Sep 29, 2016 3 min read

A sign in Christy Bean Rowing’s new office at 273 S. Main St., Washington, reads, “If you want to go far, go together.”

It’s the collaborative approach she plans to use in revitalizing Washington as the executive director of Citywide Development Corp.

Formed in December 2011, the nonprofit operated with a volunteer board until funds from a state tax credit program allowed the hiring of a full-time director.

“When you have volunteers only, the priority is no higher than third because you have your regular job and your family,” said Mayor Scott Putnam, who served as chairman of the CDC board for four years. “On a day-to-day basis, having someone full time with a focus on the needs of the city … is a huge start for us.”

Rowing, who has a master’s degree in city management and experience in judicial and social services, was selected from a field of 16 applicants. The South Hills resident believes Washington is in a unique position to thrive.

“Washington couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. We’re in the county seat, we’re right outside a vibrant city,” she said. “We (the CDC) want to be able to provide services and improve upon what we have. It’s a two-pronged approach, with residential and commercial support.”

Part of the CDC’s mission is targeting abandoned properties, allowing the city to cancel tax liens and bank foreclosures of blighted properties so they can be sold.

Putnam said the city is exploring joining the county’s land bank or establishing its own.

“We’re taking a more aggressive approach,” he said.

Rowing’s position is funded through a program in which Washington Financial Bank and UPMC Health Plan donated $125,000 through the state Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership program, which provides an 80 percent tax credit. The CDC formerly operated with a small budget from the sale of donated property.

The first project Rowing will tackle is an asset-based inventory of the West End neighborhood. Currently, 11 of 28 properties on the to-be-demolished list are in the West End.

She is recruiting volunteers to inventory the neighborhood to take stock of abandoned and blighted properties and lots.

“We want to help return it to its former standing,” said Rowing. “It’s situated on a hill with great views and nice access to (Interstate) 70. There’s a need to make the best use of that area.”

Like many city neighborhoods, the West End was designed with narrow, deep housing lots. To widen them, the study will include blighted structures that could be demolished, allowing those lots to be combined with adjacent vacant lots to make them more attractive to buyers.

On the commercial side, Rowing plans to collaborate with Washington Business District Authority and business owners to lure potential patrons to downtown. She wants to offer more events in the city’s Main Street Farmers Market pavilion.

“I see us all working together toward the common good,” Rowing said. “We know we’re not the only player on the field. It will be a team approach.”