Larimer moves forward despite possible federal budget cuts

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A major redevelopment in Larimer and East Liberty is moving forward, although the federal program that is funding it would be eliminated in the budget proposed last week by President Donald Trump.

Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh board members approved two resolutions Thursday related to the Choice Neighborhoods program, which involves the development of 334 units, ranging from affordable housing to market-rate, in Larimer and East Liberty, with the aid of a $30 million federal grant.

The first phase of the development, which is 85 units for a range of incomes, is already full.

The budget unveiled last week by the Trump administration calls for the Choice Neighborhoods program to be eliminated,

along with other significant proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The budget still would have to be approved by Congress.

“Obviously, there’s a major concern about what happens going forward,” said Peter Kaplan, a board member, referring to the proposed budget.

Caster Binion, executive director of the housing authority, said the agency will continue to move forward with the redevelopment plan.

Board members unanimously approved a resolution to accept funds to move forward with additional development.

David Weber, the housing authority’s chief operations officer said the $30 million Choice Neighborhoods grant has already been appropriated, however, the redevelopment plan also calls for the city to contribute $2.3 million in Community Development Block grant funds and $581,000 HOME funds in 2018 and beyond, two programs the president’s budget also proposed to eliminate.

Overall, the budget proposed by Mr. Trump would decrease HUD funding by $6.2 billion, a 13.2 percent decrease.