Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano
(Aliquippa, Pa.) Joe DeFelice, HUD Region III Administrator met with Aliquippa City officials yesterday concerning their OPPORTUNITY ZONES and what their plan is to develop two areas, the downtown and the riverfront. DeFelice said he made an impromptu visit to the city over a year ago, and came back again with HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson.
Yesterday he brought some federal partners with him to discuss what can be done to help the city. He said the city needs to figure its plan for the OPPORTUNITY ZONES.
He commented about Mayor Dwan B. Walker being extremely passionate about the city. He said the city’s proximity to the airport, the cracker plant, and the riverfront are assets to the city. He advised officials to use the tools they have available to get people to invest in the city. DeFelice said, “My pitch to them is to figure out a way to sell Aliquippa..”