, owner of Busch Brothers Tire Service Inc., tells us about the company’s history, his son Jason’s talents, their membership in the Enterprise Zone Corp and how it has impacted the neighborhood including the Swissvale Dari Delite. This Swissvale mainstay business has been a member of the EZCB for more than 10 years. It’s more than a tire store so don’t let the name fool you! Contact Busch Bros at 412-351-5342 for tires and alignments, PA state inspection and emissions testing and mechanical work. https://youtu.be/TBHKEfgUux4
*3/9/22 Emily Mercurio, co-owner of Civic Mapper, talks about why she thinks Swissvale is a great place to Live, Work & Play! Diversity, long-term neighbors, great walking community, good views from the hill and available housing stock are among the reasons her company calls Swissvale home and why she’s raising her family here. https://youtu.be/MFDdqbhA1Wc
*1/19/22 Augie Carlino, Rivers Of Steel President and CEO and Enterprise Zone Board Member talks about exciting times in the EastShorePgh! The Carrie Furnaces redevelopment, in conjuntion with Allegheny_Co and RIDC will bring jobs and more people to Rankin Boro 15104 and Swissvale! youtu.be/NpVGHvdQlIU