MAYOR ’ S
Corner
MICHAEL CHEREPKO cKeesport CITY OF MCKEESPORT NEWS
With a busy summer recreation season behind us and plenty of city projects under way , the City of McKeesport isn ’ t slowing down . We are continuing to push full speed ahead with the McKeesport Rising Project , which includes blight removal and infrastructure improvements .
As readers will recall , when 2017 came to a close , I made a commitment for city departments to make a major investment in our community ’ s infrastructure and neighborhoods when I revealed plans to revitalize the city with “ The McKeesport Rising Project .” To date , 2018 has brought a widespread demolition and infrastructure improvement endeavor utilizing a new $ 2.5 million line item to target blight , preserve our neighborhoods , and improve our roadways . As public servants , we are here to uplift the McKeesport community by improving residents ’ quality of life today , while also guaranteeing the stability they will need in coming years .
“ McKeesport Rising ” has afforded the City of McKeesport an opportunity to place approximately 300 homes on contracts for demolition . In the fall , we will conduct another round of condemnation hearings that will prepare us for additional demolition projects in 2019 . I would say the razing of these 300 structures in the first three phases of the McKeesport Rising Project is a necessary step in our objective to rebuild – not only by clearing land for residential and commercial development , but reminding McKeesporters that they truly deserve to live in safe , beautiful neighborhoods .
On the paving side of this project , city crews and contractors are milling and paving streets across the City ’ s 12 wards .
All of these improvements are helping the McKeesport community – not only in improving the quality of life for our City ’ s current residents , but in helping attract new businesses and new residents . Another draw to our community is the full lineup of seasonal activities that took place this summer
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– many of which you will see in this quarter ’ s edition of In McKeesport Area magazine . From our cover story on “ The Wall That Heals ” to coverage of annual favorites such as International Village and the Renzie Rib Fest , you will see that the City of McKeesport has something for everyone .
In these pages , you will get a glimpse of the good news that took place in the summer of 2018 . In the fall , I hope that you will join us for the Youth Tennis Clinic on September 29 at 10 a . m . and the McKeesport Mayhem wrestling event under the Blue-Top Pavilion at 6 p . m . on September 29 . We also have a Halloween Parade on October 27 at 10 a . m . in Renzie Park .
Our annual Salute to Santa Parade and Children ’ s Party are planned for Saturday , November 17 . This year , we are hoping for beautiful weather and an impressive turnout . Any community group or business that wishes to participate in this year ’ s parade is welcome to call my office at 412.675.5020 , ext . 605 , to register .
In this edition , you will meet our quarterly Living the Message awardees selected by the McKeesport Message Committee , a subcommittee of my Select Committee on Crime and Violence . This season ’ s awardees are Rachael Richter , LuEthel Nesbit , Alison Piccolino , Jackie Flajnik , and Stu Wilson . In our community , we have folks of all ages and backgrounds doing their part to make McKeesport a better place for everyone . That ’ s something I truly appreciate and take great pride in recognizing .
As always , I will end this letter with an invitation to join your friends and neighbors in carrying out my administration ’ s motto of “ Working Together for a Better McKeesport .” This slogan is an invitation for everyone who lives , works , and worships in the City of McKeesport to make a positive impact in our community . I am extremely very thankful for every resident and business owner who invests in our community , and together we can continue to make positive strides .