The Westview Main Street redevelopment project got a major financial boost when U.S. Rep. Chris DelZio (D-Aspinwall) announced a $1 million federal investment in the neighborhood.
“West View has approached me with a great project that will help improve our streetscape and infrastructure to make it safer for children, families and people with disabilities to get around,” Deluzio said during his visit May 28. “And I think this project will also help local businesses.”
He greeted borough officials at Westview City Hall and presented them with a ceremonial check, then led a walking tour of areas slated for redevelopment, mostly along Perry Highway.
“Business districts like this need good, strong infrastructure, like expanding or rebuilding volunteer fire stations, safer crosswalks, spaces for community gatherings,” he said. “We need to invest in the real, tangible things that can bring communities like Westview together, beautifying our streets, the things we can rely on and enjoy.”
The funding for West View is part of a larger list of federal investments DelZio presented to the House Appropriations Committee that would allocate $15.5 million to 15 projects in his district.
The Westview Downtown Revitalization Plan, developed by the borough in collaboration with Downtown Redevelopment Services of Ravenna, Ohio, and Cranberry-based engineering firm Herbert, Rowland & Grbic, covers 0.71 miles along Perry Highway and around the corner at Centre Avenue, with some work already underway.
Further improvements include wider sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, improved crosswalks and a safer connection from Perry to Westview Elementary School, as well as meeting Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
Renovations to Westview Fire Company Fire Station No. 3, located just north of City Hall, are another component of the federal government’s investment.
According to information provided by Downtown Redevelopment Services, the estimated cost of the project is approximately $2.4 million, including a contingency budget for additional costs incurred during construction.
In addition to the federal funding, Westview is receiving $500,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Intermodal Transportation Fund, with the local government committing to fund 30 percent of the total project cost.
Downtown Redevelopment Services’ timeline is to put the project out to bid in August, begin construction the following month and complete the redevelopment in June 2025.
During his visit, DelZio congratulated Westview Mayor JR Henry, who retired as executive director of Moon’s Valley Ambulance Agency, along with his many years of service to his hometown. Henry was elected to the borough council in 1988 and appointed mayor in 2006. He is also a longtime member of the Westview Ambulance Agency.
“This community is better because of all you’ve given,” Deluzio said, “and we’re so grateful for all you’ve done for the common good of this place we call home.”
Harry Funk is TribLive’s news editor, specifically serving as editor of the Hampton, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine Creek and Bethel Park journals. He has been a professional journalist since 1985 and joined TribLive in 2022. Harry can be reached at hfunk@triblive.com.
