State Police investigating Elizabeth development project
Sources tell Action News Investigates that state police are investigating a development project in Elizabeth that ended up as a hole in the ground.
In November 2019, state Rep. Mike Puskaric, R-Elizabeth, announced $625,000 in state grants to tear down an old Moose lodge and build a parking lot.
But the project came to a halt last year after the building was demolished.
Residents and borough officials have questioned why so much money was set aside for a net gain of 10 parking spots.
"That doesn't make sense. It shouldn't cost that much to put in that small amount of parking spots. They should be doing something a little bit better with that money," said Christian Rodman of Elizabeth.
Last month, Action News Investigates reported that Allegheny County rejected a $325,000 grant for the parking lot project because the Elizabeth Area Development Corporation did not follow bidding rules.
In recent weeks, state police have questioned Borough Council President Chad Rager about the project. They've also reached out to others familiar with the project including a local businessman who has been critical of Puskaric and the development corporation.
The borough has not been directly involved with the project but borough officials have criticized Puskaric and the development corporation for the delays.
Rager and the director of the development corporation declined to comment about the investigation. Spokespersons for state police and Puskaric did not respond to requests for comment.
Some area residents said they hope the investigation will help spur the project's completion.
"The people who have held this back from being developed after spending so much money, maybe they'll see this and they'll say we better do something about this," said Florence Whetsel of Elizabeth.
