The Department of Transportation has announced a $25 million grant that will spur the development in Sharpsburg of “Allegheny Shores,” a 52 acre European-style village with businesses as well as housing.
This is exactly the kind of investment in infrastructure that the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program should be making. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that, of over 1,000 applicants for RAISE funds, only 148 grantees were chosen nationwide
The development will run between the railroad and the Allegheny River for 1.5 miles between the 62nd Street and High Park bridges..
Settled by the Seneca in the early 18th Century, after years of developments and rewilding, the land has gone from being where H.J. Heinz Co. grew its tomatoes and cabbages, to a brownfield site, to a potential new transportation, retail and housing hub for the greater Pittsburgh region.
“Allegheny Shores” was announced in 2015 by Mosites Co., most recently responsible for East Liberty’s redevelopment (or gentrification, depending on your POV). Mosites has declared their goal is to have buildings ready for tenants by “spring of 2028 at the latest.”
While ground was broken two years ago, the land faced massive access issues, for cars, bicycles and public transit. The money will include funds to build a ramp connecting the site directly to Route 28 and the Highland Park bridge, a bridge over the Conemaugh Rail Line, and development of roads into the riverside from the 13th and 19th Streets. This, as well as improved bus shelters and bike trails, will go a long way toward making the development a reality.
“This grant represents a monumental opportunity for our historic river town, with potential impacts that are truly unprecedented,” said Sharpsburg Borough Manager Christine DeRunk. She specifically thanked Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, and Congressman Chris Deluzio, who helped secure the grant.
“We cannot emphasize enough how much these funds will help transform our community and improve quality of life, catalyze economic development, enhance recreation and promote environmental stewardship,” she said.
It is a model for the rest of our region. Continued investments in our riversides can only improve the quality of life here and strengthen our communities. Revitalizing Sharpsburg is the first step in maximizing our best natural resource and our nickname. We are the City of Rivers, after all.
First Published: June 29, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
