MONESSEN - The vacant lot that was once home to the high school will serve a fresh purpose this year.
City officials, the Monessen Redevelopment Authority and Westmoreland Human Opportunities Inc. have joined to rehabilitate the area around Sixth Street and Reed Avenue. The plan is to build at least six single-family homes on the now-vacant lot.
WHO is a private, nonprofit human service corporation that administers social service programs to alleviate and eliminate poverty in Westmoreland County.
Jack Brown, WHO housing development coordinator, said project costs will be covered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through the HUD Homes program, federal money is allocated to counties for home projects. Counties disburse the money to cities and boroughs that undertake qualified projects.
Brown said the planners are excited about the initial Monessen project and believe the new homes will be well-received by the community.
Phase I is expected to begin with groundbreaking in February or March. Brown said three homes initially will be built. The other three will be constructed after the first homes are sold.
But neighbors will not have to endure noisy construction for long. Each planned modular home will be brought to the lot in four sections.
WHO will buy the houses from New Era, of Clarion.
Brown said the two-story houses will feature three bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms, a front porch and high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems.
The homes also will contain carpeting and dishwashers.
"These are really nice houses that are perfect for families," Brown said.
Brown said it usually takes about two days to erect the structures.
"We'll bring a 100-ton crane in; it's quite an event and a lot of spectators usually come out and watch," Brown added.
He is hoping the houses will be on the market by June.
The homes will not be available to everyone. Buyers must meet federal income guidelines.
Potential buyers must participate in an educational program through the WHO Homebuyer Resource Center.
Rudy Horwatt, a homebuyer resource coordinator, said the center helps potential buyers learn everything from budgeting to debt management.
It is an "in-depth examination of the entire homebuying process," he said.
"We serve many first-time homebuyers, but you don't have to be a first-time homebuyer to participate," Horwatt noted.
The program also offers help with money for down payment and closing costs.
Horwatt said that once a deal goes through, the agency stays in touch with the buyer and offers guidance and assistance as needed to sustain home ownership.
To qualify, the total gross income allowed for a family of three is $41,300. It is $45,900 for a family of four.
Monessen Mayor Anthony Petaccia said the project was the result of a combined effort by the city, county and redevelopment authority. He praised everyone involved in the initiative.
"This is going to be a nice addition to the city and it's bringing new homes, which is always great," Petaccia said.
For information about WHO housing development projects, call Horwatt at (724)824-1260, ext. 146, or housing counselor Nancy Hughes at (724)834-1260, ext. 50.
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