Mt. Lebanon, PA – The Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA), the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC), and The Community Builders (TCB) celebrated the grand opening of Castlegate Green, a new construction 51 mixed-income apartment community located in the inner ring suburb of Mt. Lebanon, that borders the city of Pittsburgh.
Castlegate Green includes seven residential buildings (four townhome strings and three walk‐up, garden apartment buildings) and a stand‐alone management office with a community room and greenhouse, including a full kitchen & distribution pantry, computer access and a private office for the provision of resident services. Inspired by the ‘agrihood concept’, a series of community gardens will be established on-site to allow the residents to grow fresh food and seedlings in our private greenhouse. The common green, adjacent to the gardens, offers a central lawn, patio space, and a tot lot to encourage residents to extend their living outdoors and to interact with neighbors.
“Castlegate Green is exactly the kind of forward-thinking development we need more of in our communities. By combining affordable housing with access to green spaces and resources like community gardens and a distribution pantry, this project addresses both housing and food insecurity while building a stronger, more connected neighborhood,” said U.S. Representative Summer Lee, (PA-12) “I’m thrilled to see the Allegheny County Housing Authority and partners stepping up to bring 51 new mixed-income homes to the Pittsburgh region, giving working families a real opportunity to live and thrive in one of our most vibrant communities. This is what it looks like to invest in people and build a future where everyone can prosper.”
Castlegate Green supports Allegheny County’s priority for the creation of affordable units for low- and moderate-income residents. Five of the fifty‐one apartments will be available for households at 20% and 30% of the area median income (AMI), thirty‐two units will be available for 50% & 60% AMI households with fourteen units unrestricted. The project is designated as a general occupancy development and characterized as a family site that supports households of all ages. Unit amenities include private patios/balconies, bedroom ceiling fans, central heat/air, in-unit washer/dryers and oversized windows.
“Castlegate Green is more than just a housing development—it represents a commitment to economic growth and creating strong communities in Allegheny County,” said Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive. “Projects like this show that we can grow our economy, we can support local jobs, and we can expand our tax base through the creation of affordable housing.”
“Castlegate Green represents ACHA’s commitment to providing safe, affordable, and high-quality housing. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and this new rental community demonstrates the power of collaboration and determination,” said Frank Aggazio, Executive Officer for the Allegheny County Housing Authority. “With our investment in Castlegate Green, we are building a brighter future for low income families in Allegheny County and setting the foundation for a thriving community.”
“This project is especially significant because it addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in a community where options have been limited. Through this mixed-income development, we are not only providing housing but we are fostering a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community,” said Juan Powell, senior vice president for real estate development, Mid-Atlantic, for The Community Builders. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together with our partners and excited for the lasting positive impact Castlegate Green will have on the families who will call this place home.”
“Having an affordable and safe place to live is not just about having a roof over your head; it is about the health, quality of life, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities,” said Stephanie Meyer, Special Assistant to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency board designee. “Castlegate Green will help to meet our community’s needs by providing affordable housing to working families at all income levels, along with access to fresh food and gardens, quality schools, and Main Street amenities near public transportation, commerce, and employment. This new development will have tremendous and lasting impacts by prioritizing high quality housing and greater access to opportunities for Pennsylvanians to live, play, learn, work, and thrive.”
Event photos are available on request.
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About ACHA
The mission of the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for eligible low-income families and senior citizens in Allegheny County. A major goal of the ACHA is to provide a product that is comparable to private non-assisted rental housing in terms of amenities and services. The ACHA strives to change the negative image of public housing by being creative in our thinking, promoting the positive aspects of public housing, involving residents in decisions that affect them, using innovative designs to change the traditional face of public housing, and implementing various programs that enable families to progress on the road to self-sufficiency
About Mt. Lebanon Township
Mt. Lebanon is an established, mixed-use township that is recognized as one of greater Pittsburgh’s premier communities for families of all ages. The township’s school district regularly finishes at the top of the list for Commonwealth school districts. The community offers convenient public transportation to nearby downtown Pittsburgh, employment opportunities within the township, and first-rate recreational programming for youth, adults and seniors. Mt. Lebanon is nearly fully developed with little available land zoned appropriately to introduce an affordable, multi-family housing project of scale. This development offers a unique opportunity to integrate additional affordable housing into this community of opportunity, recognizing the tremendous positive impact that affordable housing can have on families’ lives when located in such a community.
