A $50 MILLION GRANT WAS AWARDED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH TO REHABILITATE BEDFORD DWELLINGS, IN THE HILL DISTRICT. (PHOTO BY J.L. MARTELLO)
Brand new units, hundreds of additional units coming to Hill District site
There’s 50 million reasons for residents in Bedford Dwellings in the Hill District to be excited.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the housing complex and surrounding areas in the Hill have received a $50 million neighborhood revitalization grant, with the goal of rehabilitating the housing at Bedford Dwellings, along with making “investments to create a neighborhood that is vibrant, well-connected to services and public transportation, and is safe and welcoming for Pittsburgh residents,” according to a release from Congresswoman Summer Lee’s office, July 21.
Known to many locals as “Chauncey” (for Chauncey Street and Chauncey Drive, which runs through the complex), Bedford Dwellings is the oldest public housing site in Pittsburgh; constructed in 1938, opened in 1940.
MAYOR ED GAINEY (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
“This is a meaningful step towards righting past wrongs of racist urban development decisions, chronic disinvestment, and harmful policies,” Congresswoman Lee said in a statement sent to the Courier. “This was the product of years of hard work and coordination between community groups, the City of Pittsburgh, development partners, local organizations, philanthropy and Allegheny County to put a winning proposal together.
I am thankful to Secretary (Marcia L.) Fudge and her team at HUD (Housing and Urban Development) for this award, and look forward to continuing to work with our local leaders and federal partners as we begin the process of rehabbing affordable housing at Bedford Dwellings as well as developing the surrounding area to create a neighborhood that rights the past wrongs of chronic disinvestment in the Hill District, and centers our Black, marginalized, and low income neighbors.”
COUNCILMAN R. DANIEL LAVELLE
Plans for Bedford Dwellings include adding more housing in addition to replacing the more than 400 units that currently comprise the complex. The City of Pittsburgh already had plans to rehabilitate some of Bedford Dwellings, but the $50 million grant puts a confirmation stamp on making the city’s dreams for overhauling Bedford Dwellings a reality. Over the next six to eight years, there should be brand new housing for residents, and roughly 400 more housing units, making about 800 units in Bedford when all is said and done.
Low-income housing across the county has been getting a makeover. In 2021, a Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant was awarded to map out how to redevelop the Allegheny Dwellings housing complex on the North Side, and the former Hawkins Village complex in Rankin is in the midst of a $35 million transformation.
Now it’s Bedford’s turn.
CASTER BINION, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Housing is more than just a roof over your head; it’s the place where safety, well-being, and community start,” Senator Bob Casey said in a statement sent to the Courier. “As the foundation of a neighborhood, housing determines whether businesses can thrive, the potential of future economic development, and the sense of community residents that feel. Community leaders in the Hill District have been working tirelessly for years to reimagine Bedford Dwellings into a neighborhood anchor where residents can live, work, and play in a vibrant and safe environment and with this funding, they can make that vision a reality.”
MICHELLE SANDIDGE, WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH
“Housing is a human right, and this massive investment will help create more affordable housing in Pittsburgh and improve the conditions of this complex and neighborhood,” added Senator John Fetterman, in a statement sent to the Courier. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, which covers housing issues, I’ll always fight to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe and affordable housing.”
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