Jeannette seeks support for funding to replace Chestnut Street wall

Jeannette officials are hoping to be awarded a $600,000 state grant to fix a wall on Chestnut Street that collapsed in late May 2024.

The collapse prompted the long-term closure of the 400 block.

“It remains closed for motorist and pedestrian safety until the city can acquire grant funding to replace the wall,” said city manager Ethan Keedy.

The wall supports Chestnut Street with homes below it and on the opposite side of the road, though most are vacant. It was built by the Works Progress Administration, a program created through the New Deal to put people to work in the 1930s and ’40s.

After the collapse, the city spent thousands to put up concrete barriers and construct a curb to divert water away from the wall and properties below it, reducing any further erosion. Keedy estimated repairs between $600,000 and $1 million.

Residents in support of the project, which could lead to the road being reopened, can send a letter to their state representatives. Keedy said he hopes that would show the need for the repairs and push Jeannette to the top of the list of grant applications to the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s multi-modal program.

State Sen. Kim Ward’s district office is at 1075 S. Main St., Suite 116, Greensburg, Pa. 15601. There is a contact form on her website.

State Rep. Brian Rasel’s district office is at Pine Center, Suite 4, 2090 Harrison Avenue, Jeannette, Pa. 15644. There is a contact form on his website.