October 18, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(File photo)
A Wisconsin-based investment group is purchasing the former G.C. Murphy Co. distribution center in Christy Park and plans to “immediately commence upgrades to the facility to accommodate new tenant occupancy.”
Phoenix Investors LLC announced Monday that it will purchase the 627,000-square-foot facility, which stretches over 36 acres between 28th and 35th avenues.
The building has been occupied since 1995 by Magic Creations, which manufactures and distributes plastic housewares and other items to discount stores. The company will continue to occupy a portion of the facility, Anthony Crivello, executive vice president of Phoenix Investors, told Tube City Almanac.
Terms of the deal are not yet being disclosed, Crivello said.
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October 14, 2021 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Drum major Josh Wos leads the Tiger Marching Band in fine tuning "SOLARbration!" for its exhibition at the Oct. 16 home show. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)
After months of preparation, McKeesport Band, Orchestra, and Guard Boosters will host the Tournament of Bands Competition home show on Saturday.
It will feature performances by 10 high school bands and and exhibition by the home band of its popular “SOLARbration!” The show starts at 5 p.m. at Weigle-Schaffer Stadium, 1960 Eden Park Blvd.
“This season has been a very memorable one with the return of band competitions and our home show showcasing the music talents of so many young people,” McKeesport Area High School Tiger Marching Band director Drew DeCarlo said.
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October 14, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
First Church of God, 157 North Second St., West Newton will hold an election day lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 2, a spokesperson said.
Selections will include chili, chicken noodle or broccoli cheese soup, chicken salad and ham barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs with sauerkraut, potato salad or macaroni salad, and pie or cake. For more information, call (724) 872-7467.
October 14, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
All lanes of the Jerome Avenue Bridge will be closed Sunday night so that crews can replace portions of the bridge deck, a district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said.
The inbound lanes from 10th Ward to Downtown McKeesport will be closed from 5 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Monday morning, weather-permitting. Eastbound traffic will be detoured via River Road, the 15th Avenue Bridge and Walnut Street.
As a reminder, the Jerome Avenue Bridge is closed in the westbound direction around-the-clock through November.
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October 14, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
Increased security and police presence are being utilized throughout the East Allegheny School District this week.
Early Tuesday morning, a threat of violence was made via social media against the junior-senior high school, officials said.
Although North Versailles Twp. police determined the threat had only minor credibility, the district is taking the additional measures to “ensure a safe school experience for all and hopefully alleviate some anxieties” parents and students are feeling, according to a statement posted on the district’s Facebook page from Jamie Griesbaum, district secretary, on behalf of Superintendent Alan Johnson.
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October 12, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak borough will consider adding three additional vacant homes to the list of structures already targeted for demoltion.
Under Pennsylvania’s Act 152, every county in the state can collect a fee for blight removal whenever a deed or mortgage is recorded at the courthouse. Borough manager John Palyo suggested using the revenue from that fee to tear down abandoned structures.
“If we’re budgeting funds for demolitions, why not do more? We could proceed with more properties even without grant money,” Palyo said.
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October 12, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Robin Marshall-Kelly points out the overgrowth in the empty lot next to her home on North Grandview Avenue. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
For many residents of McKeesport, the battle against blight is one worth fighting, even though the struggle can feel overwhelming at times.
“Help us stay in McKeesport,” said Robin Marshall-Kelly, a North Grandview Avenue homeowner. “I own my home, and with all the abandoned properties, sometimes, I feel like I’m losing.”
Jackie Blake has lived in McKeesport for 27 years and owns her home in Grandview.
“My friends keep asking me when am I going to move, but I have too much invested in my home,” Blake said. “I don’t want to move.”
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October 12, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko: “You have to attack this issue from every angle and focus on what will have the greatest impact on the city as a whole.” The blight removal program has received “an overwhelming amount of positive feedback,” he says. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
When Mike Cherepko was elected mayor of McKeesport in 2011, he knew he wanted to fulfill his campaign motto “Working Together for a Better McKeesport” specifically by cleaning up blight.
Traditionally defined as the decline of an urban area due to neglect or age, blight is one of the key issues facing the Cherepko administration.
“Blight is any structure that becomes an eyesore, or poses a health or fire risk – like rodents, mold or weeds,” Cherepko said. “It’s my biggest challenge as mayor.”
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October 08, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, North Versailles Twp. News
(Submitted photo)
St. John’s Lutheran Church, located on Route 30 in North Versailles Twp., will hold a “trunk-or-treat” event from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30, a spokeswoman said.
The church’s new pastor, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Greway, also will be on hand to introduce herself to the community.
The church will provide games and prizes and refreshments will be served. Following the “trunk-or-treat,” there will be a scavenger hunt, crafts and an obstacle course in the soclal hall.
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October 08, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
Mary, Mother of God Parish will host a Fantastic Fall Bingo Oct. 24 in the St. Angela Gym, 1640 Fawcett Avenue, White Oak, a spokeswoman said.
Doors open at 12 noon and the Early Bird game begins at 1 p.m. In addition to bingo, the event will feature a 50/50 raffle and basket auction. Food will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $30 and include 16 regular bingo games, four specials and a $1,000 jackpot. Individuals purchasing tickets prior to Oct. 24 will be entered into a special drawing.
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