N※N

Homewood residents share priorities ahead of mayoral race

In the heart of Homewood, a community nestled within the broader Pittsburgh area, residents are actively voicing their priorities and concerns as they look toward the future of their neighborhood. Homewood, historically a vibrant African American community, has faced significant challenges over the decades, including economic decline, disinvestment, and systemic inequities. However, it remains a place of resilience, culture, and deep-rooted community ties. As local leaders, organizations, and residents collaborate on revitalization efforts, the voices of those who call Homewood home are taking center stage, shaping the direction of upcoming initiatives and policies. This collective input is critical as the neighborhood stands at a crossroads, balancing the need for development with the preservation of its unique identity and history.

One of the most pressing priorities for Homewood residents is the need for economic opportunity and job creation. Many in the community have expressed a desire for sustainable employment options that provide living wages and long-term stability. The lack of local businesses and industries has been a persistent issue, forcing many residents to seek work outside the neighborhood, often facing long commutes and limited access to reliable transportation. Community members are advocating for initiatives that would bring small businesses back to Homewood, particularly along key corridors like Frankstown Avenue, which once thrived as a commercial hub. Residents envision a revitalized local economy where entrepreneurship is supported through grants, training programs, and partnerships with larger institutions. They also emphasize the importance of ensuring that new job opportunities are accessible to long-time residents, preventing displacement or exclusion as development progresses.

Housing is another critical concern for Homewood residents, who are grappling with a complex landscape of affordability, quality, and ownership. The neighborhood has seen a significant loss of population over the years, leaving behind vacant lots and abandoned properties that contribute to blight and safety concerns. At the same time, there is a fear of gentrification as Pittsburgh’s broader real estate market heats up, with rising property values in nearby areas threatening to push out low-income families. Residents are calling for affordable housing solutions that prioritize current community members, including the rehabilitation of existing homes and the construction of new units that remain within reach for those on fixed or limited incomes. Homeownership programs are also a key focus, as many see owning a home as a pathway to building generational wealth and stability. Community advocates stress the need for policies that protect against predatory development practices, ensuring that revitalization efforts do not come at the expense of displacing the very people who have weathered Homewood’s toughest times.

Safety and public security remain top-of-mind issues for many in Homewood, where crime rates, particularly violent crime, have historically been a challenge. Residents are eager for solutions that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and systemic inequality, rather than relying solely on increased policing. Community-based violence prevention programs are gaining traction, with many residents supporting initiatives that involve mentorship, conflict resolution, and youth engagement. There is a strong desire to create safe spaces for children and families, whether through well-maintained parks, after-school programs, or community centers that offer resources and support. Residents also highlight the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the community, advocating for approaches that prioritize de-escalation and cultural understanding over punitive measures. The goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels secure without sacrificing the sense of community that defines Homewood.

Education and youth development are also central to the priorities of Homewood residents, who see the next generation as the key to the neighborhood’s long-term success. Access to quality schools, extracurricular activities, and mentorship opportunities are frequently cited as essential needs. Many parents and caregivers express frustration over the limited resources available to local schools, which often struggle to provide the same level of support and programming as institutions in wealthier areas. There is a call for increased investment in education, including funding for updated facilities, technology, and teacher training. Beyond the classroom, residents want to see more programs that keep young people engaged and off the streets, such as sports leagues, arts initiatives, and career readiness workshops. The community recognizes that empowering youth not only benefits individual families but also strengthens the social fabric of Homewood as a whole, creating a pipeline of future leaders and innovators.

Another significant theme emerging from resident feedback is the preservation of Homewood’s cultural heritage. The neighborhood has a rich history as a center of African American life in Pittsburgh, with deep ties to jazz, art, and civil rights activism. Residents are adamant that any development or revitalization efforts must honor this legacy, ensuring that Homewood does not lose its identity in the face of change. There is a push for public art installations, historical markers, and community events that celebrate the neighborhood’s past while fostering pride among current and future generations. Additionally, residents want to see local institutions, such as churches and cultural organizations, play a leading role in shaping the neighborhood’s future, as these entities have long served as pillars of support and unity.

Access to healthcare and social services is another area of concern for Homewood residents, many of whom face barriers to receiving adequate medical care and support. The neighborhood lacks sufficient healthcare facilities, forcing individuals to travel long distances for routine checkups, emergency care, or specialized treatment. This is particularly challenging for elderly residents and those with limited mobility. Community members are advocating for the establishment of local clinics or mobile health units that can provide accessible, affordable care. Mental health services are also a growing priority, as residents recognize the toll that systemic stress, trauma, and economic hardship can take on individuals and families. Beyond healthcare, there is a need for robust social services, including food assistance, housing support, and programs for seniors, to ensure that no one in the community is left behind.

Transportation and infrastructure improvements are also on the minds of Homewood residents, who often struggle with unreliable public transit and poorly maintained roads and sidewalks. Better connectivity to other parts of Pittsburgh is seen as essential for accessing jobs, education, and healthcare, but residents also want to ensure that infrastructure projects benefit the community directly. This includes creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, improving street lighting for safety, and addressing environmental concerns such as air quality and green spaces. Many residents support the idea of community-led planning processes to ensure that infrastructure developments align with the needs and vision of those who live in Homewood, rather than being imposed from outside.

At the core of all these priorities is a shared desire for equity and inclusion in Homewood’s future. Residents are keenly aware of the historical patterns of neglect and disinvestment that have shaped their neighborhood, and they are determined to ensure that upcoming changes are driven by and for the community. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration between residents, local organizations, and policymakers to create a shared vision for revitalization that addresses systemic challenges while building on Homewood’s strengths. Community meetings, surveys, and forums have become vital spaces for dialogue, allowing diverse voices to be heard and fostering a sense of collective ownership over the neighborhood’s trajectory.

In summary, Homewood residents are articulating a multifaceted set of priorities as they look ahead to the future of their community. From economic opportunity and affordable housing to safety, education, cultural preservation, healthcare, and infrastructure, the needs are varied but interconnected, reflecting the complex challenges and aspirations of a neighborhood in transition. What unites these priorities is a commitment to equity, resilience, and community empowerment, ensuring that Homewood’s revitalization benefits those who have called it home for generations. As plans and initiatives take shape, the input of residents will remain a guiding force, shaping a future that honors the past while building a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood for all.

Read the Full WIAT Birmingham Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/homewood-residents-share-priorities-ahead-231612193.html ]