MAYOR’S
I’d like to start by wishing the people of McKeesport a safe and happy summer. In this issue of In McKeesport Area Magazine,
readers will learn about some of the great things happening in McKeesport as well as some of the fun summer activities they can
enjoy with family and friends. We have a full calendar of summer events, including the always popular Summer Concert Series,
Renzie Rib Fest, and International Village in Renziehausen Park. We also have a new Riverfront Concert Series at Gergely Park/the
Marina at McKees Point.
You will see plenty of photos from the time-honored traditions that already have passed on this year’s events calendar – the Kids
Fishing Derby, Good Neighbor Day, the Greater Pittsburgh Soap Box Derby, and more. You will read about new developments
at Tube City Center with the addition of New Century Careers, a free training program for students who want to enter the
manufacturing field. In the RIDC Riverplace Industrial Center of McKeesport, there’s a lot of activity at the new home of River
Materials, Inc., where they will utilize barges and trains to transport industrial materials.
As always, In McKeesport Area highlights our Living the Message awardees – those who have committed to McKeesport’s
Message of “Respect, Dignity, Hope, and Love.” This quarter, McKeesport Area High School sophomore Nya O’Neal is setting an
example for fellow students in how to establish dreams and set goals while having respect for yourself and your community.
McKeesport Area senior Danielle List is being recognized for starting a scholarship for special needs students and their siblings.
Gladys Hunt-Mason, a volunteer who has participated in nearly every program McKeesport has to offer, is giving hope to cancer
patients as she shares her story as a survivor. You will also read about McKeesporter Jeff Blackwell, who loves his neighborhood
and puts all of his spare time into helping those around him.
I’m extremely proud of all of our residents who have embraced my administration’s motto of “Working Together for a Better
McKeesport.” From our message awardees to our volunteers who make community events possible, each of these individuals
plays a role in making McKeesport the best it can be.
Their actions and their positivity keep us going on a community level as we continue to make improvements with “The
McKeesport Rising Project.” We are moving forward with major improvements to roads and other infrastructure, the removal of
blight, increases in public safety, and a boost in economic development. 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.
We have all seen houses coming down across McKeesport’s twelve wards, but “McKeesport Rising” is not limited to demolition.
I ask the people of McKeesport to take a look at the great things happening in this city, and get involved as we work to improve
our community in the best ways we know how – by removing blight, making public safety a priority, improving infrastructure,
and providing new and longtime businesses with opportunities to grow. My motto will continue to be, “Working Together for a
Better McKeesport,” and as always, I invite all of you to join me in making that happen.
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MCKEESPORT AREA