Tree of Life gets $4 million from commonwealth
“I am proud to help ensure that the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in America will stand as a monument to tolerance, education and resilience.” — State Rep. Dan Frankel
Tree of Life will receive $4 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for renovation and construction work on its building at the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues in Squirrel Hill.
The new building will be used for worship, celebrations and educational programming, and will include a memorial to the victims of the Oct. 27, 2018, Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and an interactive Holocaust and modern antisemitism exhibit.
The funding stems from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and is part of an $11.25 million distribution that will support major construction and renovation projects in the 23rd legislative district.
“These dollars show our commonwealth’s commitment to the historic Tree of Life project,” said state Rep. Dan Frankel. “I am proud to help ensure that the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in America will stand as a monument to tolerance, education and resilience.”
Frankel helped secure the funds along with state Sen. Jay Costa.
“As our community has found ways to heal and grow in the aftermath of the Tree of Life shooting, it has been a humble honor to share in the work to support our Jewish friends and neighbors,” Costa said. “The funding Representative Frankel and I secured will continue to enforce our commitment to safe, vibrant spaces for the Jewish community as they gather to educate, volunteer and worship.”
As part of the RACP distribution, Temple Sinai will receive $1 million to be used for maintenance and to make repairs to the synagogue building at 5505 Forbes Ave.
Other RACP funding will support work that Frankel said will lay the groundwork for new, mixed-used affordable housing and commercial space, and will fully transform the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s playground.
The Children’s Institute will receive $250,000. Walnut Capital McKee LP will receive $6 million for the first phase of the Oakland Crossings mixed-use affordable housing and commercial space project.
Ground was broken to begin the Tree of Life renovation project in June.
The RACP funds are administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget and focus on the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. PJC
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