Elected officials advocate for longtime homeowner tax breaks in growing Pittsburgh neighborhoods

Thursday, state Sen. Jay Costa reintroduced legislation that he said could help to provide relief for certain homeowners paying property tax in the city of Pittsburgh.

There are 90 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, many of which have grown exponentially over the years. As a result, there have been an increase in property values, making it difficult for some homeowners to keep up.

“These are longtime folks who have been a part of that community, the fabric of that community, now face challenges in being able to afford what has taken place,” Costa said.

Enter the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP), which elected officials said would help residents better manage property taxes in neighborhoods experiencing rapid change due to economic growth. The legislation would give the City of Pittsburgh the authority to freeze taxes for certain property owners, if they qualify, many of those senior citizens on a fixed income.

“There will be a designated number of years – 10 years, 5 years, maybe even 15 years in terms of longtime residents in that community…to be able to make the effort to be able to provide them with property tax relief so they can stay there,” Costa said.

“We don’t want to push out, we want to bring in,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “It’s our job as elected officials to make life a little easier. This bill does that.”

Costa’s team provided Channel 11 with a map showing where they believe this will make the biggest impact in terms of property values. Certain areas show the largest jump in assessed value of homes.

“Since 2000, the median home price in Lawrenceville has increase tenfold to nearly $350,000,” said Rep. Sara Innamorato. “Pittsburghers who were here should be able to remain here.”

The City of Pittsburgh is seeking amendments to the “First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act” to provide the same abilities to cities of the second class in order to allow longtime owner-occupants of residences to remain in peaceful possession of their homes.

Costa plans to present the legislation in Harrisburg next month.

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