DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Mooncrest

Mooncrest Neighborhood Association Dedicate New Townhomes
The project renovated historic World War II-era rental units

(May 2, 2008) MOON TWP., Pa. — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, State Senator John Pippy, State Representative Mark Mustio, Moon Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Tim McLaughlin, Project Manager Jennifer DiNardo of ACTION-Housing, and members of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Association celebrated the completion of the Mooncrest Homeownership Renovation Project, which transformed eight rental units constructed during World War II to house Dravo shipyard workers into five affordable for-sale townhomes.

“Mooncrest played an important role in the history of Allegheny County, and its transformation ensures it will continue to be a part of our future,” said Onorato. “This is a great example of neighborhood association partnering with government and community organizations to create affordable housing and promote homeownership.”

The three three-bedroom and two two-bedroom townhomes will be priced between $62,500 and $92,500 with a deferred second mortgage. The renovation protected historic characteristics of the buildings while providing updated and energy-efficient amenities. The units are available to buyers with household incomes below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

“I am proud to be part of a community whose residents had a vision and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality,” said Pippy. “The cooperative work of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Association’s members and partners is a model for communities across the Commonwealth.”

“The success of this project is due to a partnership at each level of government and the work of the citizens’ group,” said Mustio. “Without the help of County Executive Onorato and the sheer determination of the Mooncrest Neighborhood Association, we would not be here today. I believe this is the jump start this community needed.”

The $1.7-million project includes $484,000 in funds from Allegheny County, $555,600 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, $400,000 Local Initiatives Support Corporation Redevelopment Loan, a $345,500 construction loan from Dollar Bank, and a $25,000 grant from the Felician Sisters of Pennsylvania.

Mooncrest Neighborhood Association (MNA) purchased the buildings and pursued the project under the leadership of MNA Administration & Development Director Shirley Owen. Mrs. Owen passed away last year, and her husband, Charles, saw the project through to completion.

“We organized the Mooncrest Neighborhood Association to bring about change and make a positive impact,” said Mr. Owen. “With the creation of the community center several years ago, the introduction of after-school programs by the Felician Sisters, and now this renovation, we have taken a big step and proven that we are a viable entity in this community.”

Moon Township was the co-developer of the project and worked with architect Frank A. Colletti, and JAD Contracting. ACTION-Housing Inc. was the housing consultant.

Interested buyers should contact Leigha Peters with RE/MAX Realty at 724-728-2255 ext.424.