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RACW - Community Revitalization

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1. Can the RACW help me demolish a blighted property and is there a cost to me?

Demolition funding is available for razing residential and commercial properties. Submission of an application and match component does not guarantee funding of the project. Projects are selected on a competitive basis and subject to available funding. Sheds, barns, garages, and other non-residential structures are not eligible, unless part of a residential site being cleared. Detached garages and mobile homes are not eligible.

There is a cash match requirement to the property owners based on the following policy: Single-family residential in communities larger than 5,000 persons requires a $3,000 match; Single-family residential in communities smaller than 5,000 persons requires a $1,000 match; Multi-family residential, multi-structure and/or commercial properties in all communities requires a 50% minimum match requirement and reuse of the property must fit within local zoning ordinance, county comprehensive plan or redevelopment efforts; Municipal-owned/court-ordered residential properties require a $500 match and revitalization criteria must be met or exceeded; and special projects will be given consideration based on revitalization criteria of reinvestment, job creation, and overall economic impact.

2. Will I still own my property after it is demolished?

Yes. The property will retain current property ownership after the improvement is demolished and all maintenance and tax responsibilities remain with the property owner.

3. Does the RACW offer a rehab program for home repairs?

The RACW no longer offers a home rehab program, please refer to the other agency contacts for more information.

4. Can my RACW rehab loan be reviewed?

If you currently have a loan with the RACW and are requesting a loan review, please use the mortgage modification or mortgage subordination forms located on the forms page.

5. I am a private developer. How can the RACW help me develop my property?

The RACW can provide technical assistance to private developers when applying for community and economic development grants, please contact April Kopas at 724-830-3050 or email to discuss further.

6. Does the RACW accept donated properties?

The RACW may accept donated properties if a clear reuse plan is identified, please contact April Kopas at 724-830-3050 or email to discuss further.

7. Who are eligible funding recipients for countywide demolition funds?

Boroughs, Cities and Townships are eligible to receive demolition monies, unless they opt-out of the County’s CDBG program. Participation in the countywide demolition program does not affect a borough, city or township’s eligibility to apply for the standard and competitive rounds of CDBG funds. Note: Properties owned by a member, officer, employee, elected official or any other public official of the municipality applying for funding who exercises any function with respect to the demolition activities are ineligible.

8. What types of structures are eligible to receive countywide demolition funds?

Demolition funding is available for razing residential and commercial properties. Sheds, barns, garages, and other non-residential structures are not eligible, unless part of a residential site being cleared. Detached garages and mobile homes are not eligible. Non-residential structures will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine cost and required match.

9. Does my project qualify for demolition and will it be funded?

Demolition funding is available for razing residential and commercial properties. Submission of an application and match component does not guarantee funding of the project. Projects are selected on a competitive basis and subject to available funding, clear title, and mortgagee consent, if necessary.

10. What costs are covered by countywide demolition funds?

Demolition of the structure and removal of debris and environmental contaminants are all eligible costs under the demolition program. Legal fees, engineering fees, advertising, asbestos inspections and all other fees are eligible for funding depending on the magnitude of the project. The RACW and/or municipality has the option of passing all or part of these costs on to the property owner or placing a lien against the property for all fees incurred in carrying out the project.

11. Is there a restriction on post-demolition use of the cleared site?

The RACW must be advised at the time of application of the intended use of the site after demolition. If the site is not intended to remain vacant, the project may require additional regulatory compliance.

12. What is the timeline for demolishing a structure?

Applications are received on a rolling basis with annual review. If selected as eligible for the demolition program, a title search is conducted on the property and an historic clearance is requested from the State Historic Preservation Office. If cleared, the project will be bid on schedule with monthly RACW Board meetings. The apparent low bidder will be awarded the contract and must provide the necessary bonds, insurance and permits to the RACW before a Notice to Proceed is issued. Once a Notice to Proceed is issued, the contractor typically has 30-90 days to remove the blighted structure under the terms of the contract with the RACW. In summary, an approved demolition project can take six months or longer.

13. Does the RACW have the property owner's permission to demolish the property?

Yes. The Release and Right of Entry agreement grants permission to the RACW and its representatives to enter private property to inspect the land for the sole purpose of removing the building or structure to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

14. Why does the RACW need the property owner to sign a "Release and Right of Entry" agreement and complete a "Demolition Application" form?

The RACW needs written permission to document that the property owner has authorized access to enter private property and if necessary demolish the structure(s). A complete demolition application determines if the project is eligible.

15. What if I refuse to sign the "Release and Right of Entry" agreement and/or Demolition Application?

If you refuse to sign the agreements, the Municipality has the option to petition to Westmoreland County Courts to have the structure removed.

16. Will a lien be placed on my property?

The RACW will not file a lien against your property, however, the Municipality has the option to file a lien on your property for the total cost of the demolition including match.

17. Will the RACW remove my personal items before the structure is demolished?

No. Once an application is submitted to the RACW, all personal property must be removed to another location. The remaining contents will be removed with the structure during demolition.

18. Do I still need to mow the lawn? Do I still have to pay property taxes?

CDBG funds are limited to the removal of the blighted structure, the RACW contractors attempt to leave the site in a mow-able condition. Ultimately, it is the property owners’ responsibility for maintaining the property and keeping the property in compliance with municipal codes and current with property taxes due. For more information on tax reassessments, contact the Tax Office at 724-830-3409.

19. What if I have a blighted property and I do not want to wait to file an application with the RACW?

The RACW has a list of pre-qualified demolition contractors. Please contact Hallie Chatfield at 724-830-3050 or email to request more information.

20. I am a demolition contractor. How can I be added to the RACW contractor listing for upcoming demolition bids?

Please fill out the contractor application form and return to:

Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland
Attn: Hallie Chatfield
40 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Fifth Floor, Suite 520
Greensburg, PA 15601