The following press release was originally posted by the Allegheny County Office of the County Executive on June 13, 2014.

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced today that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority (PHFA) has approved nearly $2.7 million in federal tax credits for the construction of three different affordable housing projects within Allegheny County.

“The need for affordable housing has grown throughout our region, even as units have disappeared,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Working cooperatively with partners throughout the County, we have been able to provide additional housing in areas that need it. These developments, though, also are thoughtful in that services and needs residents may have are taken into consideration in the planning.”

PHFA awarded $20.4 million in federal tax credits and $8.5 million in federal PennHOMES funding for 24 different developments in the Commonwealth. Those credits will be used to attract more than $185 million of private investments, will create 1,248 rental housing units for low-to-moderate-income families, and will result in 1,002 construction jobs and 745 non-construction jobs.

“We were happy to support and partner with the developers on these three projects and are thrilled that each was successful in receiving tax credits,” said Dennis Davin, Allegheny County Economic Development Director. “These projects not only advance the community’s plans, but also provide much needed affordable housing within our county.”

Additional detail on each of the three projects follows:

• Heidelberg Apartments, located in the Borough of Heidelberg, is being developed by ACTION Housing, Inc. and the Autism Housing Development Corporation of Pittsburgh as a unique rental community of 42 units. Half of the units will be reserved for people with autism spectrum. The project is also the winner of an “Innovation in Design” award for its creative thinking and unique approach to providing affordable housing solutions. Opportunities will be provided to the residents in the form of transportation, employment and social services. Specific design features will be incorporated to address the needs of residents with autism spectrum.
• Falconhurst Neighborhood Restoration, located in the Borough of Wilkinsburg, is being developed by Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. The restoration of the historic buildings in the Hamnett Place neighborhood will result in 33 new units restricted to low-to-moderate-income tenants. In addition to the 10 one-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedroom apartments, and seven three-bedroom apartments, the development will also include a community room, computer facility, laundry room, storage areas and supportive services.
• Serenity Ridge, located in the Borough of Plum, is being developed by S & A Homes. The development will provide 62 townhouse units for seniors on a 15-acre site. The development will include 38 one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments as well as a community room, computer facility, laundry room and tenant storage areas.