URA approves funding for housing projects in Pittsburgh's Observatory Hill, East Hills neighborhoods

Affordable housing projects in Pittsburgh’s East Hills and Observatory Hill neighborhoods were given a funding boost Thursday by the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The board approved more than $850,000 in funding for the projects.

Some of the money will help pay for renovations at five homes on Bonvue Street that the Observatory Hill Development Corp. hopes to sell. Some will be used for improvements, including a new roof at the Bry-Mard Apartments on Bricelyn Street in East Hills.

“We appreciate their help very much. It is well-needed,” Bry-Mard manager Ewane Nanji said. “We are very pleased we will be able to fix the roof and continue to serve the tenants.”

He said there are 37 units in the complex for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

The roof work needs to be done as soon as possible so the people who live in the complex can remain there, said Evan Miller, program and policy specialist with the URA.

The URA will refinance existing debt from Bryn-Mard and also used covid-19-relief funds to pay for the improvements, according to Miller.

The Bonvue Street redevelopment will allow for renovation and resale of five homes on Observatory Hill to revitalize the neighborhood and expand affordable housing.

“We are thankful for this support as we continue to execute our community redevelopment plan for the betterment of all of our neighbors,” Observatory Hill Development Corp. treasurer Leslee Schaffer said. “These funds will allow us to successfully continue our fight against blight, increase the affordable housing stock in our neighborhood and advance the Avenues of Hope initiative for the Perrysville Avenue corridor.”

The URA will provide about $650,000 in grants and loans from various programs to fund the Observatory Hill improvements, according to Brett Morgan, a lending analyst for the URA.

“This will be pretty much the culmination of our efforts in this area,” said Darnell Jackson, real estate director of the Northside Leadership Conference.

The group is assisting in the Observatory Hill project.

Mayor Bill Peduto said: “When we invest in these projects that are run by community organizations, we not only stabilize the physical structures and infrastructure in our neighborhoods and not only stabilize property values, but we also stabilize community values like pride, hard work, partnership and improving our communities that benefit all neighbors.”