Heidelberg residents wary of possible housing for low-income, autistic
Heidelberg residents expressed mixed feelings Tuesday night about a possible apartment complex for low-income residents and individuals with autism.
The 42-unit complex would be at the site of the former Wright's Seafood Inn on Washington Pike in the borough's commercial district.
It is a project between Autism Housing Development of Pittsburgh and ACTION Housing.
Federal tax credits coupled with a $1.5 million loan from Allegheny County Economic Development would fund the $12 million project.
Jeffrey Patrick, a resident who said he works with special needs children, said he has concerns about the behavioral outbursts of individuals with autism.
“Some can be explosive and violent,” he said. “I feel like we're being guinea pigs (with the mixed housing). It's too soon to make such an irrational decision.”
Ron Ciotti, senior developer at ACTION Housing, said prospective residents will have to fit a certain criteria to gain housing.
“The focus will be on social skills,” he said. “They will be able to manage their behavior.”
Autism is a spectrum disorder and includes a range of developmental disorders that affects an individual's social skills and ability to communicate.
In 2013, there were about 8,400 adults diagnosed with autism in Pennsylvania, according to a report from ASERT, an initiative through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
The report projects that number to be near 30,000 by 2020.
David Gerster, whose son is autistic, spoke in favor of the apartments at the meeting attended by about 60 people at the fire department's social hall.
“If you are too ignorant that you object to these folks getting the help they need, I am sorry for you,” he said. “Learn more about autism before you object.”
The apartments are among three housing projects in Allegheny County that have received a collective $2.7 million in federal tax credits through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority.
Megan Guza is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5810 or mguza@tribweb.com.
