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City Council Week of March 10

City Council

Council considering property tax exemptions for longtime residents.

Rising values in redeveloping areas can mean higher property taxes for longtime homeowners. Now, the mayor has sent council a plan letting some defer or be exempt from those increases. It aims to keep low-income residents from being taxed out of their homes. Owners generally need at least 10 years of ownership and residency, among other rules.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Council received legislation from Mayor Gainey to create a Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP).
  • Under LOOP, eligible homeowners will continue to pay property taxes but can defer or be exempt from tax increases.
  • The program aims to protect low-income residents in redeveloping areas from being taxed out of homeownership as market values rise.
  • State legislation permitting LOOP passed last summer.
  • Eligibility requirements include:
  • Ownership and residency for at least 10 years (5 years if receiving housing assistance)
  • A property assessment value increase of over 25% in one year, or 50% over five years
  • All real estate taxes current or a payment plan in place
  • Household income at or below 120% of the area median income (adjusted for household size)

City Council

City to use state grants to improve intersection safety.

Two city intersections will get safety upgrades paid for by state grants. In North Oakland, Centre Avenue and North Dithridge Street will get a traffic light in place of a two-way stop. On the North Shore, East General Robinson and Sandusky streets will get a modernized traffic light. That project also includes a road diet meant to improve pedestrian safety.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Grant Program will fund intersection improvements at:
  • Centre Avenue and North Dithridge Street (North Oakland) for $335,981.88
  • The intersection will receive a traffic light where there is now a two-way stop.
  • East General Robinson Street and Sandusky Street (North Shore) for $647,049.45
  • Changes will include a modernized traffic signal and implementation of a road diet designed to improve pedestrian safety.
  • The city has committed to a variety of street safety plans in recent years, including neighborhood traffic calming measures as well as upgraded traffic signals that increase the lens diameter from 8 to 12 inches.

A previous version of this article mistakenly referred to the intersections as the first two sites for automated red light enforcement cameras.

City Council

Concerns raised about diversity amid changes to the Housing Authority Board.

The Housing Authority's board sets policy for an agency serving over 20,000 residents. The mayor has named three new members and reappointed one, pending council interviews. One council member questioned dropping a West End member, citing his diversity as an immigrant, LGBTQ+ person, and veteran. All four are people of color, and the council president agreed to schedule a discussion.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • Council formally received Mayor Gainey’s three new appointments and one reappointment to the Housing Authority Board, pending interviews with the Committee on Hearings and Policy.
  • The Board approves policies, budgets, and provides general direction to the Executive Director.
  • Over 20,000 Pittsburgh residents receive assistance through the Housing Authority.
  • Councilperson Kail-Smith expressed concern over the non-reappointment of Alex Laroco, a representative from the West End district, noting that he, an immigrant, LGBTQ+ member, and veteran, provided valuable diversity.
  • All of Mayor Gainey’s new appointments and the reappointment are People of Color.
  • Council President Lavelle agreed to schedule a discussion on the matter at a future date.

Tell The Council What you think

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