May 15, 2019 4 min read

MONESSEN – Plans were unveiled to bring a mix of 15 single-family dwellings and 10 townhouses to Monessen for first-time, entry-level homebuyers, senior citizens and other individuals who will meet qualifications.

Matt Uram, executive director of Serenity Farms Inc., a Washington County-based nonprofit that is partnering with Penn West Urban Development to build the homes, said the project could help to eliminate blight, increase values of surrounding properties and create a sustainable tax base for the city.

Ground could be broken for the site by June 1, 2020, said Uram, who added that development will start at the corner of Sixth Street and Knox Avenue, with potential expansion in adjoining areas.

“We aren’t talking about something that will take 20 years to complete,” said Uram, who presented plans for the housing development during council’s monthly workshop meeting. “We are talking about changes you’ll see in five years.”

According to Uram, the slab-set, prefabricated homes will range from 800 to 1,100 square feet, with prices starting at $65 per square foot, per unit.

“There will not be any low-income subsidized housing with this project,” he said. “This is all about quality housing. You’ll be getting more homes on the tax rolls and you’ll also be encouraging people to spend money downtown.”

Uram emphasized that community support will be critical for the success of the project.

“You have to get all the infighting out of the way,” said Uram. “You’re running out of time. If you aren’t on the map for this infrastructure plan, it’s going to be 10 miles away from here. But you have several things going for you right now. You have a good comprehensive plan. And you have three people on the council who have a lot of pride in the future of Monessen. I want to be downtown when this city comes back.”

Councilwoman Lois Thomas, who has worked with Uram at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, believes the proposed housing development could help to revitalize Monessen.

“This will open up more opportunities in Monessen while helping to increase our tax base,” she said. “That’s very much needed in this city.”

Jamie Protin, who represented Mackin Engineering at the meeting, also briefed council about progress with the city’s comprehensive plan.

“We have made significant progress with the plan since the beginning of the year,” said Protin. “We got invaluable feedback from people who attended our first public meeting and we have a second meeting scheduled for May 22 at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church’s social hall in Monessen. One of the things we will be talking about is rebranding Monessen and marketing the city. It’s evident that Monessen wants change. We are moving in the right direction.”

Protin added that Uram’s housing development project ties in with Monessen’s comprehensive plan.

“We are looking to bring in more businesses to Monessen. And as we do that, we’re going to need homes where those people can live. There are challenges ahead. But there are also a lot of talented people in this city. You have everything you need to get it done. Will Monessen look like it did before? Probably not. But I think it’s going to look even better,” said Protin.

Councilman David Feehan said he is pleased with how the comprehensive plan is shaping up and noted that the city is already moving forward with several key initiatives.

“One of the key challenges that we have identified in the comprehensive plan is blight,” said Feehan. “I’m very happy with the work that’s been done to clean up Sixth and Eighth streets. We are also planning for cleanup days, including the site of the future Anthony Madison Memorial Park. We are headed in the right direction.”