New Ken ready to demolish buildings, revitalize business district

Lisa Lettrich remembers when the business district in New Kensington was bustling.

“There would be people all over the place down here,” said Lettrich, of Lower Burrell. “(Now) there’s hardly anything over here. I want to see them open again.”

She’s not the only one. The city has embarked on an ambitious plan to revamp the area.

TRENDING NOW:

• Washington man sought as suspect in West Virginia murder found dead
• Remains of at least 6 people found in potted plants in serial killer probe
• Car crashes into Beaver County building
• VIDEO: Police: Former employee wearing old work jacket robs Grand Concourse

“From these several blocks down on Fifth Avenue, we’ve done facade improvements and we’ve had about 13 or 14 new businesses come here,” said Mayor John Guzzo.

The next round of efforts will include knocking down four buildings that have stood vacant since a fire in March.

“They are a part of our corridor of innovation and our new revitalization plan, so we need to make them more attractive for potential investors and suitors,” Guzzo said.

The demolition will cost $37,000 and be paid for with federal grant money. It will be a significant, and symbolic, step to restoring this corridor to its former glory.

Cox Media Group