logo
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Northside Community Meetings
    • Community Calendar
    • Government
    • Features
    • Local Business
    • Pittsburgh Police Blotter
    • Public Safety
    • Sports
  • Arts + Culture
  • Moments
  • Real Estate
  • Classifieds
  • Marketplace
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
    • News
      • Northside Community Meetings
      • Community Calendar
      • Government
      • Features
      • Local Business
      • Pittsburgh Police Blotter
      • Public Safety
      • Sports
    • Arts + Culture
    • Moments
    • Real Estate
    • Classifieds
    • Marketplace
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
Two new affordable housing units now available in Northside’s Fineview neighborhood
Fineview
admin on
March 9, 2021
Two new affordable housing units now available in Northside’s Fineview neighborhood

A ribbon-cutting at 9 and 21 Lanark Street in Fineview marked another step toward keeping the Northside an affordable place to call home.

By: Anthony John Wiles Jr.

Photo: Elected officials and community representatives joined Mayor Bill Peduto on Feb. 5 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of two newly renovated affordable housing units: 9 and 21 Lanark St. in Fineview. Courtesy of Joanna Deming

On Feb. 5, 2021, citizens of Fineview and Pittsburgh’s Northside, and the city as a whole celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the opening of two newly renovated affordable housing units. Located at 9 and 21 Lanark Street in Fineview, these two single-family homes are three bedrooms each with spacious yards and newly renovated interiors and exteriors. 

This project was funded by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh, as well as loans and grants provided by organizations such as UPMC Health Plan and Dollar Bank, and contributions from groups such as the Northside Community Development Fund (NSCDF) and Allegheny County’s Community Infrastructure and Tourism Program. Other supporters include One Northside, the Hillman Foundation, and Neighborhood Allies.

Attended by community and City of Pittsburgh leaders such as Mayor Bill Peduto and District 1 City Councilman Bobby Wilson, the ribbon-cutting was held amidst COVID-19 restrictions, in both virtual and in-person formats. Despite this, the accomplishment of years of organizing, fundraising, and construction was finally realized.

Joanna Deming, executive director of the Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils, speaks at the Feb. 5 ribbon-cutting ceremony on Lanark Street in Fineview. Courtesy of Deming


“It took about a year to fundraise and four to six months to renovate them,” said Joanna Deming, executive director of the Fineview Citizens Council (FCC) and Perry Hilltop Citizens Council (PHCC). In addition to community and business fundraising, the URA provided a blanket grant of $90,000 in 2010, followed up in 2020 with $112,790 for the development of 9 Lanark Street.

During the ribbon-cutting, Councilman Wilson stated, “We could not be more grateful for the tireless dedication that the Perry Hilltop and Fineview Citizens Councils bring to their work serving their communities. To go from a volunteer board to an organization with staff and two major renovations in just a few years is very impressive. Thank you for working diligently to beautify your community and bringing more affordable housing to the Northside.”

With the growing gentrification of several city neighborhoods, including East Liberty, the North Shore, and the Mexican War Streets, affordable housing has become scarcer within the city—a problem felt acutely on the Northside, particularly for marginalized communities.

“Over the last decade, we have watched areas of the city and the lower Northside become unaffordable. The result has been the displacement of residents of color,” said Deming. “We are committed to preserving the diversity and affordability of our community and these homes are just the beginning of how we will make that vision a reality.”

“This project is an excellent example of how our residents and community partners can work directly with our government partners towards our shared vision to develop accessible housing and maintain affordability so that our residents can stay in the neighborhoods they call home,” said Mayor Peduto, according to a press release. 

When asked if more of these types of affordable homes will be available in the future, Deming eagerly responded, “Yes, definitely.”

According to Deming, the homes at Lanark Street are one of several initiatives to provide affordable housing to Northside communities. Currently, she said that FCC and PHCC are working on renovating five to six more homes on Lanark Street, in order to sell them to local residents at an affordable rate.

A before and after look at one of the recently renovated affordable homes on Lanark Street in the Northside’s Fineview neighborhood. Courtesy of Joanna Deming


Deming said Northside residents can look forward to further future developments because the FCC along with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh were selected for a Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “FCC, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Dwellings Tenant Council, and other key stakeholders are working on creating a Transformation Plan,” she said. 

In the meantime, applicants can rent out the homes at Lanark Street, if they have an income that is 60% or less than the area median income (AMI). “The rent is $1,230 and will need to be rented out to a family of four [with an AMI] under $49,800 or a family of three under $44,820,” said Deming. Prospective tenants can also use Housing Choice Vouchers (HVCs) which are provided via the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. However, Deming mentioned that there is often a waiting list for these vouchers.

In looking for the best renters for the Lanark Street homes, Deming said, “We’ve been sharing the opportunity via e-blast, social media, and posting flyers in the community. We will be looking for tenants with strong references.”

For more information about affordable housing and upcoming projects, check the websites of both FCC and PHCC. Deming can also be contacted at joanna@ourfuturehilltop.org or via phone: 412-206-9402.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Join The Northside Chronicle's weekly newsletter for the latest Northside news, developments, and more. Delivered right to your inbox every Thursday evening.

* indicates required
Related Posts
New bus stop platform marks restored service on Fineview loop route
Fineview, Perry Hilltop, Transportation + Infrastructure
New bus stop platform marks restored service on Fineview loop route
City and County officials were honored at a community meeting on Oct. 26 for their work to restore the Biggs Street bus stop, which was previously rem...
December 10, 2021
Northside schools reflect area’s rich history, diversity
East Deutschtown and Spring Garden, Editor Picks, Education, Features, Northview Heights, Perry Hilltop
Northside schools reflect area’s rich history, diversity
Studying the timelines of three local schools stirs up memories of the former East Street Valley. By Anthony John Wiles Jr. Editor’s note: As pa...
July 14, 2021
Precious Sprouts Daycare Academy provides an equitable education for Northside youth
Education, Observatory Hill
Precious Sprouts Daycare Academy provides an equitable education for Northside youth
Founder Sydni Mundy says her daycare’s “well-rounded, engaging, and diverse curriculum” will foster better lives for children and in...
April 7, 2021
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh honors 125 years of service
Allegheny City Central, Allegheny Commons, Arts + Culture, Editor Picks, Education, Features
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh honors 125 years of service
[tecnavia_gallery slug='carnegie-library-of-pittsburgh-honors-125-years-of-service-gallery' view='carousel'] Here’s a quick history of Carnegie ...
March 8, 2021
Community Land Trusts hold promise for the future of affordable housing in Pittsburgh’s Northside
Perry Hilltop
Community Land Trusts hold promise for the future of affordable housing in Pittsburgh’s Northside
A new affordable housing plan drafted by the Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils proposes key policy changes and resources such as Community ...
September 4, 2020
Children’s March Against Racism makes its way through Perry Hilltop
Event Coverage, Perry Hilltop, Video Features
Children’s March Against Racism makes its way through Perry Hilltop
The mission of the march: to shine a light on how racism hurts children. Editor's note: This article was updated from its original form in print with ...
August 1, 2020
e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Northside Neighborhoods
Northside Guides
FORMS + SUBMISSIONS
Events Letters to the Editor News Tips
POLL
MOST READ
August Northside Real Estate Transfers
Real Estate, Real estate transfers
August Northside Real Estate Transfers
September 23, 2023
Allegheny City Central Monterey Street Project LLC to Thomas Skelton Jr. and Lorella Skelton at 1230 Monterey St. for $960,000. Alexander Scott to Tim...
this is a test
PREVIEW: Town Talk: Scratch & Co. — Where everyone belongs!
Business, Features...
PREVIEW: Town Talk: Scratch & Co. — Where everyone belongs!
September 22, 2023
By Anna Yoder | Columnist An abacus, a book entitled “The Drunken Botanist” and a magenta-colored vintage velveteen couch are a few of the items that ...
this is a test
Vote for The Northside Chronicle’s Best Northside Views Photo Contest
Arts + Culture, Features...
Vote for The Northside Chronicle’s Best Northside Views Photo Contest
September 21, 2023
Pick your favorite photo below! The winning photo will be printed in the October issue of The Northside Chronicle. Voting ends at noon on Sept. 27. Lo...
this is a test
NS Leadership Conference gains new director
Allegheny City Central, Editor Picks...
NS Leadership Conference gains new director
September 20, 2023
By Sean P. Ray | Managing Editor ALLEGHENY CITY CENTRAL — The Northside Leadership Conference has a new executive director, though one who has a long ...
this is a test
Real Estate Transfers Sept. 10 to Sept. 16
Real Estate, Real estate transfers
Real Estate Transfers Sept. 10 to Sept. 16
September 19, 2023
Allegheny City Central JTM Invests LLC to ART Image America LLC at 1327 Reddour St. for $200,000. Brighton Heights Steven Scotti to Jason Conn at 3524...
this is a test
Neighborhood Community Development Fund
Northside Leadership Conference
Donate

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

* indicates required

The Northside Chronicle

thenorthsidechronicle.com
Phone: (412) 321-3919
Email: editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com

About Us

Stay tuned with us

Copyright Northside Chronicle. All rights reserved.