Thanks to a $10,000 grant from
PNC Foundation, Wilkinsburg's Community Development Corporation (WCDC) is one step closer to securing the $125,000 in local matches it needs to apply for a PA Department of Community and Economic Development Main Street grant. To date, the WCDC has raised $80,000 to support the effort.
The newly incorporated organization—which hopes to open an office in June—is working with
Wall-to-Wall Studios and
Jackson/Clark Partners to assemble application materials, promote WCDC efforts and engage property owners in main street activities.
The funds, provided through
PNC Community Development Banking, will support a variety of revitalization initiatives. A first-of-its-kind process for the borough—the WCDC's "Main Street Project" calls for façade renovations, the acquisition of dilapidated structures and the remodeling of existing properties along Penn Ave. and Wood, South, Ross, and Hay Sts.
In March, Wilkinsburg's business district will be the subject of a weeklong design charette conducted by
Burt Hill and
Delta Development. Among the businesses new to Penn Ave. are
Jean's Soul Food, The Right Market
and Al's Fish and Chicken. The borough has also launched a
new website and electronic newsletter. And with the help of a $30,000
Heinz Endowments grant, the community is working with the City's
Office of Public Art to identify public art locations and establish public policy practices.
"This is truly a community-driven CDC," says Tracey Evans, who chairs the organization's economic development committee and is
Wilkinsburg Borough Council's secretary. A Leadership Pittsburgh graduate, Evans is a legislative assistant to Rep. Joseph Preston Jr. "There are some really great businesses here and we can attract more. Revitalizing the business district is the goal."
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Jennifer BaronSource: Tracey Evans, Wilkinsburg Borough Council
Image courtesy Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation