Here in REVITALIZATION, we’ve been reporting on the progress towards reconnecting and revitalizing Pittsburgh‘s long-suffering Hill District.
The neighborhood is predominantly African-American, and has been both ignored and abused (by highway planners) for decades.
So it was good news when—on July 21, 2023—U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced $50,000,000 for a neighborhood revitalization grant for the Bedford Dwellings Housing Complex and surrounding the Hill District neighborhood.
“Housing is more than just a roof over your head; it’s the place where safety, well-being, and community start. As the foundation of a neighborhood, housing determines whether businesses can thrive, the potential of future economic development, and the sense of community residents that feel,” said Senator Casey.
“Community leaders in the Hill District have been working tirelessly for years to reimagine Bedford Dwellings into a neighborhood anchor where residents can live, work, and play in a vibrant and safe environment and with this funding, they can make that vision a reality,” he added.
The grant will be used to rehabilitate affordable housing at Bedford Dwellings, as well as make investments to create a neighborhood that is vibrant, well-connected to services and public transportation, and is safe and welcoming for Pittsburgh residents.
The revitalization plan is the culmination of years of intensive engagement and collaborative work between the City of Pittsburgh, neighborhood residents, local organizations, development partners, and other community stakeholders.
“Housing is a human right, and this massive investment will help create more affordable housing in Pittsburgh and improve the conditions of this complex and neighborhood,” Senator Fetterman said.
“As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, which covers housing issues, I’ll always fight to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe and affordable housing,” he concluded.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant Program, and will be awarded through the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh.
In December 2022, the Pittsburgh City Council approved an additional $31 million investment if the Housing Authority won this grant.
Photo of the redevelopment of Frankie Pace Park in the Hill District courtesy of the City of Pittsburgh.