Mayor O’Connor Announces Demolition Blitz in Hilltop Neighborhoods Over Next Several Weeks

“This is an investment in the safety of our communities,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “No Pittsburgher should have to live next to a property that’s been abandoned for years and falling down. We are making a commitment to the Hilltop – and to all Pittsburgh neighborhoods – that we are going to invest in clean, safe and vibrant communities.” 

All of the properties that will be demolished have been assessed and monitored by PLI through their standard enforcement process and deemed to be in imminent danger or constitute a public safety hazard that could cause serious or life-threatening injury at any time.  

“Issues related to abandoned properties generate more calls to our office than anything else,” said City Councilperson Bob Charland, who represents the Hilltop neighborhoods. “Whether city-owned or walk-away properties, urban blight is a leading reason families choose to leave our Hilltop neighborhoods. When a home can be saved, we should move faster to make that happen, but many of these structures are far beyond repair. I’m encouraged to see Mayor O’Connor responding to the needs of South Pittsburgh and the Hilltop in his first months in office, and I hope this demolition blitz, the abandoned car blitz and the continued focus on clean and liens throughout the year marks the beginning of sustained attention to our neighbors’ needs." 

The 23 property demolitions will be funded through PLI’s capital budget program and the work is bid out to contractors. The entire package will be completed in sub-packages and regular updates will be posted on the City of Pittsburgh’s social media.  

City residents who are concerned about nearby properties in their neighborhood can report the address to 311 and it will be inspected by PLI.