 
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The East End neighborhood experiences a rebirth
Tuesday, May 09, 2000
Another Pittsburgh neighborhood is planning a comeback. This time, it's the Garfield neighborhood in the East End, where a two-part redevelopment program is getting under way.
Garfield's biggest asset is its strong neighborhood groups, the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. and the Garfield Jubilee Association, which for years have chipped away at urban problems that have blighted other communities. The two groups, strengthened by years of experience and grass-roots support, have joined forces to upgrade Garfield, stabilize deteriorating blocks and increase the influx of middle-income residents drawn to the area by its spacious old homes.
One aspect of the effort is a $20 million redevelopment effort that involves demolishing more than 100 vacant houses and acquiring almost 200 lots. Those units will be replaced by 100 to 150 new homes. Fifty additional homes will be rehabilitated. The two community groups are working with local, state and federal officials and four local banks to put a financing package together.
The second component of the redevelopment effort involves a proposal for a $35 million federal Hope VI grant that could attract as much as $110 million in private investment. A principal focus would be replacement of housing units to be lost by demolition of a senior citizen high-rise at the Garfield Heights public housing development.
Elements of the plan would include two or three low- to mid-rise buildings for senior citizens; 150 more units of replacement housing units, also for the elderly; 300 units of replacement housing for people who now live in low-rise row houses; and 40 housing units for mentally handicapped individuals.
Like other city neighborhoods, Garfield has had its problems. Graffiti, vacant lots and deteriorated row houses have marred an otherwise attractive and well-maintained neighborhood. By aggressively intervening now, the two community groups hope to turn the tide. Fortunately, their past efforts augur success.