Cherepko also mentioned that the McKeesport Hospital Foundation is looking to improve the area where the historical cannon is located, which is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Lysle Boulevard, as well as purchasing property in the area to create a beautification project. He said developments are also expected to occur on Versailles Avenue and in the Christy Park section of Walnut Street. Not omitting the downtown area, he said he is in communications with the Midtown Plaza owners with hopes to get it cleaned up.
The Regional Industrial Development Corporation Riverplace Industrial Center of McKeesport is also an area Cherepko views as a bright spot in his city. The ramp by Eat’n Park, crossing the CSX tracks where Duquesne Light’s service center is located, he mentioned, could be a potential site for a mix of commercial and residential properties.
“Things are happening here, good things,” said Cherepko, telling the audience that he believes the city has hit its bottom point and now is on its way up. “It is all about dollars and sense. It is going to be a long road, but we have to all work together to make things happen.”
Wanting to enhance relationships between his office and business owners, he encouraged the business owners to communicate with him. Emphasizing that he has an open door policy, he encouraged the business owners to come to him. “I am here for you.”
The purpose of the MDBA meeting organized by its member and secretary Shawn Potts, was to provide an opportunity for business owners to share their concerns; to discuss business retention and recruitment; the interest and possibility to initiate a business association; and to host a small business month activity.
Pleased with the turnout and results of the meeting, V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery, president of the organization and a city council member, said the meeting provided a lot of good information.
“Resources need to be shared and this was a good forum for that. Those in attendance had an opportunity to share their views and concerns and that’s what the meeting was about.”
One resource discussed during the meeting was the financial incentive and site location assistance through opportunities provided by the Enterprise Zone geared for McKeesport, Clairton and Duquesne. Juan Garrett, executive director of Riverside Center for Innovation, a Pittsburgh based economic development company, explained the Enterprise Zone concept as low interest state funding that enables businesses to fix up their buildings. New businesses, he said, have to have site control. Cherepko also mentioned that another Pittsburgh based company, Bridgeway Capital, works with businesses to obtain loans to purchase buildings.
Garrett mentioned that applications are being accepted for the Enterprise Zone tax credit program until the end of July. Inquiries about the Enterprise Zone can be directed to McKeesport Community Development Director A.J. Tedesco who was also in attendance. Others in attendance were the owners of Natale’s Sporting Goods and Progressive Music, both in operation since 1947, and Cory Saunders, the owner of Kool Kutz and vice chairperson of the MDBA. He brought up concerns of business owners who were unable to attend the meeting.
Formerly the Downtown McKeesport Business District Authority, the group has been renamed and functioning as the MDBA since 2013. With renewed energy the mission of the MDBA is to promote and advocate for existing businesses and to attract new business to the city.
Earlier this year the group in conjunction with its resource partners the Riverside Center for Innovation, the City of McKeesport, the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence sponsored a 12-week Riverside Center for Innovation’s New Business New Beginnings Entrepreneurial Training on Starting Your Own Business session. Viewing it as a success, Walker-Montgomery said there are plans to conduct another session.
Comprised of volunteers, Walker-Montgomery said one of her goals is to recruit new members like Potts and McKeesport resident Stephanie Murray while adhering to the group’s mission. She also wants to continue introducing businesses to opportunities and people like Terrence Denne, a digital sales executive representing YP Marketing Solutions and who gave a presentation during the meeting.
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