Councilman announces redevelopment plan for Homewood
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Pittsburgh City Councilman Ricky Burgess announced $150,000 in seed money Tuesday to launch a revitalization of Homewood, saying the neighborhood is poised to draw spillover development from burgeoning East Liberty.
Asked for a project timeline, Mr. Burgess said, "Yesterday. I think this community has waited long enough."
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and community leaders joined Mr. Burgess in announcing the new collaborative at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA. Nearby were overgrown lots and dilapidated houses, the kind of eyesore Mr. Burgess and others said they'd like to see give way to homes, small businesses, doctors' offices and other improvements.
"It's long overdue," Mr. Ravenstahl said. "It's much needed."
The $150,000 from the city planning department will go to Homewood-Brushton Community Coalition Organization, which will hire at least one economic development professional to assist revitalization efforts.
Mr. Burgess said the city and its Urban Redevelopment Authority will make additional announcements in the next week or so regarding funding for a comprehensive community plan and workforce development initiatives. He said he wants to ensure that neighborhood residents are qualified for jobs that accompany the revitalization.
Neighborhood groups Operation Better Block and the Community Empowerment Association also will be involved in the effort. "We have to do it right." Jerome Jackson, executive director of Operation Better Block, said.
In recent years, neighboring East Liberty has become a vibrant neighborhood with Bakery Square, Whole Foods, new housing and other development. Mr. Burgess said Homewood can capture some of that interest if it moves quickly.
Mr. Burgess said he wants residents to shape the neighborhood's growth. However, he said he would like to replace abandoned housing on Hamilton Avenue and create a business district along Homewood Avenue.
First Published May 4, 2011 12:00 am
