The planned redevelopment of the former Kittanning Junior High School as a senior citizen housing complex received another $1.3 million boost today (August 13) from the state, according to Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Jeff Pyle.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency awarded $1,103,326 in tax credits and $250,000 in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding to TREK Development Group for the new construction of 36 units of mixed-income, senior citizen housing at 210 N. McKean Street in Kittanning. Funding for PHARE is derived from three sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees, Realty Transfer Taxes and the National Housing Trust Fund.
Today’s grant matches $250,000 in PHARE funding awarded last July for the project.
“This substantial tax credit award, when complemented by additional PHARE funding, will help move this important project on to completion,” said Senator Pittman. “This is the final piece of the puzzle and it now paves the way for the project to move forward. The project will return the former school property to the tax rolls, while adding quality housing to the downtown, similar to Kittanning Cottages. In addition, it also completes a priority of the Armstrong County Historical Society by turning over the former school’s parking lot for their use.”
“The reuse of this property is important to Kittanning’s overall economy and Senator Pittman really came through,” said Representative Pyle. “This project will help address our older citizens housing needs, especially those who can no longer afford to maintain a home or rent in the private market.”
In 2016, the state awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Armstrong County Industrial Development Council (ACIDC) to bolster efforts to reuse three former school properties (Ford City Junior-Senior High School, the Kittanning Junior High School and the Kittanning Senior High School) that were vacated by the opening of the Armstrong Central Junior-Senior High School in Manor Township in September 2015.
Contact: Carlton Logue clogue@pasen.gov