During Monroeville Rotary’s town hall meeting Dec. 4 at Monroeville Public Library, municipal Manager Alex discussed “All Things Monroeville.”
Fittingly, Graziani was introduced by Rotary President Tim Little, who served as Monroeville’s manager from 2010 until his retirement in December 2023.
Graziani said he met with Little around the time his colleague was thinking of retiring.
“I knew Tim was looking to hang it up,” the New Castle native said. “And he convinced me that it was worth it to take the position.”
Prior to his current role, Graziani was Churchill’s borough manager; before that, he worked in Penn Township and Latrobe, both in Westmoreland County.
As municipal manager, Graziani oversees Monroeville’s daily government operations, as well as personnel, budgets, purchasing, infrastructure, grants and pensions.
“Hiring is the most important job you have (as municipal manager),” Graziani said.
And he doesn’t care how good of a mechanic or police officer an applicant is.
“If you don’t love people, then I don’t want you in Monroeville,” he said.
Graziani praised the municipality for its services — the library, animal rescue, community center, senior center, police department and EMS, as well as the cultural buildings overseen by the historical society. Monroeville also has its own 911 dispatch center.
Monroeville Convention Center
One of Graziani’s first undertakings was being part of the purchase of the convention center. In August 2024, the municipality purchased the property from Oxford Development Co.for $4.75 million, using Monroeville’s capital reserve fund.
At the time, Mayor Nick Gresock had vowed to do everything possible to save the center — ensuring revenue from tourists and keeping many hotels in business. It’s estimated that 200,000 hotel rooms are booked in Monroeville each year because of the convention center.
“It’s not in our mission to buy convention centers,” Graziani said. “But we had the money to buy it.”
Monroeville Mall
As anticipated, Graziani answered several questions about the fate of Monroeville Mall, which was purchased by Cypress Equities, representing Walmart,in February.
“We are still a community of the future. The world’s biggest retailer wants to move here,” Graziani said.
While there are still a lot of unknowns regarding the future of the mall, Graziani said Walmart is looking to invest $500 million into the property.
“Right now, the mall’s property assessment is around $17 million,” he said.
While a plan has not yet been submitted, Graziani said, “The design that is coming out will determine the next 30 to 40 years.”
Graziani anticipates construction on — or destruction of — the mall will begin in early 2027.
“That’s going to hit the community and the school district,” Graziani said.
The future of Monroeville
Graziani is excited for the future, especially when it comes to safety and policing. The use of drones to track criminals, for example, will take the place of high-speed chases, which are very dangerous. Graziani would like to see a police and EMS department together, centrally located where the mall currently is located.
Roadwork at the intersection of Forbes Hospital and Gateway Campus Boulevard is still in the works. There are some unknowns, since Forbes was the applicant of that project. “I think the final solution will be beneficial,” Graziani said.
With the assistance of Tri-COG Land Bank, the parcel between Monroeville Public Library and Juniper Village was purchased and transferred to an undisclosed municipal member.
The property will not be built on because of its location and the stormwater drainage, but the understanding is it will be used to benefit the community in some capacity. Graziani said he would like to see a path connecting the library and senior center.
With the new year comes a new mayor,Dennis Biondo, and two new council members.
Noted Graziani: “2026 will be a big year.”
It will mark 250 years since the birth of our nation. And 2026 also is the 70th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange at Monroeville and, last but certainly not least, the 75th anniversary of the borough of Monroeville.
“It’s going to be a trifecta celebration,” Graziani said.