Pittsburgh's URA starts program to clean up vacant houses

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority is starting a pilot program to begin cleaning up vacant and overgrown homes in four city neighborhoods.

There are nearly 20,000 vacant and overgrown homes throughout the city of Pittsburgh, with 11,000 of them owned by the city.

Homewood resident, Trina Anderson, said some homes in the area have grass and weeds that have grown taller than her.

“In the mayor’s neighborhood, I’m pretty sure it doesn't look like this,” Anderson said.

Kevin Acklin, the mayor’s chief of staff and chair of the URA, said a program is being started to help clean up these vacant homes.

Nonprofit groups in Homewood, Larimer, Hill District and Hazelwood are receiving a total of a quarter of a million dollars to keep properties clean.

“Not only will you have an opportunity to clean up the lots, but we will put you into a program to teach you fiscal literacy and what it takes to grow a business,” Acklin said.

Program work has already begun, including across the street from Anderson’s home.

“Thank you Jesus that somebody came and did the job, and did the job right. I just hope they continue to do the job right,” Anderson said.

The mayor’s office tells Channel 11 that the first investment will focus on a few hundred properties, but will expanded to thousands if the program is successful.

Cox Media Group