PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — City developers in East Liberty and the Hill District are moving forward with two big projects, all thanks to a generous federal grant.

It’s been a year and a half since Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and a crowd of dignitaries first broke ground on a new Shop N’ Save grocery store in the Hill District.

Now, piles of dirt remain untouched after financial set-backs have stopped plans from moving forward.

On Wednesday morning, Mayor Ravenstahl joined community leaders to announce a big push to hopefully finish that grocery store and other projects in the area.

Mayor Ravenstahl says, “$1.5 million coming in through the leadership of Sen. Casey and Congressman Doyle, and we’re thankful to them and really look forward to continuing that agenda to have that third renaissance touch all corners of the city.”

Half of the $1.5 million reward will also help transform East Liberty’s old YMCA building into a boutique hotel, adding more than a hundred jobs to the area.

“It’s going to be about a $19 million dollar development, 63 rooms, 6,000 square feet,” said Maelene Myers, the executive director of Eldi. “It’s going to bring 104 new jobs to the area.”

“I want to recognize and note and give a special thanks to the Senator for his commitment in obtaining these funds,” added Mayor Ravenstahl. “Without that funding, without that partnership, I wouldn’t be standing here. Nobody would be standing here.”

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