REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Planning Commission Department of Economic Development
David Mirkovich, Executive Director
Rich Davis, County Housing Specialist 49 South Washington Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: 724-852-5300 / Fax: 724-852-2944
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., Monday — Friday
WHAT IS THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY?
Understanding the need for all types of housing within the county, the Greene County Commissioners formed the Housing Task Force in mid-2009. One of the recommendations of this group was the formation of a Redevelopment Authority, which occurred later that year. Throughout its first two years, the Redevelopment Authority chose housing as their most pressing priority.
The Housing Task Force reconvened in early part of 2011 and once again noted the drastic need of housing across all sectors. A recommendation to create a Housing Plan and Policy was made by the Task Force and the County Commissioners agreed to embark on a 100 day study starting in mid-May. The Redevelopment Authority was given the task of organizing the Plan and Policy and teamed up with Keith Schmidt of Bridge Connections to facilitate the plan process.
The County has many needs when it comes to housing, but a few issues come to the surface as the most pressing for our residents. Following is a list that clearly need corrective action:
AGE AND BLIGHTED STRUCTURES: 35% of the housing stock in Greene County was built prior to 1939 with the median age of a home being over 55 years old – the Western Greene area itself has 72% of its dwellings built prior to 1939 (Assessment Data)
15% of our population lives in poverty (2000 Census)
The entire county only has approximately 30 Housing Choice Vouchers
1.2% of our housing stock lacks plumbing and 2.4% does not have phone service
RENTAL VS. HOME OWNERSHIP: Estimates suggest that up to 45% of our population is considered a "tenant" and does not own the structure they live in (Assessment Data).
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Over 5,000 households within the County are eligible for Affordable Housing (Independent market analysis).
SENIOR HOUSING: 25% of our homeowners are seniors with an increase to 7,500 senior households by 2015 (Bowen) – a recent market study indicates that a senior development that has between 44 and 88 units is warranted in the county.
With the complex issues clearly in the forefront, a core committee was defined to focus on the top five priorities, as stated in the "Housing Plan and Policy" document (click here for Jan. 30, 2012—Final Draft)
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD: (Contact Chris Hardie at 724-852-5300)
The Redevelopment Authority Board Executive Officers (updated 1/10/2012):
Marcia Sonneborn, Chairman
Barry Nelson, Vice Chairman
Thelma Szarell, Secretary
Ralph Burchianti, Treasurer
John Dorean, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
The Redevelopment Authority Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Mezzanine Level of the Fort Jackson Building of the Greene County Conservation District. (2012 meeting scheduled dates: Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14, Jun. 13, Jul. 9, Aug. 13, Sep. 10, Oct. 15 (3rd Tuesday due to Columbus Day), Nov. 19 (3rd Tuesday due to Veterans Day), and Dec. 12, 2012)
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NEWS & INFORMATION:
Feb 1, 2012 | Greene County Housing Plan & Policy (Jan. 30, 2012 Draft): click here for copy.
Jan. 31, 2012 | Housing rehab program topic of public hearing: Representatives of several communities expressed interest Monday in being considered for funding through the Home Investment Partnership Program to assist residents with housing rehabilitation. Click here for news article.
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY — HOUSING PHILOSOPHY:
The Housing Plan for Greene County emphasizes the construction and maintenance of sound, affordable housing, rehabilitation of aging structures, and the development of new housing patterns that are compatible with the community’s character. Recommendations address the collection and analysis of housing data to identify trends and regulations and incentives for housing maintenance and revitalization.
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
