West Pittsburgh Community Action Plan a COLLABORATIVE VISION for FUTURE GROWTH and ENHANCEMENT

Home , Fairywood (Pittsburgh), Sheraden (Pittsburgh), West End (Pittsburgh), Windgap (Pittsburgh)

West Pittsburgh Community Action Plan A COLLABORATIVE VISION FOR FUTURE GROWTH AND ENHANCEMENT

Prepared for the West Pittsburgh Operation Weed and Seed Steering Committee by Jackson/Clark Partners and Studio for Spatial Practice

SPRING 2010 2

Acknowledgements Jackson/Clark Partners and Studio for Spatial Practice would like to thank the West Pittsburgh Operation Weed and Seed Steering Committee For more information for the opportunity to be part of this landmark collaborative project. regarding the planning Operation Weed and Seed is a public safety initiative funded through the process contact: U.S.Department of Justice, Community Capacity Development Office to reduce gun and drug crime and increase community stability. In the Pat Clark, Project Manager City of Pittsburgh it is a partnership with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Jackson/Clark Partners U.S. Attorney of Western Pennsylvania and community stakeholders in 412.583.3211 federally-designated sites. [email protected] Thanks to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Kim Graziani, Weed and Seed Project Director, and Liz Style and Rebecca Kottler-Wein, Weed and Seed Coordinators in the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Theresa Kail-Smith, For more information Councilwoman, District 2 and her staff and Senator Wayne D. Fontana for regarding community providing funding support. planning initiatives and how you can get involved, Special thanks to the community members who volunteered their time contact Operation Weed as neighborhood project managers for the planning process: Johanna and Seed Coordinators in Murphy, Donna Washington, John Paul Jones and Chuck Tanner, and the the Office of Mayor Luke residents, business owners and community leaders of West Pittsburgh Ravenstahl: who participated directly in the planning process.

Liz Style Our team would also like to acknowledge the life and service of the late 412.255.4772 Elmer Clark who freely gave his time to improve the neighborhood [email protected] of Elliott and create a better West Pittsburgh.

Rebecca Kottler-Wein 412.255.4773 [email protected]. pa.us 3

Contents page 2 Acknowledgements page 3 Contents page 4 Project Overview page 5 Community Plan Overview page 6 Vision and Mission page 7 Strategies Overview page 8 Strategy 1: Capacity and Resources page 10 Strategy 2: Communications and Marketing page 12 Strategy 3: Housing page 14 Strategy 4: Environment page 16 Strategy 5: Transportation and Connectivity page 18 Strategy 6: Business Districts page 20 Strategy 7: Community Health and Safety page 22 Phasing Matrix page 24 Chartiers City: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 25 Crafton Heights: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 26 Elliott: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 27 Esplen: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 28 Fairywood: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 29 Sheraden: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 30 West End Village: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities page 31 Wind Gap: Assets, Challenges and Opportunities 4

Project Overview

The West Pittsburgh Community Action Plan is a project of the West Pittsburgh Weed and Seed Steering Committee and is funded by Senator Wayne D. Fontana. The planning process includes the communities of Chartiers City, Crafton Heights, Esplen, Elliott, Fairywood, Sheraden, West End Village and Windgap. The initiative is community driven and is being managed by the West Pittsburgh Weed and Seed Steering Committee and the Neighborhood Restoration Subcommittee with facilitation and planning services provided by Pittsburgh-based Jackson/Clark Partners and Studio for Spatial Practice.

Weed and Seed Overview Operation Weed and Seed is a comprehensive, joint law enforcement and community investment strategy designed to help make communities safer, so that other resources will be attracted to those communities.

A multi-agency strategy to “weed out” violent crime, gang activity, drug use, and drug trafficking in targeted high-crime neighborhoods, Operation Weed and Seed also “seeds” the target area by helping to restore those neighborhoods through social and economic revitalization.

Operation Weed and Seed is a partnership of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the U. S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania and community stakeholders in federally-designated sites. 5

Community Plan Overview The West Pittsburgh Community Action Plan initiative began in the Summer of 2009 as an opportunity to unify the eight West Pittsburgh neighborhoods around a common vision and to provide a framework for continued community growth and enhancement.

Residents, business owners, community organizations and partners in West Pittsburgh provided leadership and input to create the first-ever collaborative community-based plan. Through 40 one-on-one interviews, a community survey, 3 collaborative innovation sessions, interactive community meetings and bi-weekly team meetings over 7 months, the neighborhoods of West Pittsburgh have come together to develop a shared understanding of their own strengths and challenges, and a unified strategy for moving forward.

A key goal of the planning process was to actively and directly engage the citizens and partners of West Pittsburgh to create projects that will change the community from within—and in the process, help residents across the 8 neighborhoods learn to work together, build trust, create immediate results and position community members as leaders in the future development of West Pittsburgh—all of which will be needed to attract the resources necessary for continued and sustainable progress.

Full results of the interviews, surveys and innovation sessions can be found in the appendix of the community plan and are also available online at the West Pittsburgh Planning website: http://westpittsburghplan.com 6

Vision and Mission Vision “Just like the old tree in Sheraden – many branches into one trunk.”

A healthy, safe prosperous and diverse community that works together to serve the needs of all residents and attracts new homeowners, businesses, visitors and customers.

Mission To create a unified strategy for progress in the West Pittsburgh communities that builds on our past successes, leverages our assets and utilizes the combined strengths of our neighborhoods to build a greater community that can better achieve each of our goals. 7

Strategies Overview Organizing for Success Information gathered during the Community Planning Process was organized into seven main strategy areas that will help to guide and focus continued community efforts. Residents and partners are developing citizen-driven Action Teams for each of these strategy areaa that will serve as a critical resource for increasing capacity, achieving immediate outcomes, building community expertise and ensuring direct involvement in implementing the community plan. The seven strategy areas include:

1. Capacity and Resources residents/volunteers, funding, leadership, community development organizations, planning 2. Marketing and Communications external marketing, inter- and intra-community communication and relationship-building, race relations 3. Housing housing stock, renters, owners, property 4. Environment greenspace, parks, streetscape, trails, gardens 5. Transportation and Connectivity cars, busses, trails, access, travel, commuting 6. Business Districts stores, restaurants, services, markets, customers 7. Community Health safety, employment/training, community activities, social services 8

STRATEGY Capacity and Resources Existing Conditions The eight neighborhoods included in the collaborative community plan came together “Everyone talks about formally for the first time through the Weed and Seed Program. Several have small Lawrenceville. I keep saying neighborhood-focused community organizations, some have no formal neighborhood Lawrenceville wasn’t born organization and only one has a staffed community development organization. No single that way. I keep telling established organization focuses on all of the West Pittsburgh neighborhoods as its current people we can get there.” mission, although at least one organization, Westside United, is in the initial stages of establishing itself around that mission. “…it needs to be about doing things.” Working relationships between the neighborhoods have largely been fragmented, outside of the Weed and Seed initiative, with most organizations speaking only for their own community. Previous multi-neighborhood partnerships—including a formalized partnership between Elliott and the West End Village—were established, but not sustained. There are also a limited number of 501(c)3 community-based organizations within the neighborhoods, although most have faith-based organizations that maintain a level of community presence, some of which have community-directed programming and capacity. Community athletic leagues have long served as a source of community resources and connections. Capacity, participation and trust have been persistent challenges within West Pittsburgh. A lack of organizational staff is reflected in the fact that only one community organization regularly pursues and received foundation and other grants. Many neighborhoods and organizations express the need for more accessible venues to hold meetings and organizational participation is too often by the same limited number of core volunteers and board members who have run and regularly attended community meetings for years. The most effective community mobilizers in the past have been reactionary in nature: controversy surrounding the We Have program and, most recently, the proposed strip club on West Carson Street. Analysis The Weed and Seed Program has served as a new organizational infrastructure, bringing together residents of the eight West Pittsburgh neighborhoods to work on shared interests as well as individual neighborhood priorities. The goal of building trust and developing greater capacity through “strength-in-numbers” is a real possibility, but only if those outcomes can be sustained beyond the end of the Weed and Seed Program. 9

The time is ripe for creating a formalized organization with a multiple neighborhood Resources mission. Whether that organization can endure is dependent on significant buy-in from the West Pittsburgh communities. Such an umbrella organization should have an effective Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) is committed to building professional board, a defined mission and strategic plan, the ability to attract funding and and strengthening effective community- secure staff, and the capacity to build participation and trust within these communities. based organizations through training, The collaborative planning process broadened participation by residents, including new individualized consulting services, referrals, and publications. participants as well as individuals who previously disengaged from community activities. Increased participation levels provide resources and volunteers that will help West Contact: Karen Brean, Executive Director Pittsburgh neighborhoods address current and future challenges. Continuing engagement 412-231-2811 and effective organizational meetings are essential to building participation, buy-in and [email protected] community support. Community participation will be strengthened by real, visible and www.ctaconline.org immediate outcomes from the community planning process – nothing succeeds like success. Community Action Teams, based around the seven strategy areas, should strive The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management provides affordable, for success with demonstration projects that build capacity and attract broader support. practical and effective management and governance tools, information, education Recommendations & research that strengthen nonprofit missions and capitalize on all investments 1. Build cooperation, strive for collabora- identifies resident assets, and encour- of time, talent and money made in tion, treat one another with respect, ages volunteerism and civic participation. regional nonprofit organizations. know your neighbors better, volunteer 4. Establish, coordinate and promote events your skills, don’t waste one another’s in each neighborhood, as well as an Contact: Yvonne Van Haitsma, ESC time and keep your eyes on the prize. annual all-neighborhoods West Coordinator 2. Create an outreach and civic Pittsburgh event. Create and publicize (412) 397-6000 engagement team that focuses a calendar of community events. [email protected] exclusively on reaching out to the 5. Develop a structure, leadership, fund- http://www.rmu.edu/bcnm community and developing a database of ing and staff for an umbrella com- active citizens. Use e-mail, phone calls munity organization that allows West and regular outreach at neighborhood Pittsburgh neighborhood organizations events to build attendance at important to collaborate, build capacity, pursue For more information on Capacity and community meetings, attract new new sources of funding and build trust Resources resources, please see the participants and recruit volunteers. across communities. Resources Appendix. Track, report and strive to increase West 6. Establish a regular fundraising Pittsburgh voter participation levels. event that allows local residents 3. Develop a program of regular community and businesses to support community civic survey outreach to residents that development efforts and take a lead regularly assesses neighborhood needs, role in community investment. 10 Marketing and Strategy Communications Existing Conditions That West Pittsburgh is comprised of eight distinct and diverse communities is both a “Look at what we have source of strength and one of the area’s greatest challenges. Strong neighborhood ties here. We have everything create a sense of ownership, loyalty and pride for individual communities but also result in you could imagine here.” a sense of separation and limited understanding across the communities. Racial divisions and class tensions exist and have historically been hurdles to progress. Many of the communications issues in West Pittsburgh stem directly from a lack of understanding or knowledge about the progress that is currently being made and the unique assets that exist within each community. There is a real opportunity for improving communications just by helping each community gain a better understanding of its West Pittsburgh neighbors. In contrast to other parts of the City, such as the East End and the Northside, there is no single, widely-recognized brand for this part of town. It is alternately referred to as the West End Village (as opposed to the specific neighborhood), West Pittsburgh, Westside (popular among young residents) or even “this side of the river.” The lack of a unifying name reflects the fact that residents have historically identified primarily with their particular neighborhood more than the broader area. This helps to explain why little is generally known about the West Pittsburgh neighborhoods by other City residents. Local residents consider the West Pittsburgh neighborhoods to be one of the City’s best-kept secrets. Analysis West Pittsburgh has a great story to tell, both to itself and to the rest of the City. There is a real opportunity to build trust and momentum through shared communications and marketing strategies that highlight community assets. Communicating successful projects and efforts would be a good first step to attracting the human resources—new community volunteers, business owners, homeowners and funders—needed to support continued community-building progress. Focus on West Pittsburgh’s assets and opportunities including affordable housing, investment opportunities, the appeal of “the country in the city,” the proximity to Downtown and Pittsburgh International Airport, and the West End Overlook which has the best view in town. 11 Parks and open space

Transit

Resources Downtown views Pittsburgh City Living Web Site (http://pittsburghcityliving.com) is easy to use and the content is community driven, with ongoing input, information, Affordable testimonials and pictures provided by neighborhoods neighborhood residents who serve as their community’s own ambassadors. Easy airport Contact: Megan Steerman access (412) 255-65076 [email protected]

Neighborhood businesses PGH SNAP (http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/ snap/) is the City of Pittsburgh’s online neighborhood data and information Map Key Recommendations resource. Anyone can access this information from the City of Pittsburgh’s residential 1. A new community newsletter provides 3. Develop a marketing and branding web site. neighborhoods the first real opportunity for cross- campaign highlighting the best of West Contact: Department of City Planning neighborhood promotion and informa- Pittsburgh to the larger Pittsburgh commercial 412-255-2200 tion exchange. Design and launch a community, specifically targeting visitors, districts http://www.pittsburgh.pa.gov grass-roots inter-community communi- realtors, homeowners, young families, parks and cation plan including a general informa- artists, immigrants, new businesses hillsides tional take-away, web site community and investors. rivers and events and specific neighborhood-based 4. Marketing and outreach should creeks content for the newsletter. highlight the outstanding views, access For more information on Marketing and 2. Build community-wide consensus about to urban wilderness, affordability, Communication resources, please see the community Resources Appendix. resources a brand, or name, for the West Pitts- transportation access, and neighborhood burgh area to identify this part of the business districts. City, similar to the way the Northside 5. Identify specific resources to and East End serve their respective assist in improving race relations group of neighborhoods. Use the name throughout West Pittsburgh clearly and consistently for marketing neighborhoods and continue to build purposes to build awareness of the West working partnerships that bridge Pittsburgh neighborhoods as a place to traditional community divisions. live, work and play. 12

Strategy Housing Existing Conditions The diversity of housing runs across a spectrum unrivaled by other parts of Pittsburgh. “I know that people would 1970’s tract homes with swimming pools and a suburban feel in Windgap and Chartiers City move to this neighborhood, contrast with Elliott’s densely housed urban hills, and the stately Victorian housing of they absolutely will come Crafton Heights compliments the affordable smaller homes of Esplen. Even within a single if you give them reason to neighborhood—Fairywood—the small-town feel of the cluster of older homes sits just down the come.” road from the large Emerald Gardens rental development. This diversity creates a distinctly residential feel; there’s a place that will feel like home to pretty much everyone. Housing challenges include significant residential foreclosure rates and a persistent loss of traditionally stable owner-occupied homes to speculation by absentee rental investors. Vacant properties and code violations are a persistent complaint even in more stable neighborhoods, while Esplen faces some of the greatest challenges in the City with abandoned property desperately in need of demolition and/or stabilization. Home buyers not purchasing in West Pittsburgh reflects the broader challenge of this part of town; even the best things about these communities are largely unknown to much of the rest of the City. Analysis Other Pittsburgh neighborhoods with similar, solid housing stock regularly attract new residents and first-time home buyers eager to renovate existing homes. West Pittsburgh is well-positioned to compete for these customers, with an available inventory of quality housing that is clearly more affordable than neighborhoods in the East End and the North Side. Getting word out to realtors and homebuyers regarding the housing values in West Pittsburgh is an essential first step in stabilizing and strengthening the residential market. Regularly monitoring foreclosures and finding market-based solutions to compete with absentee speculators will provide further stabilization. A systematic approach to community monitoring and follow- through on code violations is essential, as is building effective relationships with Bureau of Building Inspection staff and elected officials. Better partnerships with elected officials and innovative approaches to demolition are essential to improving areas with a high volume of problematic abandoned properties. Where large scale demolition is necessary, a neighborhood land use planning process should detail community priorities for reclaiming greenspace, building new housing or other uses. 13 Work with the City to address code violations, Esplen problem landlords and Windgap hazardous properties Chartiers City Continue successful community-based efforts at marketing Sheraden and maintaining the Create a streetface local housing stock program targeting Resources Lorenz Avenue The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) helps hundreds Pittsburgh residents buy a home or improve their Target renters with Fairywood Elliott classes for first- Leverage existing home through a variety of Home Buyer Loans, Home Improvement time homeowners Pursue the development views towards marketing the Loans, Tax Abatement, Resources, and of transit-oriented hous- Crafton West End ing options near Sher- Heights Village local housing Homes for Sale that vary in features aden Station stock and eligibility. Contact: Sharon Taylor (412) 255-6677 Work with the City to [email protected] address code violations, http://www.ura.org problem landlords and hazardous properties The Bureau of Building Inspection (BBI), Code Enforcement Division Map Key Recommendations (CED) monitors and ensures compliance with various city codes and ordinances. residential 1. Establish West Pittsburgh as Pitts- 6. Maintain, monitor and work with the neighborhoods burgh’s unknown residential gem and City to address code violations, prob- Contact: Bureau of Building Inspection rivers and actively partner with realtors to make lem landlords and hazardous proper- (412) 255-2175 creeks sure that home buyers seeking value ties. Leverage citizen action against http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/BBI and quality know to “Go West.” the proposed “gentleman’s club” on 2. Encourage home ownership with regu- West Carson Street to mobilize citizens lar classes for first-time home buyers, for consistent adherence to process, targeting current neighborhood renters, enforcement and compliance on permit- For more information on Housing including Emerald Gardens residents. ting, building codes and zoning. resources, please see the Resources 3. Create a streetface improvement pro- 7. Establish a prototype home buyer rehab Appendix. gram targeting high-visibility residential program on a small number of proper- corridors, such as Lorenz and Brunot ties. Encourage the purchase and rehab Avenues. Take creative inspiration from of housing stock by supporting local the “painted ladies” of San Francisco. entrepreneurs with training, tax credits 4. Create a program such as “The West and regular reporting on foreclosed and Pittsburgh Promise = a house for every affordable home purchase opportunities. PGH Promise college graduate.” 8. Develop a West Side Community Home 5. Provide outreach and training to develop Investment Fund to compete success- good landlords and responsible tenants. fully with absentee housing speculators. 14

Strategy Environment Existing Conditions West Pittsburgh neighborhoods are blessed with remarkable views, untamed hillsides, riv- “I have deer and wild turkey ers and streams on three sides, and some of the largest swaths of parks and greenspace in right in my front yard. the city. Even the neighborhood names – Windgap and Fairywood – evoke a unique sense of It feels like I live in the urban wilderness that is Pittsburgh’s unique hallmark among American cities. But environ- country and I am 5 minutes mental challenges persist, including limited access to the creeks and rivers, parks left too from downtown.” long without basic maintenance, miles of creekside greenspace that is overgrown with in- vasive knotweed, and a legacy of flood contamination in Fairywood. The urban environment also benefits from a distinctly residential streetscape throughout most neighborhoods, as industrial areas are largely clustered into districts at community margins. However, where this is not the case, along the West Carson corridor and the Crafton Heights gateway along Noblestown Road, the negative community impact is substantial. Most of the local business district streetscapes contain vacancies, lack in design quality, and have poor lighting and signage. In general, degraded public infrastructure tends to contribute to further decline, although the West End Village district has made steady improvements. Analysis The substantial raw potential for greenspace improvements can best be approached by creating a community-driven land use plan that includes greenspace, parks, waterways and urban farming opportunities. The community’s parks will be better-utilized with infrastructure repairs, better maintenance and programming. While West Pittsburgh enjoys the City’s best vistas, that fact should be marketed and employed to better benefit the community. Impor- tant partnership opportunities exist to help realize greenspace opportunities, allowing the community to take advantage of existing best practices, additional volunteer capacity and expertise. Partnerships with Friends of the Riverfront and ALCOSAN will provide resources for improvements along Chartiers Creek, while active engagement with G-Tech Strategies and the Mayor’s Vacant Land Initiative can provide immediate and long-term improvements for vacant lots. Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest can help with street tree plantings. A comprehensive approach to business district improvements, including building facade improvements, zoning and building code enforcement, marketing support and business recruitment, can improve safety and image issues, build relationships with existing businesses, and appeal to new customers and businesses. Enhance 15 Clean up the mouth of Chartiers Creek Chartiers Chartiers Mcgunnagle to provide improved public access Creek and Playground Playground provide public Sheraden access Chartiers Creek Park

Plan for the Hold an annual, environmental Ohio River all-neighborhoods clean up and event at the West community- End Elliott Overlook driven rede- Resources velopment of The Green-up Pittsburgh Program Broadhead West-End aims to stabilize city-owned vacant lots Manor Elliott Overlook Plant street and converts city-owned blighted vacant Broadhead Broadhead trees along lots into stable, community green spaces, Manor Park Fording Park Lorenz Avenue thereby transforming the city’s liabilities into assets. Restore Chartiers Stratmore Contact: Christy Berger, Community Playground Creek and its Enhance Outreach Coordinator (412) 255-8680 watershed Saw Mill Run [email protected] Hershel and provide Dunbar Playground Playground public access The Mayor’s Green Guide includes Thaddeus Stevens information on the services provided by Elementary the City, on recycling, other “greening West End Wabash resources.”Visit: http://www.city. Village Park Park pittsburgh.pa.us/pw/html/recycling.html Recommendations to download this document. Map Key 1. Use and promote the community park ronment Day on June 5, 2010. This can be Contact: Lindsay Baxter, resources for regular public events, con- an important first step for environment- Sustainability Coordinator Parks certs and reunions. Capitalize on the West based community engagement. (412) 255-2254 End Elliott Overview park for a highly-pro- 5. Work with the City of Pittsburgh and [email protected] Hillsides moted, annual, all-neighborhoods event. the Housing Authority to address the 2. Partner with Friends of the Pittsburgh abandoned “ghost town” of Broadhead Citizens Against Litter is a loosely Rivers and Urban Forest to plant street trees along Manor, including environmental clean up connected group of Pittsburgh residents Creeks Lorenz Avenue, up to the West End El- and the development of a community- and merchants who are involved in the liott Overlook, and on other important driven plan for restoration or reuse. Proposed Redd-up movement across the City and City bike and neighborhood corridors. 6. Work with Venture Outdoors to estab- regularly schedule clean-ups. 3. Partner with adjacent neighborhoods, lish outdoor recreation programs, aimed pedestrian Contact: Boris Weinstein trails municipalities and organizations to at young people and families, that make (412) 688-9120 undertake a greenspace enhancement use of neighborhood parks and streams. [email protected] plan that includes the restoration of 7. Establish neighborhood walking, biking www.citizensagainstlitter.org. Chartiers Creek and Saw Mill Run, pro- and trails clubs. Hold regular clean up http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/ tection of hillsides and increased access days and provide anti-litter education. redduppgh/resources.html to rivers, parks and trails. 8. Strive to ensure that future community 4. Create a Community River Clean Up Day development and investment is ap- For more information on Environmental to provide basic river access to the mouth proached with the triple-bottom-line in resources, please see the resources of Chartiers Creek in time for World Envi- mind: environment, equity and economy. Appendix. 16 Transportation and Strategy Connectivity Existing Conditions The West Pittsburgh communities have a legacy of serving as a transportation hub—particu- “The question is how larly for rail transit—and transportation continues as a core strength and opportunity for the does the West End Village neighborhoods. Easy access to Downtown and to the airport corridor is a tremendous, under- become better connected utilized asset for West Pittsburgh communities. Yet the outside perception for many is that – how the West End Village West Pittsburgh neighborhoods are remote and cut-off from the rest of the City. Community communities should connect gateways are unremarkable or unkempt and do little to establish a positive impression, and and how the West End connections across the eight West Pittsburgh neighborhoods can often be challenging, particularly for those using public transportation. Chartiers Avenue, West Carson Street and other key corridors serve as daily commuter routes. Strategic improvements along these corridors and gateways would improve people’s perception of the West Pittsburgh area. Poor transportation access particularly impacts Fairywood, where fragmented roadways essential- ly make it a cul-de-sac community, and in Esplen, which is confined on three sides by railroad rights of way. Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure into and within the West Pittsburgh area is inconsistent, discontinuous and largely lacking for daily, commuter and recreational use. Analysis Significant progress is already underway to take better advantage of this access and to improve transportation connections. Substantial capital investment in the West End Village Circle will improve flow and access, while new trail initiatives have the potential to link communities together and to regional trail networks. The recent designation of the area around Sheraden’s West Busway stop as a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) study zone is the first step toward building a comprehensive redevelopment plan that leverages the existing public transportation resource. A detailed, community-driven transportation plan should be undertaken to encourage transit-based redevelopment along the West Busway and West Carson corridor, improve traffic flow and connections (including across neighborhoods – expanding and integrating the trail system), increase river recreation access points and identify opportunities for the mass transit corridors serving the airport to benefit the adjacent neighborhoods. Improvements in gateway signage and design at community entrance gateways, combined with more consistent and aggressive code violation enforcement in key corridors, could quickly enhance the community’s image. 17 Enhance Leverage railroads Enhance neighborhood and flat land towards neighborhood gateways green development gateways and job creation Leverage West Busway stop towards Adon

Chartiers Allendale transit-oriented Windgap development

Enhance gate- Windgap Corliss ways and provide Middletown Tunnel Resources W. Carson Street pedestrian/bike Chartiers The Department of City Planning Berry infrastructure, Corliss Leverage starting with West works with neighborhoods as a one stop railroads Brodhead Chartiers Fording Prospect Carson Street shop for all planning needs. This includes and flat land everything from facilitating community towards green Center West End the comprehensive transportation plan development Steuben Lorenz Village Ingram for the city (MOVEPGH) to identifying and job Stratmore creation Steuben E. Steuben federal and state funding available to assist communities in transitioning from

West Busway planning into implementation. Noblestown Crafton Enhance gateway Contact: Patrick Roberts, Transportation Planner Complete the SWEET 412-255-2224 trail and enhance the [email protected] Noblestown Noblestown/Crafton http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/ Avenue corridor Contact: Stephen Patchan, Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Map Key Recommendations 412-323- 0150 industrial 1. Upon the completion of final Transpor- 4. Create a bicycle infrastructure connect- [email protected] areas tation Oriented Development reporting ing West Pittsburgh neighborhoods and from PennDOT, undertake an implemen- accommodating commuter access to rivers and Bike Pittsburgh is a member-based tation plan that leverages transporta- downtown Pittsburgh. Provide continu- creeks organization that works to protect tion for positive redevelopment impact ous, attractive pedestrian infrastructure cyclist’s rights and promote the vision West Busway in all West Pittsburgh neighborhoods, as well, starting with West Carson Street. transit stop of making Pittsburgh a safer and more but especially for the historic Sheraden 5. Leverage existing railroad lines as a enjoyable place to live and to ride proposed Station business district. resource in terms of providing freight City bike and 2. Improve neighborhood gateways and access for light industrial and ware- Contact: Bike Pittsburgh pedestrian corridors, such as West Carson and Corl- housing businesses. The railroads and 412-325-4334 trails iss Streets, with clear signage, better adjacent vacant or underutilized land [email protected] railroads landscaping and design, beautification could be used to attract new businesses and enforcement of zoning violations. and green industries, providing local 3. Complete the existing SWEET trail proj- jobs. Federal transportation dollars are ect. Work to expand the neighborhood increasingly going towards railroads as For more information on Transportation network by linking to regional trails and a means for freight transport. and Connectivity resources, please see developing trails along Chartiers Creek. the Resources Appendix. 18

Strategy Business Districts Existing Conditions The Pittsburgh region’s population loss has meant fewer customers and retail businesses, “…a Shadow Lounge kind and smaller business districts in the West Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The remaining business of place... that would be districts tend to have a high percentage of vacancies, poor lighting and some unattractive awesome up there.” building facades. West End Village and Sheraden have the most substantial remaining business districts, though even those are modest, and smaller clusters of businesses serve customers in Elliott, Crafton Heights and Chartiers City. Destination retail remains only in the West End Village, where there are a number of thriving specialty businesses. However, the communities are largely underserved by basic professional and retail services, and residents rely on shopping centers in the suburbs, or in other parts of the City, for consumer staples. Light industrial and warehouse businesses continue operating in the Chartier Creek corridor in Esplen and Fairywood and along the West Busway. These businesses provide jobs, but they could be better tapped for community partnerships and support. While Esplen businesses have a strong relationship with the community, the development of the industrial park entirely cut some businesses off from the rest of the neighborhood. Even the businesses in the West Busway corridor, in spite of their proximity to both Elliott and Sheraden, are largely divorced from adjacent neighborhoods. Sheraden Station businesses would especially benefit from the patronage of employees working in the nearby Corliss Business Park. Analysis Most of existing retail districts should focus on providing local neighborhood services, with Sher- aden and West End Village positioned as comparatively larger scale districts serving a broader customer market. Before courting new businesses, residents should recognize and support their existing businesses. Core businesses help stabilize districts, attract new businesses and draw in customers from beyond the local neighborhood. Existing businesses should play a key role in planning and implementing business district improvements, and recruiting new businesses. In- dustrial corridor businesses should be proactively engaged in neighborhood redevelopment pro- cesses, particularly those with community and charitable resources, including Giant Eagle and Comcast. These businesses could provide training, vocational education and jobs development opportunities. Further analysis of the industrial corridors by sector could identify opportunities for business cluster development, or for recruiting in specific sectors, including green economy 19 Engage the local community Windgap / and retailers to enhance the Chartiers City Sheraden businesses Station local business district offerings

Engage the Develop a transit-oriented local community retail strategy for Sheraden and retailers to Station enhance the local business district Develop a retail Resources offerings strategy for Elliott’s business The Taking Care of Business Districts district that ties Program (TCOB) works with business into marketing district leaders and owners to prioritize Sheraden for the West End businesses needs and select streetscape items to Elliott Overlook install in the area. Contract: Christie Berger, Community Outreach Coordinator 412-255-8680 Engage the West End Village [email protected] local community Crafton and retailers to Elliott Heights business enhance the local businesses The Urban Redevelopment Authority business district district of Pittsburgh (URA) encourages and offerings directs private investment in business and business facilities in Pittsburgh Recommendations Contact: Tom Link Map Key Business Development Center 1. Engage business owners and develop a 4. Develop a retail market assessment and 412.255.6669 business peer support program to better share recruitment plan that provides a strat- districts [email protected] resources, market businesses, develop egy for neighborhood business district http://www.ura.org/index.html rivers and customer data and actively represent improvements, leverages Transporta- creeks businesses in implementing the commu- tion Oriented Development planning, Contact: Quianna Wasler nity plan. and establishes redevelopment plans for Façade Improvement Program 2. Work with the City and County to create a Sheraden Market Square and a West 412.255.6550 a tax-incentive program for facade and End Village Elliott Overlook approach [email protected] building rehabilitation. The West End Vil- that tie into the local business districts. lage is currently part of the Mainstreets 5. Create a list of priority vacant retail spac- program. Pursue Mainstreets and Elm es and related landlords. Partner with Street District status for Sheraden’s busi- landlords to attract new tenants especial- ness district and the surrounding neigh- ly in existing local business districts. For more information on Business District borhood. 6. Target health care and other profession- resources see the Resources Appendix. 3. Undertake a storefront art program to als, artists and nonprofits. Promote com- provide immediate improvements to munities’ affordable, available commercial vacant retail district spaces. Engage lo- space where there is no existing competi- cal students, artists, cultural nonprofits tion and a ripe market for their services. and universities. Promote local artists 7. Market vacant retail spaces to artists with events, tours and partnerships. and nonprofits that are increasingly priced out of other areas of the City. 20 Community Health Strategy and Safety Existing Conditions Safety is a prevalent concern in West Pittsburgh communities, particularly for older resi- “A nice rec center with a dents and business owners. In recent years, the community has made targeting crime a swimming pool—we need main focus. Many areas have become safer, but it varies from neighborhood to neighbor- that here.” hood, and some areas still have the perception of crime. After decades of declining population, sustaining foot traffic for businesses is a challenge, especially after-dark. West Pittsburgh is home to many churches serving diverse congregations, but there is less community participation than in the past. Langley High School provides a strong community tradition and serves as a resource for technical training and continuing education. However, the future of the school is uncertain. There is good access to senior-oriented services in most areas, but a real absence of healthcare facilities. The lack of youth-oriented activities is also seen as a problem that contributes to crime. As in most of the United States, jobs for local residents are an issue, but there is a general lack of ties between the community and the businesses located in West Pittsburgh neighborhoods. West Pittsburgh has some of the most established and active sports leagues in the City, providing a significant opportunity for community engagement, recreation and health. Analysis Addressing safety concerns is always a first step to community stabilization and positive redevelopment efforts; people have to feel secure in their community. The Weed and Seed program exists to provide just these types of solutions, making it all the more essential that the community makes good use of these resources. A comprehensive approach to safety includes physical enhancements, such as improved street lighting in business districts, along with resources and activities for young people in need of constructive outlets. It also addresses the underlying causes leading to crime, particularly education, training and employment. Langley High and other schools provide opportunities for building better, neighborhood-driven programs to support young people and provide a clear path to employment. Employment opportunities should focus on creating neighborhood-based jobs, starting with the employers already in West Pittsburgh. Identifying businesses in the area’s light industrial and warehouse districts, and finding and attracting new green industry businesses, can serve as key parts of a community-based employment strategy. 21

Resources The Zone 6 Police Station serves the West Pittsburgh communities. Zone 6 officers are available to residents and community groups to develop strategies to keep this are safe. Contact: Kenny Stevwing Community Resource Officer 412-937-3051 [email protected]. pa.us

The mission of Grow Pittsburgh is to demonstrate, teach and promote responsible urban food production Contact: Grow Pittsburgh Map Key Recommendations 412-362-GROW (4769) [email protected]. rivers and 1. Partner with an organization with expe- projects, such as community clean-ups, http://www.growpittsburgh.org/ creeks rience in urban agriculture to launch a gardening and trail development. Work growpittsburgh/ community community garden project in 2010 with with and support community organiza- resources * resources and training for home garden- tions already working with young people. ers, community nutrition education and 6. Establish neighborhood youth centers reported the distribution of fresh, local foods. providing accessible after-school re- crimes (2008) 2. Update housing and create job training sources and recreation for neighborhood and employment opportunities through students. Explore the potential of utiliz- weatherization programs. Commit to ing Greenway Middle School’s extensive creating 10 new jobs per year. recreational facilities to serve as a larger, 3. Recruit partner organizations to provide centralized host facility. For more information on Health and leadership development resources for com- 7. Recruit and engage with health-related Safety resources, please see the Resources Appendix. * community munity organizations, leaders and young service providers. resources include people. Establish Whale Done, a good citizen 8. West Pittsburgh could be the star neigh- libraries, churches, and etiquette programs for young people. borhood of the Pittsburgh Promise restaurants, post 4. Create a signature cross community program. Organize an annual West Pitts- offices, senior cen- activity such as a community-wide yard- burgh Promise Cotillion to reward gradu- ters, schools, etc. sale or block-party type event. ating seniors eligible for scholarships. 5. Create targeted youth programming. 9. Cultivate stronger community support Engage youth directly in community for Langley High’s football games. 22

Phasing of the West Pittsburgh Community Action Plan Year 1 Use the plan to get organized. Establish a West Pittsburgh Working Collaborative to work together on a few, modest multi-neighborhood projects to establish first successes, increase participation, build trust and determine the need for an official multi-neighborhood West Pittsburgh umbrella organization.

• Implement the action teams, continue to work through the Weed and Seed sub-committees, and evaluate options for a formal umbrella organization • Get the additional help you need through PYLA, The Open Door, and Pittsburgh Cares volunteers, and by working with AmeriCorps, Coro, PULSE and Leadership Pittsburgh service programs. • Enlist volunteers and encourage more attendance at community organization meetings • Get businesses more engaged and organized; fix up a vacant storefront and identify a location for an after-school center • Increase support for The Hub Town News and take some next steps to improve neighborhood communications • Build relationships with local realtors; develop a plan with the City to begin demolishing dangerous properties and commit to increasing code compliance • Kick-off a community health initiative with a health fair at Langley High and grow community gardens in at least three neighborhoods • Enlist young people on community clean-ups—start by cleaning up the mouth of Chartiers Creek in time for World Environment Day in June • Set as a core community goal that more West Pittsburgh students will become Pittsburgh Promise scholars than any other part of the City. • Continue trail development; use PennDOT's final Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) report to leverage transportation improvement to benefit the neighborhoods 23

Year 2-3 Once organized, get to work on the heavy lifting. Determine if / how to proceed with transforming the West Pittsburgh Working Collaborative into a formalized umbrella organization, and agree upon the structure, board and staffing capacity needed. Phase 2 will focus on building the organizational capacity needed to continue progress on the projects started by Action Teams in Phase 1, continue building the trust and participation that moves those projects forward to success, and to provide a working structure that will continue to serve the West Pittsburgh communities after the end of the Weed and Seed Program. Develop detailed, community-driven plans, including marketing, land-use and transportation, then go after the resources needed to succeed for each of those plans.

Year 3-5 Now that the tools needed to succeed are in place, make sure the rest of the City learns about the great things in West Pittsburgh through the good work being done. Move into the final phase of the community plan by building a strong, collaborative organization, detailed plans and the resources needed for each of the communities to succeed. Start implementing the priority projects from each of the detailed plans, continue to build resources (funding, staff, partnerships) that enable continued progress. Create a strategic plan for the next five years. 24 “People here take care of their property.”

Assets CHARTIERS CITY • Quiet, stable, suburban living right in the City—a sense in Chartiers City (as in Windgap) that they’re doing things right here CRAFTON HEIGHTS • Houses here don’t stay on the market long ELLIOTT • Windgap was originally developed by Black professionals • Two houses remain from the historic African-American district—the Red ESPLEN Row—near Chartiers Creek next to the Wind Gap Bridge FAIRYWOOD • Good access to McKees Rocks and its business district • Chartiers playground and school offer recreational amenities SHERADEN Challenges WEST END VILLAGE • Few activities for kids, particularly in the winter, and the local athletic WINDGAP program now struggles • Recent shooting in 2009 renewed community safety concerns • A sense that property values are higher in Wind Gap than in Chartiers City • There are no sidewalks and few street trees in the neighborhoods: “we don’t want to pay to maintain them” Opportunities • Chartiers City could benefit from niche marketing that leverages its African-American heritage • Windgap Chartiers Athletic Association could play a renewed role in youth recreation and services • Resident entrepreneur is looking to develop a senior day center facility • A former schoolhouse was converted into apartments on Centralia • An incomplete house on Prosser Street could be completed, refurbished or demolished 25 “We can afford to own a house and have a large family.”

Assets • The South West Eco-Environmental Team (SWEET) trail could be the first step CHARTIERS CITY in a multi-neighborhood trails network leading to Chartiers Creek and beyond • Dozens of new street trees were recently planted along Crafton CRAFTON HEIGHTS Boulevard as part of the Treevitalize program ELLIOTT • The area around Martera Place has some of West Pittsburgh’s highest value housing stock ESPLEN • Inexpensive real estate FAIRYWOOD Challenges SHERADEN • Significant commercial vacancy in business district along Stratmore Street • Delinquent landlords, persistent code violations and ineffective enforcement WEST END VILLAGE lower housing values WINDGAP • Lack of continuous sidewalks along Crafton Boulevard • Fluid neighborhood boundaries cause confustion: “The northwestern portion of the neighborhood used to be considered Sheraden” and “The area around Martera Place was once part of Sheraden” • A need for a “safe haven” location • Crime; need for Weed and Seed cameras at Stratmore and Crafton due to crime • Better and consistent access to water is needed to care for the new trees along the trail Opportunities • Add trail signage • The Open Door is building better connections between young people and the community through the SWEET trail team • Interest in local agriculture and gardening • Interest in a better mix of businesses to take advantage of the high-traffic location and quality architecture in the Stratmore business district—there is enough right-of-way space along Crafton Boulevard for an outdoor cafe 26 “We have very strong athletics here.”

Assets CHARTIERS CITY • West End Elliott Overlook has the City’s best views of Downtown and the rivers • Elliott has a wealth of parks: Herschel Playground, West End Village CRAFTON HEIGHTS Park, Townsend Playground and the West End Elliott Overlook ELLIOTT • The West End Elliott Overlook regularly hosts events and performances • Westlake is a relatively new senior center and residence located at ESPLEN Lorenz and Crucible FAIRYWOOD • Western Herschel Street has old, maintained homes and wonderful views • Steuben Street offers an amazing panorama of hills cluttered with hous- SHERADEN es set against the dramatic backdrop of Downtown skyscrapers WEST END VILLAGE • Elliott plays an important role in local history WINDGAP Challenges • Too many bad landlords • Not enough for youth to do in Elliott • Youth congregate in the empty lot next to the West End-Elliott Community Council office in the evening • Drug activity is a concern • Many “missing teeth” along Lorenz Street, which leads directly to the West End Elliott Overlook—the approaching streetscape and environment do not reflect the grandeur of the view • Many older residents cannot afford to maintain their homes – the Paint Your Heart Out program was used in Elliott, helping seniors get homes painted • Significant vacancy in the Lorenz/Chartiers business district Opportunities • The business district at Lorenz and Chartiers offers a prime opportunity to build a revitalized gateway to the Overlook • Focus streetscape and building rehabilitation efforts along Lorenz Street, starting at Chartiers and leading up to the West End Overlook • Plant street trees along major roads – participate in the Treevitalize program • Create useful open space at or near the Lorenz/Chartiers Street intersection • Create greenways along abandoned, steep hillsides near St. Mary’s Cemetery • Use the Overlook for an all-neighborhoods West Pittsburgh annual event 27 “Outside of rush hour, Esplen is less than 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.”

Assets • Esplen has the only residential real estate on Carson Street outside CHARTIERS CITY of the Southside • The commercial district in McKees Rocks is easily accessible CRAFTON HEIGHTS • Chartiers Creek is the largest Three Rivers tributary stream in Pittsburgh ELLIOTT • A good partnerships exist with McKees Rocks • Esplen is organized around community action: there used to be many nuisance ESPLEN bars and crime but community action effectively limited incidents and FAIRYWOOD helped close the worst offender bars • Outside of rush hour, Esplen is less than 15 minutes from downtown SHERADEN Challenges WEST END VILLAGE • The neighborhood is surrounded by water and rail lines • Limited organizational capacity: “We can’t get money” WINDGAP • Esplen Community Council purchased the Tabor Street Methodist Church, intending to convert it into a community/senior/childcare center, but couldn’t afford to maintain it • Building code compliance is a continuing problem, and it’s hard to get condemned and dangerous properties demolished • Access to West Carson can be dangerous due to fast-moving vehicles, heavy traffic and Esplen’s unique, narrow strip configuration • Railroads along the hillside and riverfront make river access, and possibly residential development, difficult • Though prohibited, heavy trucks drive up Tabor Avenue for convenience Opportunities • Partner with McKees Rocks, the Chartiers Nature Conservancy and municipalities along the Creek to Washington, PA to make the restoration of Chartiers Creek a reality. Start by cleaning up the Creek mouth this spring. • Plans have been discussed to build a pedestrian and vehicular bridge to provide access to the Ohio River. Possible partnerships include McKees Rocks, ALCOSAN, Friends of the Riverfront and the Riverlife Task Force. • Esplen rail lines could be useful for light industry and green development • Some residents are interested in developing new condos and townhouses along West Carson Street 28 “You can’t find a better neighborhood than this one.”

Assets CHARTIERS CITY • Residents clearly love the country-in-the-City feel of the community • Westgate public housing has been converted into Emerald Gardens, suc- CRAFTON HEIGHTS cessful market-rate townhouses ELLIOTT • The industrial/warehouse zone is a significant jobs center, including the Gi- ant Eagle distribution center and Roomful Express’ corporate headquarters ESPLEN • Excellent access to Route 79 and the Pittsburgh International Airport FAIRYWOOD • There is wildlife diversity: 32 species of birds were identified recently • Salvation Army Church is the only community space and sole service pro- SHERADEN vider, serving as a food bank, a senior center and an after school center WEST END VILLAGE • There is still a playground, though the public pool has been closed Challenges WINDGAP • Section 8 guidelines are often not adhered to, and the neighborhood is peppered with vacancies and run-down houses • Homeowners are reluctant to invest in improvements for lack of return on their investment and questions about the future plans for the neighborhood • Broadhead Manor buildings have been vacant since 2004. Concrete bar- riers prevent access to the ball field and the land is contaminated. • Community concerns about the encroachment of industrial development • Worries about the Housing Authority’s use of herbicide at the abandoned Broadhead Manor and its possible damage to the watershed • A lot of older people can’t take care of their houses • No accessible commercial district Opportunities • Bring community-supported resolution to abandoned properties: Broad- head Manor, West Side Traditional Academy, UJAMAA and Windgap Plaza • Local residents rely on bus transportation: there is a need for bus shelters • Reconnect with Chartiers Creek and provide a neighborhood picnic shelter • Identify a best re-use for the closed City pool – start with a pool-party planning session similar to the one held for the closed Lawrenceville pool • Enough available greenspace to make Fairywood an urban agriculture center • Host an outdoor, locally-brewed beer festival with neighbors The Sharp Edge 29 “This is the place that I want to be in.”

Assets • Impressive churches, a senior center, a library and Langley High School CHARTIERS CITY • A range of affordable, solid housing stock • A new community flower garden on Chartiers Avenue near Citadel Street, a Weed and CRAFTON HEIGHTS Seed funded garden on Chartiers near Sherwood and one on Universal St ELLIOTT • Some new residents are moving to the apartment building above the post office: they like living close to the West Busway ESPLEN • The West Busway provides 15-20 minute service to Downtown, Oakland and the FAIRYWOOD airport from Sheraden Station SHERADEN Challenges • Brunot Avenue has remarkable views, but the houses and the adjacent neighborhood WEST END VILLAGE are largely in disrepair and safety is a concern • Divisions persist along income/racial divisions for dislocated former residents of WINDGAP Broadhead Manor – many still say they’re from Broadhead, not Sheraden • Speculator landlords • A concentration of Section 8 properties with persistent code violations • Residential area near Apex and Allendale has “gone to the dogs” • The pool in Sheraden Park has been closed • Vacant storefronts around Sheraden Square, a former trolley hub • Sheraden Square is car-dominated: there seems to be too much parking Opportunities • Acquire, rehab and resell houses on Brunot Avenue to home owners • Find, train, support and fund neighborhood-based landlords to buy and rehab houses that would otherwise be bought by speculator landlords • Compete for home buyers who would usually look in the East End • Build a youth skills/jobs training around home restoration/weatherization • Make vacant storefronts into an arts project with local students and artists • Take advantage of the business district’s transit-oriented town square design: better connect to the Busway and park-and-ride commuters • Make Sheraden Park supervisor’s cottage into a destination attraction, ie, bed and breakfast, artist-in-residence house, restaurant, etc. • An old hobo tunnel from Sheraden Park offers direct trail access to Chartiers Creek 30 “There are high-quality businesses and architecture in the West End Village.”

Assets CHARTIERS CITY • The West End Village has traditionally served as one of the main retail centers in the West Pittsburgh neighborhoods CRAFTON HEIGHTS • The West End Village has attracted a group of investors who have been willing to fund ELLIOTT redevelopment efforts and refocus the community development organization, but not without controversy and thus far not to the mutual benefit of surrounding neighbor- ESPLEN hoods FAIRYWOOD • The only West Pittsburgh neighborhood with community development staff resources • The West End Village Village branding idea is to redevelop the neighborhood based on SHERADEN the amenities of a village: a bakery, a grocery store, restaurants, housing, a bank, a WEST END VILLAGE library, etc. • Very accessible to downtown Pittsburgh: infrastructure improvements to West End WINDGAP Village Circle will serve as first step in larger improvements to the West Carson corridor • Creative sidewalk improvements have been implemented along Main Street • Several successful West End Village businesses are regional destinations, including James Gallery and Artifacts – these businesses do not depend upon pedestrian, walk-in customers • The oldest building in Allegheny County, a post office and a Carnegie Public Library Challenges • A previous lack of clarity of mission and geographic focus for the West Pittsburgh Part- nership contributed to confusion and mistrust with neighboring communities: re-branding the neighborhood as West End Village Village may improve relations across neighborhoods • There are several vacant commercial storefronts along Main Street and several new businesses have been unable to succeed in the last several years • The West End Village has historically been seriously impacted by Saw Mill Run flooding. By necessity, West End Village Village is detached from Saw Mill Run • The residential population is small Opportunities • Master planning process will provide a detailed path for the community and the potential for improved engagement, including with neighboring West Pittsburgh communities • Saw Mill Run infrastructure improvements will enable new construction in the West End 31 “People here take care of their property.”

Assets • Quiet, stable, suburban living right in the City – a sense that things are in good shape CHARTIERS CITY • A community standard that people in Windgap take care of their property. “When you buy a house, your neighbors will come to visit and tell you that it doesn’t matter what CRAFTON HEIGHTS your home looks like inside, but it will be tidy outside.” ELLIOTT • A range of quality, desirable housing stock – many with pools – with strong market value • Small, stable business district ESPLEN • Close proximity to the McKees Rocks business district FAIRYWOOD • Win-Char Senior Center at 1550 Clarkton Street SHERADEN Challenges • Little participation by Windgap residents in the planning process WEST END VILLAGE • Fewer cross-neighborhood connections than in many of the other West Pittsburgh communities WINDGAP • Little for older kids to do in the neighborhood Opportunities • The community’s strong, effective outreach to new residents could be a model for other neighborhoods • Remember When is a widely known business and attracts customers from a sizeable area, particularly for its summer events • Possible reuse of the Chartiers Elementary School building for a community-supported program, such as Head Start CHARTIERS CITY CRAFTON HEIGHTS ELLIOTT ESPLEN FAIRYWOOD SHERADEN WEST END VILLAGE WINDGAP