Developers who transform Downtown Pittsburgh’s empty offices into housing or new commercial uses will now qualify for special tax relief as city officials try to revitalize an area with significant vacancies and declining property values. Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday approved a new tax break — which can last for six to 10 years — to reward those who redevelop empty office space. Office vacancies Downtown have soared since the covid-19 pandemic spurred a widespread shift to remote work. Downtown’s current office vacancy rate of about 27% is projected to jump to 46% by 2028, according...…Developers who transform Downtown Pittsburgh’s empty offices into housing or new commercial uses will now qualify for special tax relief as city officials try to revitalize an area with significant vacancies and declining property values. Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday approved a new tax break — which can last for six to 10 years — to reward those who redevelop empty office space. Office vacancies Downtown have soared since the covid-19 pandemic spurred a widespread shift to remote work. Downtown’s current office vacancy rate of about 27% is projected to jump to 46% by 2028, according...WW…

CoronavirusMetro Creative TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.Pennsylvania on Sunday will lift its mandate for businesses to telework when possible — instead, teleworking will be encouraged.“Telework for businesses will be highly encouraged; previously, telework was to be used unless it was not possible to do so,” state officials said.The mandate was placed early on in the pandemic to mitigate the transmission of covid-19. State officials said the progress of Pennsylvania’s vaccine rollout made easing the order...…CoronavirusMetro Creative TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.Pennsylvania on Sunday will lift its mandate for businesses to telework when possible — instead, teleworking will be encouraged.“Telework for businesses will be highly encouraged; previously, telework was to be used unless it was not possible to do so,” state officials said.The mandate was placed early on in the pandemic to mitigate the transmission of covid-19. State officials said the progress of Pennsylvania’s vaccine rollout made easing the order...WW…