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Resident alleges drug activity at '1 Homestead' development, urges federal probe
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Summary
During public comment, Shalia Thomas Murchison alleged the 1 Homestead project is a drug operation tied to Rodriguez associates and asked state and federal agencies, including PHFA and RBC Capital Markets, to investigate funding and operations.
A Homestead resident used the public‑comment period on April 8 to allege criminal activity tied to the 1 Homestead development and asked local and federal authorities to investigate the project's financing and development partners.
"This is a drug operation. This is cartels coming in and bringing drugs into our neighborhood," Shalia Thomas Murchison said, naming the Rodriguez associates and saying RBC Capital Markets syndicated low‑income housing tax credits awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. She asked that the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development, the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development and federal funders review the financing.
Murchison said the project was promised as luxury townhomes but received PHFA tax‑credit funding and that residents have experienced declining property values and criminalization when raising concerns with law enforcement. She asked the council to request investigations and to protect property owners who say they have been targeted for reporting problems.
Council members acknowledged the complaint during the administrative portion of the meeting but did not take a formal vote or direct staff to open an investigation; members noted such allegations typically require referral to appropriate county, state or federal investigative bodies and statutory authorities.
