Homewood Cluster Planning: Final Consensus Vision Plans November 2015 Table of Contents

2 5

Business and Institutional Core 8 9 4

1 3

Cluster Planning Overview 3 OPERATION BETTER BLOCK, INC. Cluster Planning Process 4 Reweaving The Fabric of Community Life

Community Development Principles 6 Community Development Initiatives Overview 8 First, I would like to thank the residents and business owners of Homewood for their participation in this planning process. We have made history together by Neighborhood Existing Conditions engaging 80% of the community in the planning process!!! Second, this effort would not have been possible without the funding support of the R. K. Mellon Existing Conditions 10 Foundation. Third, I would like to thank Studio for Spatial Practice for their Existing Vacancy 12 willingness to try something new! Last and certainly not least, I would like to give a huge thank you and big congratulations to Operation Better Block staff Public Ownership 13 for their hard work and dedication to the process and the organization.

Existing Uses 14 This is a very exciting time for Homewood!! Having a land use plan that is resident driven creates endless possibilities for the community. Using data and Existing Zoning 15 a door-to-door engagement strategy has allowed us to create an urban Land Use Category Matrix 16 planning process that can be duplicated across our region. It is the possibilities of what Homewood can be in the very near future that keeps me up at night!! Neighborhood Final Plan The real work has not begun. Now that we have a land use plan, let’s get busy Consensus Vision Plans 18 creating the Homewood you want to live in, work in, and relax in!!

Zoning Change Recommendations 20 This is what I truly believe: Open Space Recommendations 24 “There Is No Development That Is For Us, That Is Not Led By Us.” Business & Institutional Core Recommendations 28 Love & Respect

Housing Recommendations 36 Next Steps 40

Available Resources 41 Jerome M. Jackson Executive Director Operation Better Block, Inc.

2 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Cluster Planning Overview

Apple St Why Create Another Plan for Homewood? Lincoln Ave

Change is coming to Homewood. The goal of Homewood Cluster Stranahan St Planning is to guide that change in the interest of Homewood’s 2 residents. The Cluster Planning process created a detailed land use

Washington Blvd 6 Standard Ave Brushton Ave vision for Homewood’s future based on the needs and desires of N Homewood Ave

N Lang Ave existing, present-day community stakeholders. 7 1 Frankstown Ave 3

N Murtland St The process considered both long- and short-term land use, Business and Institutional Core 5 working with residents in one part of the neighborhood at a Hamilton Ave Bennett St time. Building on neighborhood assets, a vision was crafted to MLK Jr East Busway 4

deﬁne: what should happen to vacant property; what types of Oakwood St development are right for dierent parts of Homewood; where 8 N Braddock Ave

Penn Ave houses should be renovated, mothballed or demolished and 9 where new ones should be built; as well as where new businesses, Rosedale St industrial uses or parks should be located. In this document, each Pitt St individual cluster plan has been brought together into a complete, Cluster Planning Map: Contrasting with past neighborhood-wide planning community-driven plan for the entire Homewood neighborhood. eorts, the Homewood Cluster Planning process more eectively engaged The Cluster Planning Team community members by focusing on one part of the neighborhood at a time. Residents, property owners and stakeholders played an integral Homewood-Brushton neighborhood. OBB’s mission is to strategize, role in driving this process. Their first-hand knowledge of the organize and mobilize block-by-block to benefit the Homewood community, their desire to improve the area where they live/ community. The Cluster Planning process is a natural extension of work/play, and their commitment to completing this plan is what that mission. truly brought this team together. This process did not resolve Studio for Spatial Practice (SfSP) is an innovative, award-winning design all questions regarding how the vision will be implemented. firm with a multi-disciplinary approach to architecture, urban design, However, it set goals for ensuring that future development is landscape architecture and art. SfSP specializes in public realm projects equitable and addresses the needs of the existing community. that engage clients and community members in creatively envisioning Operation Better Block (OBB) was incorporated in 1971 and changes to their environment. SfSP brings experience and local insight has worked for successful Neighborhood and Community to the Cluster Planning process, having recently completed the Bridging Development over the last forty years, focusing on the the Busway study.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 3 Cluster Planning Overview: Process

How the Homewood Cluster Door to Door to Distribute Resident Planning Process Works Door Door Cluster Interviews After an initial pilot study was completed for Resident Resident Plan to & Surveys residential blocks adjacent to Pittsburgh Faison Follow-Up Follow-Up Residents K-5 elementary school, the planning process OBB Outreach began, in January of 2014, with an Introductory SfSP Planning Meeting where an overview of the Homewood Cluster Planning process was presented. Meeting 1 Meeting 2 Meeting 3 Identify Discuss Refine a As a first step in each cluster, OBB conducted possible possible preferred field surveys to collect personal testimonies land uses scenarios strategy from residents and parcel-specific data for the target area. OBB shared their up-to-date information with the rest of the planning team and mailed postcards summarizing basic 1 2 3 4 Vision for statistics about the cluster to every resident. Synthesis Homewood The postcards were a way to share the data 5 6 7 8 Meetings that had been collected and encourage Neighborhood participation in upcoming planning meetings. Business Plans for 10 Master Plan 9 District Cluster Areas Three cluster-specific meetings followed, where findings were presented and residents’ input was solicited. OBB sta also went door All 10 cluster-specific Final Consensus Plans have been brought to door between meetings, following up with together in this report, which comprises a neighborhood-wide residents to share draft planning materials and Master Plan for Homewood. The final Homewood Community- ask for feedback. Residents' comments were Driven Cluster Plan was presented and celebrated in November then incorporated into the planning work. At 2015 at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum. This document and the the third meeting, a Draft Consensus Plan was individual, cluster-specific plans are available on OBB's website presented for review and comment. at: http://obbinc.org/cluster-planning/

4 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Cluster Planning Overview: Process

Community Engagement: Cluster Meetings Held 31 by the Numbers As diagrammed on the previous page, Unique Individuals that Attended Meetings 423 Homewood residents and stakeholders were invited to public planning meetings Total Number of Meeting Attendees 589 to oer opinions, provide information and share their hopes for each cluster. Doors Knocked On 2227

By knocking on residents' doors, before Total Number of Times Knocking on Doors 6681 and after meetings, OBB contacted a total of 2,227 households to engage them in Meeting Invites and Meeting Minutes Mailed Out 1671 discussions about planning for their cluster. Approximately 80% of Homewood Total Mailings Sent Out 5013 households were reached through the community engagement process. Cluster Booklets Distributed 2604

Census 2010 Total Households 2787

Break-out activity held during a Cluster Planning meeting

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 5 Community Development Principles

During the Cluster Planning Introductory Community Development Principles [June 2014] Meeting, a set of resident-supported community development priorities was drafted COMMUNITY to help guide the planning process. ĐƋ+((+.0%+*Ƌ%/Ƌ'!5ČƋ0'!Ƌ%*0+Ƌ +1*0Ƌ!4%/0%*#Ƌ The Community Development Principles, +))1*%05Ƌ,(*/Ƌ* Ƌ+0$!.Ƌ*!%#$+.$++ Ƌ+.#*%60%+*/Ƌ 0$0Ƌ.!Ƌ +%*#Ƌ#++ Ƌ3+.' provided to the right, were a work in progress throughout the Cluster Planning process. As ĐƋ.!0!Ƌ.!(0%+*/$%,/Ƌ* Ƌ,.0*!./$%,/Ƌ3%0$%*Ƌ0$!Ƌ new priorities, policies, and practices were +))1*%05Ƌ+"Ƌ +)!3++ Ƌ recommended, during Cluster Planning ĐƋ/!Ƌ0$!Ƌ,.+ !//Ƌ0+Ƌ! 1 0!Ƌ,!+,(!Ƌ+10Ƌ3$0Ƌ)'!/ƋƋ meetings, the Principles were modified to /1 !//"1(Ƌ*!%#$+.$++ Ƌ* Ƌ +))1*%05 reflect the most current and up-to-date community feedback. ĐƋ!+,(!Ƌ3$+Ƌ(%2!Ƌ%*Ƌ +)!3++ Ƌ#!0Ƌ0+Ƌ/05Ƌ$!.!Ƌ Three overarching categories constitute ĐƋ "Ƌ0$!.!Ƌ%/Ƌ.!(+ 0%+*ċƋ.!*+20!Ƌ+.Ƌ1%( Ƌ*!3Ƌò./0ċƋ* Ƌ'!!,Ƌ the Principles — Community, Housing and ,!+,(!Ƌ%*Ƌ0$!%.Ƌ +))1*%05Ƌ+.Ƌ*!%#$+.$++ Economy — highlighting a shared vision for ĐƋ.+2% !ƋƋ %2!./%05Ƌ+"Ƌ$+1/%*#Ƌ05,!/Ƌ"+.Ƌ")%(%!/Ƌ* Ƌ%* %2% 1(/Ƌ Homewood as a livable neighborhood that 3%0$Ƌ %ñ!.!*0Ƌ*!! /ċƋ(%"!/05(!/Ƌ* Ƌ%* +)!Ƌ(!2!(/ is recognized as such. Moving forward, these principles can be used to help ensure that ECONOMY future development balances a consideration ĐƋ!/% !*0/Ƌ/$+1( Ƌ!*!ò0Ƌ".+)Ƌ&+/Ƌ.!/1(0%*#Ƌ".+)Ƌ for people and places. *!%#$+.$++ Ƌ.!2%0(%60%+*ČƋ&+/Ƌ0$0Ƌ.!Ƌ .!0! Ƌ/$+1( Ƌ!Ƌ /1/0%*(!Ƌ* Ƌ*+0Ƌ0!),+..5 Residents are concerned about future ĐƋ !(,Ƌ(+ (Ƌ1/%*!//Ƌ+3*!./Ƌ/1/0%*Ƌ* Ƌ!4,* Ƌ0$!%.Ƌ1/%*!//!/ development, but they want to actively participate in creating a healthy, resilient ĐƋ1,,+.0Ƌ*!%#$+.$++ Ƌ.!0%(Ƌ5Ƌ15%*#Ƌ(+ (Ƌ".+)Ƌ +))1*%05ĥ neighborhood. They are optimistic about .1*Ƌ1/%*!//!/ the future and want existing community ĐƋ !2!.#!Ƌ.*Ƌ * 1/0.%(Ƌ6+*%*#Ƌ.!/Ƌ0+Ƌ0$!ƋƋƋƋ members to positively influence neighborhood +))1*%05Ě/Ƌ!*!"%0 dynamics. Residents want to be connected to

Homewood Cluster Planning Process Operation Better Block one another and to a wider, community-based Studio for Spatial Practice social and economic network.

6 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Community Development Principles & Initiatives

Principles to Initiatives Through the community engagement process held within each cluster, residents voiced concerns about future planning in the neighborhood as well as aspirations for the quality of future development. They collaborated to develop alternative land use scenarios for vacant land, identifying sites for mixed-use buildings, housing and live/make units, and land that could accommodate dierent types of open space and urban agriculture. Residents specified where existing- and lower-density development would be appropriate and emphasized the importance of using high- quality materials to build new structures that reflect their context. The chart and diagram on the following pages highlight initiatives that were identified in each cluster during the community engagement process. While some initiatives are specific to an individual cluster, most clusters shared common themes, including: Zoning changes, open space and stormwater management improvements, and a range of residential development strategies.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 7 Community Initiatives Overview

Business & Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 4 Cluster 5 Cluster 6 Cluster 7 Cluster 8 Cluster 9 Institutional Core Parking Lot C C Sideyards SSSSSSSSS Vacant Property Strategy SSSSSSSSS S ,GHQWLI\,Q¿OO+RXVLQJ6LWHV S L S C L L L S S S Large-scale N’hood-serving Retail L L Small-scale N’hood serving Retail L L L L Live-Make Uses LL L Multi-UseTrail L S Wind Turbine Field L Ecological Open Space LL LLL S Stormwater Management L L LSC Enhance Gateways/ Streetscape L L L L LS L Large Neighborhood Park L C L Network of Small Parks/ Gardens C L C LLL Update Baxter Park L Zoning Recommendations L L S Renovate School L Animal Rescue League C +$&39DFDQW/RW5HXVH S 7800 Susquehanna C +RPHRZQHU5HSDLUV C Safe Routes to Schools S 311 Blitz - Vacant Lot Clean-up SSSSSS S SS S Decommission Streets L LSL &XOWXUH$UW+LVWRU\,GHQWLW\ S Legend: C= Current Initiative, S= Short Term Initiative, L= Long Term Initiative

8 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan CommunityCommunity Initiatives Initiatives Overview Overview This drawing compiles, in one graphic, the initiatives that were identified for each cluster during the community engagement process. More-detailed information about Zoning changes, open space recommendations, business district improvements and housing is provided in the following pages. 2

1 7 Business and Institutional Core

Trails, bike lanes, and busway improvements 4 Ecological open space and stormwater Network of parks and gardens Streetscape improvements 8 LNC Extensions Hillside preservation Residential zoning changes 9 Rehabilitation of vacant homes Infill at existing density Infill at lower density Diversity of housing types

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 9 Neighborhood Overview

Existing Conditions High Vacancy The following pages summarize existing neighborhood-wide conditions relating to Dramatic Views/ Overlooks land and building uses, public ownership, occupied and vacant properties, and Zoning. This key information was presented and Strong Homeownership made available at each cluster community Challenging Terrain meeting to help inform discussions about Proximity to School land use planning. Assets and Challenges The diagram to the right illustrates some of Homewood's current assets and challenges. There is the potential to create key Urban Industrial Area w/ neighborhood gateways from Washington Proximity to Busway Boulevard, the pedestrian bridge from North Business and Lang Ave could be enhanced or rebuilt, and Potential Gateway Pedestrian access to Institutional Core larger-scale development could be located Westinghouse Park on Urban Industrial land near Wilkinsburg's East Busway stop. Other neighborhood assets include strong homeownership in American Music Institute. The most Homewood North, and proximity to the prevalent challenges, in relation to the built Business and Institutional Core centered environment, are the high vacancy rate around Homewood Avenue. Homewood throughout the neighborhood, dilapidated is also the only neighborhood in the city housing and absentee landlords. with all of the following: YMCA, YWCA, Carnegie Library branch, CCAC campus, Primary Care Health Center, and Afro- North Homewood Avenue

10 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Existing Conditions: Site Documentation

Rosedale Playground Westinghouse High School Pittsburgh Faison K-5

Single-family housing on Mount Vernon Street 7800 Susquehanna Scheibler houses on Rosedale Street

View from Mohler Street in Homewood North View from Apple Street New housing along Finance Street

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 11 Existing Conditions: Vacancy

As of August 2014 Total Parcels in Neighborhood 5,160 Occupied Buildings 1,997 (38.7%) Vacant Buildings 606 (11.7%) Vacant Parcels 2,557 (49.6%)

Occupied Building Occupied and Vacant Vacant Building A signiﬁcant number of Homewood properties, buildings and Vacant Land land, are vacant. There are both challenges and opportunities Park, Playground or Garden associated with large-scale neighborhood vacancy.

12 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Existing Conditions: Public Ownership

Public Ownership Homewood has a high concentration of City of Pittsburgh owned properties — mainly vacant land — that could be developed into new City of Pittsburgh community-supported uses: URA housing, sideyards, open Housing Authority space, etc...

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 13 Existing Conditions: Land Uses

Residential Commercial Oce Existing Uses Institutional OBB ﬁeld surveyed the Industrial neighborhood to determine Vacant Building the existing, actual uses of Parking Lot buildings and un-built land, which are reﬂected in this Vacant Lot diagram. Understanding which Sideyard lots are being used as sideyards, Garden for parking or as community gardens, for example, helped Park to inform the planning process Woodland and action plan.

14 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Existing Conditions: Zoning

UI R2-L

R2-L RM-M

LNC RM-M

R1A-VH

Existing Zoning R1A-VH Single-Family Residential Very High Density Homewood is a mix of different UI zoning districts, including R2-L Two-Unit Residential Low Density residential, mixed-use and urban RM-M Residential Multi-Unit industrial. In many cases, the use on the ground does not align with LNC Local Neighborhood Commercial the current zoning designation. RP Residential Planned Unit Development Potential zoning changes identified during the community P Park / Open Space planning process are summarized UI Urban Industrial on page 21.

15 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 15 Land Use Category Matrix

During the cluster planning process, discussions about future land To help participants understand zoning during the short time uses were organized around a matrix of categories representing frame of a community meeting, the Planning Team presented possible future uses for vacant property. Three general categories land uses as a series of categories with visual precedents — Housing, Open Space and Mixed Use — correspond to general illustrating a variety of scales, contexts and materials. Some zoning district types, while a series of sub categories enabled precedents were sites within the neighborhood, helping to make residents to make more refined choices about the scale, character and the exercise more meaningful and accessible to participants. type of future land uses they envisioned for their neighborhood. The alternative land use plans produced in the first cluster The current zoning for Homewood does not accurately reflect the meetings informed the scenarios that were produced for review at actual existing conditions and uses of the neighborhood. Mismatched the second meetings. The land use exercise was well-received and zoning categories may impede future development, limiting the types was a valuable tool in developing detailed visions for each cluster. of uses that could be proposed for the community even if the desired uses once existed on the site. Well-tuned zoning is an important tool that a community can use to guide future development and prevent Land Use Categories: Mixed Use certain uses from being introduced in neighborhood. Neighborhood-serving retail uses, such as a corner grocery store, barber shop, dry cleaner, etc., serve residents within a 5-10 Housing Open Space Mixed Use minute walking distance. Small-scale live/ Renovate Rebuild Green Urban Recreation Ecological Neighborhood Large-Scale Existing Existing Residential Agriculture Serving Retail Employment make uses may include artisan or specialty Patterns or Live/Make manufacturing, allowing the occupant to live and work in the same location. Artisan Manufacturing

Renovate Existing Houses New Single Family Houses Pocket Neighborhoods Urban Agriculture Recreation Park Space Urban Meadow Artisan Manufacturing /Retail Technology Industries Large-scale employment uses may include green and/or technology industries, specialty manufacturing and/or larger

Homeowner Sideyards New Single Family Houses One Story Cottages Community Garden Playground Reforestation Small Neighborhood Retail Specialty Manufacturing oce space. These uses typically require large, contiguous parcels of vacant land and ideally would be sited in existing urban

New Townhouses Large Lot Single Family Houses Passive Park Space Stormwater Management Grocery Store Oce Space industrial zoning districts. Green Industry

16 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Land Use Categories

Land Use Categories: Housing Land Use Categories: Open Space This category includes eorts to Urban agriculture uses include small- to renovate existing houses that are large-scale farming on vacant lots or deemed to be structurally sound and/or community gardens serving nearby architecturally signiﬁcant, and highlights neighbors. the ability of homeowners to purchase neighboring vacant lots through the City of Pittsburgh's Sideyard Program. Renovate Existing Houses Urban Agriculture

When it is recommended for areas Recreational open space includes both with large amounts of vacancy to be active (ﬁelds, courts, etc.) and passive rebuilt with new inﬁll housing — at a (gardens, benches, sculpture, etc.) scale, density and lot size similar to uses. Small-scale recreational uses may the surrounding context — the goal is include playgrounds and tot lots. restoring the integrity of a street to its historic, fully-built condition. New Single Family Houses Recreation Park Space

Ecological open space makes formerly- Green residential housing refers to vacant land more productive. An urban new inﬁll houses built on larger lots and meadow planted on a vacant lot will at a lower density than housing in the increase habitat. Reforestation of a surrounding context. It may include a hillside helps to stabilize the slope. Well- cluster of housing built around shared sited rain gardens, built on vacant land, open space or a community garden. will reduce runo and ﬂooding in the It could also incorporate smaller-scale Stormwater Management surrounding area. Pocket Neighborhoods houses such as senior cottages.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 17 Consensus Vision Plans

Consensus Vision Plan Components The neighborhood-wide consensus vision plan brings together all of the Final Consensus Plans cluster plans created for all ten clusters. The plans are cluster-speciﬁc, but initiatives can generally be organized into four overarching themes that emerged during the planning process: ēƎ Zoning Changes,

ēƎ Open Space Improvements, New housing along Finance Street ēƎ Business and Institutional Core, and ēƎ Housing. Each theme is summarized graphically, for the entire neighborhood, in the following pages. At cluster boundaries, there could potentially be conﬂicting information and/or non-compatible propositions. Where they exist, inconsistencies should be addressed, reviewed and developed in greater detail by the aected Cluster Associations as future planning and development occurs. Historic bank building in Homewood's Business This document provides a general overview and Institutional Core of recommendations developed through the cluster-based planning process. For more detailed, cluster-speciﬁc information, refer to the individual Consensus Vision Plans and Reports that are available through Operation Better Block at: http://obbinc.org/cluster-planning/

18 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 7

2 5

Business and Institutional Core 8 9 4

1 3 Housing infill at existing density Renovate existing housing New green residential Trails / Consensus Vision Plans open space The drawing above integrates the ten individual Cluster Plans into a neighborhood-wide Ecological Consensus Vision Plan. The Community Initiatives Chart on page 9 summarizes the initiatives, illustrated above, that were identified for each cluster during the community Small-scale planning process. live/make

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 19 Zoning Change Recommendations

Zoning Change Recommendations R1A-VH R1D-L R2-L The diagram on the facing page summarizes zoning recommendations that were identiﬁed during the cluster planning process. Zoning initiatives typically fell into one of the following categories: ēƎ Neighborhood Retail, ēƎ LNC Extensions, ēƎ Hillside Preservation, or ēƎ Residential Zoning Changes. Each category is explained in greater detail in RMM LNC the following pages. Next Steps To start implementing the above recommendations, explore the following steps: ēƎ Meet with Homewood's Neighborhood Planner to discuss the recommended zoning changes. Examples of single- and multi-family ēƎ Collaborate with Homewood's City UI housing, local neighborhood commercial Council representative to build support and urban-industrial buildings for the proposed zoning initiatives.

20 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Apple St

Lincoln Ave Explore Neighborhood Explore Neighborhood Retail Stranahanzoning for existing St Retail zoning for existing storefront buildings storefront buildings Consider hillside preservation on 2 steep topography

Washington Blvd 6 Brushton Ave

N Murtland St N Homewood Ave N Lang Ave

1 7 Frankstown Ave Business and Institutional Core 3 Extend LNC along Zoning change to Frankstown Avenue Urban Industrial Hamilton Ave 5

4 Oakwood St MLK Jr East Busway

N Braddock Ave Explore Neighborhood Retail zoning for existing storefront buildings LNC Extensions Zoning change to 9 Hillside Preservation Urban Industrial Rosedale St Residential Zoning Changes

Pitt St 0 550 1100 N

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 21 Zoning: Neighborhood Retail and LNC Extensions

Neighborhood Retail LNC Extensions When Homewood had a larger population, it was common for some Local Neighborhood Commercial (LNC) zoning allows for mixed-use buildings, containing ground-ﬂoor storefronts and upstairs mixed used within a neighborhood-scaled business district. apartments, to be located at key intersections or along secondary Portions of North Homewood, Brushton and Frankstown neighborhood corridors. These storefronts housed neighborhood- Avenues are full of mixed-use buildings but the LNC zoning serving retail, corner stores and mom-and-pop businesses, providing district is discontinuous and does not entirely capture all of residents with quick and easy access to essential items. the existing businesses along those streets. LNC zoning along Many historic storefronts are currently vacant, but when demand Frankstown Avenue is especially fragmented. for Homewood buildings increases, community members would To encourage the development of a thriving mixed-use support reusing storefront spaces for neighborhood-serving uses. business district, in the heart of Homewood, residents and The challenge is that many storefront buildings are located in other neighborhood stakeholders would like the LNC district to residentially-zoned areas and cannot accommodate neighborhood- completely capture mixed-use areas along Frankstown Avenue, serving retail uses without a zoning change. This condition is and all of the storefronts along Homewood and Brushton common to many neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh. Avenues. Creating continuous LNC-zoned corridors, in those During the Cluster Planning process, designated areas, Homewood residents developed the will facilitate concept of "Spot LNC Zoning" to permit future mixed-use neighborhood-serving retail uses in development and existing storefront buildings nestled into help revitalize the residential areas. In a follow-up Planning neighborhood's Team meeting, the Neighborhood Planner core business suggested that a new "Neighborhood district. Retail" zoning category could allow a limited set of commercial uses in existing storefront spaces, in residential districts: coee shops, cafes, corner stores, restaurants, laundromats, etc. To advance Beleza Community this concept, OBB should continue to work Continuous LNC districts, with active storefronts and Coeehouse, in Pittsburgh's with the Neighborhood Planner and City a pleasant streetscape environment, create an inviting, Mexican War Streets Council representative to draft legislation. pleasant and coherent pedestrian experience.

22 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Open Space Recommendations

Open Space Recommendations Next Steps

Well-maintained open space is a sought To start implementing these initiatives, the after amenity for any neighborhood. During following steps should be explored: the Cluster Planning process, Homewood ēƎ Research current ownership and residents provided feedback as to the location potential acquisition strategies for and characteristics of desired open space targeted vacant property as well as providing feedback about existing ēƎ Partner with organizations already open space in the neighborhood. Open space doing this type of work (i.e. Nine initiatives generally could be organized into Mile Run Watershed Association., the following categories: GTECH Strategies, Grow ēƎ Trails, bike lanes and Busway Pittsburgh, etc.) Publicly owned vacant property ēƎ Ecological open space and stormwater ēƎ Research resources and funding management techniques opportunities for short term vacant ēƎ Network of parks and gardens lot clean up eorts and other open ēƎ Streetscape improvements space recommendations In this section, each category is explained in greater detail and accompanied by precedent photos. Cluster-speciﬁc open space initiatives are graphically summarized on the facing page.

Homewood residents creating a community garden

24 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Zoning: Hillside Preservation and Residential Zoning Changes

Hillside Preservation Residential Zoning Changes Challenging topography in a few Homewood clusters makes it The current Homewood zoning map does not accurately reﬂect dicult and expensive to maintain neighborhood infrastructure, existing, on the ground, uses. In some parts of the neighborhood, which often serves only a handful of houses. In some instances, large, contiguous areas containing single-family homes are existing slopes are too steep to build on and are in need of a zoned as a high-density residential or mixed-use district. In stabilization and reforestation program. Some areas are also contrast, some areas adjacent to the Business and Institutional undermined, making it unsafe and/or expensive to build new core are zoned for low-density uses, making it dicult to take full structures. Many of these locations are currently zoned as advantage of the potential for larger-scale, mixed-use, transit- residential districts, which permits new development, by right. oriented development. Many residents participating in the Cluster Planning process Stakeholders and residents suggested that Homewood's zoning would like to preserve, stabilize and reforest the neighborhood's map needs to be updated, and a composite overview of cluster- steep slopes. One tool for preserving and stabilizing hillsides speciﬁc zoning recommendations is summarized in this report. is the Hillside zoning district designation. Hillside zoning is the During the Cluster Planning process, a portion of the future most restrictive category allowing very few uses by right and Animal Rescue League site was rezoned, extending an existing protecting areas that are not suitable for intense development Urban Industrial district to better accommodate the project. as environmental or scenic resources. While this concept was discussed at length during cluster meetings, residents did not prioritize that slopes be immediately rezoned as Hillside districts, but they were open to rezoning as a future possibility.

Challenging topography should be protected and reforested. This view is from Apple Street, in Homewood, looking New single-family homes southward over the on Susquehanna Street, in neighborhood. Homewood.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 23 Apple St

Lincoln Ave Preserve hillsides withStranahan ecological St open space Trail along ecological open space at railway edge Wind turbine field Large neighborhood at vacant lots 2 park with event space

Washington Blvd 6

N Murtland St N Homewood Ave N Lang Ave Brushton Ave Bike lane along 1 Kelly Street 7 Business and Frankstown Ave Institutional Core

Hamilton Ave Streetscape improvements Enhance gateways 5 along Frankstown Avenue into Homewood 4 MLK Jr East Busway

8 Oakwood St

N Braddock Ave Trails, bike lanes, and Busway improvements Ecological open space and stormwater 9 Network of parks and gardens Improvements to East Busway stops / stations Rosedale St Streetscape improvements

Capture stormwater Pitt St 0 550 1100 N along Busway edge

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 25 Open Space: Trails, Bike Lanes and Busway & Ecological Open Space

Trails, Bike Lanes and Busway Ecological Open Space and Stormwater The East Busway is an important asset to Homewood, providing During the public engagement process, residents identified areas reliable public transportation to downtown Pittsburgh. Community experiencing flooding throughout Homewood. Ecological open members strongly supported improvements to Homewood and space was proposed at those locations to help alleviate damage Wilkinsburg Stations, along the East Busway, to make them more from excess stormwater runo. Ecological open space may functional, safe and attractive as community assets and to help include replanted and stabilized slopes that are too steep to be support future transit-oriented development in the neighborhood. developed, or urban meadows that help create habitat and allow Improvements to Homewood Station were also studied in greater stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. These green amenities detail as part of the Homewood Station Transit Oriented Development create attractive and functional amenities for the community. Study (2015) which ran concurrently with, and was guided by, the Cluster Planning process. In addition to creating ecological open space, the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association participated in the cluster planning In some clusters, residents requested trails be created to connect open meetings and alongside the residents, developed stormwater spaces to improve pedestrian mobility throughout the neighborhood. interventions in Cluster 7 and along Rosedale Street in Cluster Where possible, trails should be multi-modal, adequately-sized to 9. On-street interventions include stormwater planting beds that accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. On-street bicycle lanes along capture rainwater runo and help beautify the streetscape. Kelly Street were discussed at Cluster Planning meetings.

Precedent photo of a complete street with trac lanes, bike Reforestation Urban Meadow lanes and pedestrian walks

26 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Open Space: A Network of Parks and Gardens and Streetscape Improvements

Network of Parks and Gardens Streetscape Improvements Cluster meeting participants voiced concerns about the lack Residents and stakeholders voiced a need for improved of usable open space in Homewood. The cluster vision plans streetscapes throughout Homewood for safety and addressed this issue by proposing a network of smaller parks and beautification purposes. The following improvements were gardens throughout the neighborhood. Community gardens repeatedly requested: and playgrounds topped the list of open space improvements, as ēƎ Updating underpasses that feel unsafe and often flood, long as these spaces could be well-maintained. ēƎ Adding site furniture along main thoroughfares (benches, A large neighborhood park was proposed in Cluster 2, creating trash receptacles, etc), an event space on Frankstown Avenue. This park would serve ēƎ Improving street lighting in high crime areas, and the entire neighborhood by providing a variety of amenities. ēƎ Enhancing gateways into Homewood. Maintaining and expanding Baxter playground, on Frankstown Additionally, bike lanes and stormwater management Avenue, was proposed. Residents wanted to decommission the techniques should be integrated into the design of streetscape Homewood North parklet because of its steep topography and improvements to address the community's concerns about lack of view corridors into the park, contributing to illicit activity. flooding and alternate transportation.

Passive Park Space Playground Streetscape improvements needed to existing underpasses in Homewood

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 27 Business & Institutional Core Recommendations

District Identity District Qualities Create a regional African-American cultural In the Business & Institutional Core, public ēƎ History is very important and should destination in Homewood's Business & meetings focused primarily on the future be celebrated as part of the district Institutional Core identity of the district and the uses that identity. could support that identity. Participants ēƎ Homewood should celebrate Concurrent District Planning were asked to consider relevant categories African-American culture while also In addition to the Cluster Planning process, of uses and how they could best be welcoming and including all cultures. two project ran concurrently and were distributed within the area. Meetings ēƎ The district should be compact and informed by the Cluster Planning Process: concentrated on Local Neighborhood walkable to focus and define it as a ēƎ The Homewood Station Transit Commercial uses rather than broader land destination and make it accessible to Oriented Development Study focused uses, as in other clusters. seniors and kids: people of all ages. ēƎ There should be a support structure on development and infrastructure The following qualities were specified and improvements around Homewood for helping local entrepreneurs create agreed upon by attendees as being vital to new enterprises and grow existing Station, and creating a cultural destination: ēƎ Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment businesses. Group's East Busway Corridor ēƎ The district should be a regional — ēƎ The physical environment should be Revitalization Project focused on transit even national or global — destination upgraded including improvements oriented development policy. for African-American culture. to: streetscapes, business district ēƎ At the same time, the district should gateways, Stargell Field, the Busway Mission of the Homewood-Brushton also include services, goods and underpass at Homewood Avenue, Business Association groceries to meet the daily needs of and the pedestrian overpass connecting to Westinghouse Park. To foster the development and growth of the area residents. ēƎ Public safety needs to be addressed, Homewood-Brushton business community, ēƎ African-American culture should enhance its visibility, and preserve its history by be broadly defined to include food, both mitigating crime and changing increasing the capacity of businesses by providing music, theater, visual arts, literature, the negative perception of potential access to capital, industry information, technical sports, goods and services. visitors. assistance and business support. www.homewoodbiz.org

28 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Past Planning Eorts Money Mart Check Cashing Jones Printing The Bridging the Busway plan (2011) engaged Strong’s Cleaners Dorsey’s Digital Imaging community members and other stakeholders to create an asset-based planning vision, Brushton Ave building on indigenous strengths, to promote Henderson’s Barber Shop N Braddock Ave Homewood’s business district as a celebrated Images/ Kisha’s Restaurant Homewood Senior Center destination for African-American culture, Rosings Lounge Bus Depot Collier St institutions, businesses and entrepreneurship. Homewood Hair & Beauty Supply Homewood Coliseum Willie Tee’s Barber Shop

Homewood 1 Stop Shop Frankstown Avenue In December 2012, Operation Better Block Bennett St Homewood Gazebo Park Sterrett St N Homewood Ave held 2 community visioning meetings DJ’s Lounge Bible Center Church Bethesda Presbyterian Church Kelly Street Carrone Baptist Church with approximately 60 residents and other Homewood AME Zion Church

Homewood House Dana’s Bakery Hamilton Avenue stakeholders in attendance. Meeting Nique’s Candy Land Lounge 7101 PNC Bank CCAC participants imagined possibilities for the Building United of SW PA Metro PCS Wireless

Operation Better Block YMCA future of their community and described Salik Hardware Homewood Children’s Village Zenith Way M.L.K. Jr. East Busway Community Empowerment what Homewood would be like in 2022. The Association Holy Rosary Church Finance Street

Carnegie Library Homewood Station emerging vision included: (Senior Housing) Center for Spirituality Afro American ēƎ Restoring a vibrant mix of retail with Music Institute N Lang Ave Stargell Field restaurants, shops, a supermarket and Busway Stop entertainment options ēƎ Creating a cultural center focused on Existing businesses in the Business & Institutional Core, at the time when planning for this Homewood's rich history cluster was underway, as illustrated in the Business & Institutional Core Cluster Report. ēƎ Celebrating African-American culture, while also welcoming and including all cultures ēƎ Establishing a safe, family-friendly, and green place to walk, hear music and see art ēƎ Creating a new Homewood brand

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 29 Homewood Business & Institutional Core: Massing

Commercial Vacant Retail Mixed Use, 3 Stories Institutions Idlewild Street Consider Zoning Change to LNC Churches Forest Way for existing and new businesses

Bennett Street Frankstown Avenue

Felica Way Kelly Street

Hamilton Avenue

Sterrett Street Mixed Use, 3 Stories N Lang Ave Mixed Use (60' or 4 Stories) Collier Street

N Homewood Ave 1500' Radius from Station Zenith Way N Braddock Ave

Brushton Ave

Busway

Massing Diagram Mixed-use buildings dominate the Core with a height of 4 stories nearest to Homewood Station (zoning allows for greater height due to transit proximity) and 3 stories along Homewood and Frankstown Avenues. Consider changing zoning in the RM-M district along Frankstown to LNC to encourage new business uses.

30 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Homewood Business & Institutional Core: Priority Inﬁll

High Priority Infill Idlewild Street

Forest Way Low Priority Infill (Unless Large Project Emerges) Bennett Street Frankstown Avenue

Felica Way Kelly Street Mid Priority Infill

Hamilton Avenue

Sterrett Street

N Lang Ave High Priority Infill

Collier Street

N Homewood Ave

Zenith Way N Braddock Ave

Brushton Ave

Busway Commercial Priority Infill Diagram Vacant Retail Prioritize infill adjacent to Homewood Station and at the intersection of Homewood and Institutions Frankstown Avenues. Assign secondary priority to infill on the remainder of Homewood Avenue. Frankstown Avenue should be the lowest priority for development unless a Churches compelling, large-scale project emerges.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 31 Homewood Business & Institutional Core: Priority Uses Priority Uses The following uses within each of the categories were deemed most relevant and valuable by community members and stakeholders during CULTURE & the Business District cluster planning meetings: ENTERTAINMENT FOOD & GROCERIES Culture & Entertainment ēƎ Music Venue Definitely ēƎ Event Venue ēƎ Restaurants/ Bars ēƎ Museum Food & Groceries ēƎ Grocery Store ēƎ Coee Shop ēƎ Specialty Foods SERVICES ēƎ Farmers Market GOODS Services ēƎ Laundry ēƎ Business Incubator ēƎ Community Kitchen Cultural Resident ēƎ Car Repair Maybe NotMaybe Good Idea ēƎ Salon/ Barber Shop Destination Needs Goods ēƎ Art Gallery ēƎ Drug Store ēƎ Jewelry Summary Use Diagram ēƎ Convenience Store The diagram above illustrates how the categories of uses ēƎ Sporting goods, hobbies, books presented to the community were ranked in relation to furthering and music the vision of the Core Business and Institutional district as a ēƎ Gasoline regional African-American cultural destination.

32 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Homewood Business & Institutional Core: Strategies

Idlewild Street Existing Cluster of Nightlife Destinations Upgrade District Streetscape Forest Way Possible Larger Bennett Street Development Site Frankstown Avenue

Felica Way Kelly Street Existing Event Venue

Hamilton Avenue Priority Music & Food Venue

N Lang Ave Possible larger

Collier Street development site N Braddock Ave

N Homewood Ave Brushton Ave

Zenith Way Commercial Busway Vacant retail Institutions Churches Business and Institutional Core Use Scenario Priority for Cultural and Entertainment Uses Concentrate new Cultural and Entertainment uses — Arts, Music and Food Venues Strengthen existing uses — along Homewood Avenue with Frankstown Avenue providing a secondary cluster Goods and Services spread throughout of nightlife destinations. Good and Services can be spread throughout the cluster and around the existing services on Frankstown and Brushton Avenues. Upgrade district streetscape

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 33 Business & Institutional Core: Creating a Business Directory & Buying Local Recommendations Create a Business Directory Cluster Planning participants provided additional recommendations To promote and support "Buying Local" in Homewood, for establishing the Cultural Identity of the Business District, which are residents and stakeholders suggested that a neighborhood- explained in greater detail below: speciﬁc business directory be created. This directory would ēƎ Create a Homewood Business Directory list all Homewood businesses, provide addresses and contact ēƎ Buy Local information and map locations. ēƎ Improve the Streetscape Posting the directory on-line, and in highly visible locations, is These recommendations involve both short- and long-term actions important to successfully reach a broad audience of potential and are explored further in the Business & Institutional Core's Cluster customers. Participants suggested posting a directory at Vision Consensus Plan document. Homewood Station, sharing it on other community websites and linking to event listings. The directory should be kept current as a living resource that community members can use to ﬁnd valuable amenities and resources within their own neighborhood.

Existing view along Homewood Avenue's Example of integrated wayﬁnding Business & Institutional Core signage and business directory

34 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Business & Institutional Core: Streetscape Improvements Buy Local Improve the Streetscape To strengthen the Business & Institutional Core, Homewood To support the vision of a fully-revitalized Business & Institutional residents are highly encouraged to "Buy Local." This means Core, Cluster Planning participants strongly supported the supporting existing businesses within the community rather than idea of improving the streetscape along North Homewood spending the same dollars elsewhere. and Frankstown Avenues. Recommended elements include a street furnishings package, providing amenities such as benches, During the Cluster Planning visioning sessions, residents trash receptacles and plantings, as well as improved lighting and and other stakeholders agreed that buying local would save widened sidewalks to accommodate outdoor seating. transportation costs, lessen environmental impacts by reducing or eliminating driving times, and aid in keeping Homewood a Residents and stakeholders felt that improvements to unique neighborhood with a strong local identity rooted in small, Homewood Station would further enhance the pedestrian community-based shops. Local businesses also help create jobs experience and help support redevelopment in the Business & within the community since they often utilize the services of Institutional Core. neighborhood-based printers, attorneys, bankers, caterers, etc. By providing a pleasant, high-quality, coherent pedestrian experience for residents and visitors alike, existing and proposed businesses along Homewood and Frankstown Avenues would be positively aected. An improved streetscape encourages pedestrian activity and helps reduce crime while also enhancing the public realm. Next Steps OBB has developed and strengthened several partnerships with the HBBA, Urban Innovation 21, and the URA. These groups are all focused on strengthening the business corridor from activities such as providing grants and technical support to new and existing businesses, focusing on and improving the pedestrian experience along the business corridor and at transit

Perry's Honeydripper Grocery in Homewood provides stops, and sharing resources to develop N Homewood Ave and residents access to locally sourced/ ready made food Frankstown as the cultural destination that it once was.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 35 Housing Recommendations

Housing Recommendations Next Steps

Homewood residents provided feedback as To begin implementing these to the location and type of housing initiatives recommendations, the following steps that should be implemented throughout the should be explored: neighborhood. Recommendations from the ēƎ Assess vacant property to assess Cluster Planning process fall into the following structural integrity. Mothball categories: buildings with structural integrity ēƎ Renovate existing vacant homes ēƎ Prioritize strategic code enforcement ēƎ Build new infill homes to match the and possible demolition when a density of the existing context vacant structure is in severe disrepair, ēƎ Build new infill housing at a density that is ēƎ Prioritize renovations through lower than the existing context partnerships and connect individuals ēƎ Provide a diversity of housing types and groups to identify housing Housing recommendations, involving both renovation resources short- and long-term initiatives, are explained ēƎ Invite interested developers to in greater detail, with precedent photos, in cluster association meetings to each cluster-specific report. discuss Cluster Vision Plans

36 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Apple St

Lincoln Ave

Stranahan St

Preserve hillsides with ecological 2 open space and focus infill on streets with more homeowners

Washington Blvd 6

N Murtland St N Homewood Ave N Lang Ave Brushton Ave 7 1 Business and Frankstown Ave Institutional Core

Hamilton Ave 5

MLK Jr East Busway Provide density and a variety of 4 housing options in the Business Oakwood St & Institutional Core 8

N Braddock Ave Rehabilitation of vacant homes Infill at existing density 9 Infill at lower density

Rosedale St Diversity of housing types

Pitt St 0 550 1100 N

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 37 Housing: Renovation Strategy & Inﬁll at Existing Density

Renovate Existing Vacant Homes Infill at the Existing Density Homewood's existing housing stock is similar in size and character to At the first meeting for each cluster, residents and other coveted housing in other Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Unfortunately, stakeholders participated in a future land use planning activity. many homes are currently vacant and in varying states of disrepair. Working over an existing conditions map, community members decided where infill housing, at the existing density, was critical In the short term, residents feel that creating a Vacant Property in order to strengthen the neighborhood. In most clusters, infill Strategy is the most important initiative, detailing precisely which housing was proposed on streets that were mostly intact with existing vacant buildings in each cluster area should be: renovated in only a few vacant lots. When this category was recommended for the near future, mothballed and preserved as a future rehab project, areas with significant vacancy, the goal is reestablishing a similar or demolished. number of houses as used to be on the street. Community members strongly supported building new infill housing if it was built to a similar scale, character, density, and lot size, when compared to the surrounding context. They cautioned against using inferior construction methods, demanding high- quality materials for new houses. Each cluster association should identify priority infill housing sites, within their area, and work with developers to guide new construction projects.

Existing housing stock along Race Street New Single-Family Houses New Townhouses

38 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Housing: Inﬁll at Lower Density & Diversity of Housing Types

Inﬁll at a Lower Density (Green Residential) Provide a Diversity of Housing Types During the Cluster Planning process, residents and other Community members felt strongly that a mix of housing types stakeholders agreed that not all vacant lots should be developed should be created in Homewood, when and where development at the ratio of one unit for each available parcel — in some occurs. Housing need to be aordable but must also serve a instances, a lower-density solution would be more appropriate. range of current and future residents. New inﬁll housing, with larger lots and a lower density than During the Cluster Planning process, residents suggested the surrounding context, was proposed as a solution. New developing a variety of housing types including: "Green Residential," built at a lower density than the historic ēƎ One-story cottages around a shared green space, neighborhood, may include single-family homes or a cluster of ēƎ Multi-family houses, housing built around a shared open space or community garden. ēƎ Small apartment buildings, Green Residential development could also incorporate smaller- ēƎ Senior housing, and scale houses, such as senior cottages, adding to the diversity of ēƎ Apartments in mixed-use buildings. housing in Homewood.

One-Story Cottages Large Lot Houses New mixed use senior housing building on Homewood Avenue

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 39 Next Steps

From an organizational perspective, the continued community outreach, and ēƎ Building United of Southwestern following steps are advised to continue bring other resources to the table. While Pennsylvania, engaging residents in discussions about future cluster associations organize to work ēƎ Community Empowerment development in Homewood: towards shorter-term wins, OBB will work Association, hand-in-hand on longer-term project ēƎ Homewood Concerned Citizens Form Cluster Associations implementation. For example, OBB can Council, Each cluster has the opportunity to develop a acquire tax-delinquent vacant land for ēƎ Homewood Renaissance cluster association. Cluster Associations may future park space and bring potential Association, dier in how they are structured and operate, housing developers to cluster associations ēƎ Operation Better Block, Inc. from cluster to cluster — this is not a one-size- for discussions with local residents. ēƎ Rosedale Block Cluster, and ﬁts-all approach. In fact, Clusters 8 and 9 have ēƎ Save Race Street Committee. The goal of creating Cluster Associations joined to form a combined Association. is not only to see each cluster plan vision The Collaborative's purpose is helping each organization continue with its Cluster Associations are intended own implemented, but also to help residents independent leadership and agenda, and evolve the Cluster Plan Vision over stabilize their blocks, become agents and also creating a forum where they time, helping to guide development as of change and create a resilient social can coordinate eorts and facilitate it evolves in each cluster. They will work network that enhances the community’s uniﬁed development — throughout with community partners on shorter-term strength and vitality. Homewood — addressing community implementation projects, such as: connecting needs comprehensively and holistically. eligible homeowners to the sideyard program, Support Homewood's The Collaborative, acting as a cohesive identifying priority vacant lots for grass-cutting Community Development team, will have a greater, more meaningful or a targeted clean-up, and participating in a Collaborative impact than the individual organizations 311 blitz to clean up vacant lots en masse. Several Homewood stakeholders recently acting on their own. OBB is providing technical assistance to joined forces to bring much-needed support the associations — it will be an change to the neighborhood. Seven ongoing partnership. OBB will set up space organizations form the Homewood for meetings, create informational and Community Development Collaborative: outreach materials, build relationships through

40 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Available Resources

A variety of resources are available for the Rain Barrel Give-Away wide clean-up where volunteers come Homewood community. On the following from near and far. Another event that The Nine Mile Run Watershed pages, resources discussed during Cluster OBB sponsors in the Dick’s Sport Goods Association (NMRWA) is giving away Planning meetings are listed and briefly Pittsburgh Marathon. Every year, OBB 200 free slim,"Hydra" rain barrels to summarized, with contact information hosts a water station at mile marker 18. Homewood residents. MNRWA is also so that residents can learn more about The Marathon has quickly become one planning to build a stormwater infiltration specific initiatives. of the most anticipated and celebrated feature on a vacant corner lot at the events in Homewood. intersection of Oakwood and Batavia, to help control localized flooding. Visit www. 3. Bridge to Benefits helps identify, educate, Homegrown Project rosedalerain.com for more information. qualify and enroll financially-struggling Every Homewood resident is eligible to families to receive public benefits. The receive free, raised-bed planters, dirt and OBB Projects & Programs goal is connecting residents to available seeds at their home. Applications were The following OBB programs are available community services and public benefits distributed and are available through OBB. to all Homewood Residents: through a community-wide education Visit https://phipps.conservatory.org/green- campaign and strategic door-to-door innovation/in-the-community/homegrown for 1. Each cluster has the ability, with OBB’s outreach. By utilizing mobile Benefits more information. assistance, to develop and maintain Banks® enrollment, OBB completes a cluster association. Comprised of residents and property owners, their role is prioritizing initiatives identified in each respective Cluster Vision Plan, completing each Plan’s short- term implementation projects and partnering with OBB to act on longer- term initiatives. 2. OBB hosts several annual community events throughout the neighborhood. Charity Bauman (right) of Phipps' Homegrown These vary from block clean-ups to a Project and Homewood residents display vegetables Michael Hiller of NMRWA explains that 200 free rain from their raised bed gardens. Photo courtesy of twice annual Redd-Up community- barrels are available for Homewood residents. Phipps Conservatory.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 41 Available Resources

enrollments, make referrals and performs Through strategic partnerships with The Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief case management duties. The overarching other organizations, JGC provides Program (Act 77) is for residents who goal is helping residents access available its youth with access to the green are at least 60 years old, have an annual services and benefits and avert financial industry and an opportunity to create income of $30,000 a year or less (counting crisis while moving towards financial a better tomorrow. just half of Social Security or Railroad stability and self-suciency. 5. OBB is committed to ensuring the Tier One benefits) and have lived in and implementation of the completed owned their current Allegheny County Cluster Plan for Homewood. One residence for at least 10 years. These means for accomplishing this is senior citizens can be eligible for a 30% strategically promoting community reduction on their County tax bill. and economic development in the Financial Counseling and interest of Homewood’s current residents. OBB is working to acquire Homeowner Preparation and renovate vacant houses, and NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania partner with other groups to bring (NWPA) creates greater neighborhood tenants into commercial spaces in wealth, providing access to financial Homewood’s core business district. education, coaching and community leadership development. NWPA Junior Green Corps after a neighborhood clean up day Property Tax Reductions programs and services include homebuyer The Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion education workshops, financial 4. The Junior Green Corps (JGC) (Act 50) is a program that reduces your education workshops, the eHome online provides Homewood youth, ages 14-19, assessed market value by $18,000 for homeownership program, budget and with structured activities that improve County taxes only. To qualify, you must credit counseling, a foreclosure prevention their physical environment, equip them be the owner and occupy the dwelling as program, a youth financial literacy program for leadership roles in the community your primary residence. The application and a leadership development program. and provide them with opportunities to deadline is March 1 of each year and you Visit http://www.nwwpa.org/programsServices.htm explore green collar jobs and careers. The do not have to reapply each year. Once for additional information. JGC targets youth who face economic, you have filed, your exemption will remain educational or personal barriers such, in eect until you sell/transfer the property as deficiencies in basic literacy skills, or change your occupancy. parenthood and minor legal issues.

42 Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan Sideyard Sale Program Homeowner Repairs Homeowners living next to overgrown, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh repairs publicly-owned, vacant lots no longer and renovates the homes of low-income, have to look out the window and cringe. elderly homeowners, military veterans, The City of Pittsburgh, in cooperation and individuals with permanent physical with City Source Associates, introduced disabilities. You may qualify for assistance a low-cost way for residents to acquire if you: are at least 60 years of age, or have neighboring vacant lots. Once the lot is a documented disability, or are a military purchased for a minimum fee, the owner veteran, and are the homeowner of record can transform the lot into a garden, for an Allegheny County property who is parking pad, deck, etc., in compliance with current on all real estate taxes and earns local zoning regulations. Homeowners less than 150% of the Federal Poverty will increase the size of their property Guidelines. Visit http://www.rtpittsburgh.org/ and the value of their home, but they contact/homeowner-info/ for more information will also enhance the appearance of their and to see if you quality for the program. neighborhood. For more information and to see if you qualify, call (412) 255-2300. Free or Reduced Legal Services Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) strives to ensure access to justice by providing free “civil” legal services to low-income individuals and families. NLS was created to address the lack of basic legal assistance in civil matters for those without the means to hire a private attorney. Visit http://www.nlsa.us/about/we_ do.html for more information.

Homewood Cluster Planning | Neighborhood Vision Plan 43 Homewood Cluster Planning is a project of Operation Better Block, in collaboration with Studio for Spatial Practice

For more information please contact Operation Better Block 801 N. Homewood Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208

412.731.1908 www.obbinc.org

OPERATION BETTER BLOCK

Photos from the Neighborhood planning process