September 13, 2024
In response to Donald Trump’s mention of Charleroi, PA during his recent address in Tucson, Arizona, the Mon Valley Alliance express deep concern over the representation of our community’s challenges. We need to address the real issues facing the Borough, such as the widespread job losses resulting from corporate closures. Charleroi’s recent emergence into the spotlight highlights the urgent challenges we face and helps outline the essential steps needed to address them.
Charleroi, a borough steeped in a rich history of immigration, has seen its population rise by 2,000 residents for the first time in decades, thanks mainly to the arrival of Haitian immigrants. Fleeing persecution and devastating conditions in their homeland, these new residents came seeking freedom and happiness, much like the town’s early European immigrants. Yet, unlike their predecessors, they’ve faced a markedly less welcoming reception.
Charleroi has recently suffered major economic blows over the last several weeks. Anchor Hocking, an Ohio-based company, purchased the town’s glass factory only to shut it down shortly after, eliminating over 300 jobs. Around the same time, another local employer, Quality Pasta, also closed its doors, resulting in an additional 80 job losses.
A net loss of 380 jobs in just a few weeks is devastating for an already struggling community. If all stakeholders—current and future elected officials and administrations—are genuinely committed to supporting Charleroi, there are meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Rather than blaming the town’s growing population (many of whom are already contributing to the town’s economy), we should address the greed of companies like Anchor Hocking, which ignored the impact of their actions on local livelihoods, or advocate for stronger protections against monopolies. Instead of providing constructive solutions, we are witnessing groups exploit Charleroi’s challenges for political gain.
Charleroi’s legacy as a hub for glass-making is at risk, and the community is in dire need of support—support to revitalize its industries and create new job opportunities, not to address a so-called "Haitian problem." Welcoming immigrants has long been a part of Charleroi’s story, and that tradition of openness should not be lost amid divisive rhetoric.
“For Charleroi to move forward, investment and resources are needed to combat the economic challenges it faces. Borough officials and other key stakeholders have repeatedly submitted funding requests to both the State and Federal governments to address a multitude of community concerns, however, those critical resources have not come to fruition” said Kristin Hopkins-Calcek, Charleroi Borough Council President.
Today is the day to seize the opportunity left behind by the closures and reclaim precious and valuable industrial property that can be primed for immediate redevelopment. Today is a call to our leaders in government to give due attention to a region that has been grossly underserved for decades. The Mon Valley Alliance and Borough of Charleroi invite stakeholders to take a proactive approach to solving the problems that ultimately affect towns such as Charleroi, PA and the greater Middle Monongahela Valley.
“There is now a significant 50-acre+ riverfront opportunity with prime access to rail and Interstate 70 and PA Turnpike 43. We have an industrious workforce seeking gainful employment in our region. This is a viable, desirable property for investors to build anew in Charleroi,” said Jamie Colecchi, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance. “It’s devastating that our community's legacy as a world-renowned glassmaker is coming to an end, but we can’t give up and stop here. We are looking forward to building a better future together.”
The Mon Valley Alliance welcomes the visibility this platform has provided and, more importantly, the new partnerships and opportunities it can bring to our region.
Jamie Colecchi, CEO of Mon Valley Alliance
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