McKeesport OKs taking vacant homes via eminent domain
“McKeesport is expanding its vacant property recovery program to include parcels with structures.
Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the transfer of 10 properties to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of McKeesport through eminent domain. Parcels include empty lots and those with houses on them: 2718 Grandview Ave.; 621 Versailles Ave.; 1106 Ohio St.; 2105 Harrison St.; 2701 Riverview Ave.; 415, 417, 421 and 423 Twenty-Seventh Ave.; and 281 Rockwood St.
“This is another way to tackle the blight problem we have in the city,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “This process has typically been used to acquire vacant land adjacent to other properties. We’re now opening it to properties with structures on them when the purchaser has a plan.”
Stephen Tedrick, whose family lives in the 400 block of Twenty-Seventh Avenue in Christy Park, is in the process of purchasing four lots there.
“I’m putting an addition on my house, and my sister built a brand new home next door a few years ago,” Tedrick said. “We don’t want to see abandoned houses across the street.”
Tedrick is considering demolition with potential for future sale that could bring more new housing to Christy Park. He hopes to do his part to beautify the neighborhood.”
Vertullo, Jennifer. Trib Live 2 October 2014.