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Homeowners who purchased homes under special financing plan get big surprise

Some homeowners who purchased homes under a special financing plan through the Urban Redevelopment Authority got a nasty surprise.

"This was my first house, so I was very excited about being a homeowner," said Barbara Daniels, who said becoming a homeowner was a dream come true. "It was a great deal, that's the only reason that I came here."

Daniels purchased a home in Homewood under that special financing plan, which included no taxes for ten years.

"That's huge. No taxes for ten years. No taxes for ten years, that's exactly what they said," Daniels said.

Daniels signed the papers and moved in to the home. But one year later, her dream turned into a nightmare when her $396 monthly mortgage payment climbed to more than a $1,000 per month.

"I just thought it was a mistake. So I called them, and they were like, 'Oh well, you have taxes.' I was like, no, no," Daniels said.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH: For for information about the URA or housing programs, CLICK HERE.
  • ALLEGHENY COUNTY REAL ESTATE PORTAL: For information on property assessments, CLICK HERE.

But it wasn't a mistake. The Pittsburgh School District had opted out of the abatement program, which meant that taxes were due. But Daniels, and some of her neighbors who are now facing high payments, claim they were never told this could happen.

"Absolutely not. I wouldn't have purchased the home. That was the only incentive for me," Daniels said.

Target 11 took Daniels' concerns to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's chief of staff, Kevin Acklin, who is also the head of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. He said they were aware of the problem, and if there's anything the city can do to help, they will do it.

In an email to Target 11, the solicitor for Pittsburgh Public Schools, Ira Weiss, said "We are trying to work through this with the city".

Daniels has been given 90 days to get out of her home. She's hopeful someone will step in soon, so she can stay.

"I'm just tired of the blame game. I just want somebody to take ownership and give me what you promised me. That's all I'm asking for," Daniels said.

You can find more Target 11 Investigations HERE OR you can submit something
you would like for Target 11 to Investigate by CLICKING HERE.

FOLLOW Target 11's Rick Earle on Twitter @WPXITarget11 
and LIKE him on FACEBOOK @WPXIRickEarle 

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