New Kensington Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP)

The Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) component of the broader Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and is rooted in a community strategic plan, collaborations with partners, and long-term business relationships. The goal is to create energy in the community by completing projects based on specific development needs in a targeted area that produce measurable outcomes. NPP is a long-term program that secures business commitments for five years, six years, or longer.

We are currently in the process of a six-year NPP project in New Kensington, PA. Each year of the project we applied to DCED for tax credits; local businesses, namely BNY Mellon and UPMC Health Plan, contributed financially to the project and were eligible to claim these secured tax credits.

The following projects were either completed, or are in the process of being completed, over the course of the project:

• It was decided to not build an amphitheater, but instead build a community space that will house a farmers market, an open air market, and a community garden. We have selected a contractor who will design this community space and will assist with moving New Ken’s community garden to this new location.
• We are in the final stages of installing a large mural at the main entrance to the city. This mural was created with help from community members.
• We have also started the bid process to renovate the playground at Summit St. park.
• With the help of Forward Cities, approximately 15 small businesses received entrepreneurial training.
• We also razed three blighted properties.
• Some of the goals were not met due to the COVID pandemic halting or changing the direction of some of the projects. For instance, the building facade improvement project entailed businesses submitting proposals to Forward Cities for these projects. However, once the pandemic hit, Forward Cities just decided to award the funds and let the businesses spend the funds however was best for each individual business.