Atlanta Civic Site: Neighborhood Transformation
The Atlanta Civic Site is investing in a strategy that combines sustainable and affordable housing, high-achieving schools, well-paying neighborhood jobs, public safety, and opportunities for families to improve their communities.
This work includes the physical development of buildings and a deliberate focus on human capital development. It is led by Sustainable Neighborhood Development Strategies, Inc. (SNDSI), an independent nonprofit formed by Casey to coordinate development in Neighborhood Planning Unit V (NPU-V).
Land Development in Neighborhood Planning Unit V
The physical development work includes two major efforts in the Pittsburgh neighborhood. SNDSI and the Pittsburgh Community Improvement Association formed the Partnership for the Preservation of Pittsburgh (PPOP) and crafted an innovative plan to revitalize Pittsburgh using sustainable economic and environmental principles. After Pittsburgh became “ground zero” for the Atlanta foreclosure crisis, PPOP launched a large-scale effort to acquire vacant and foreclosed properties, renovate them to high safety and energy efficiency standards, and convert them into permanently affordable rental and owner-occupied homes. A community land trust is being developed to prevent future wealth stripping.
The second development effort involves 31 acres of land in Pittsburgh purchased by the Casey Foundation in 2006. This parcel is intended to become a mixed-use, economic generator for the surrounding neighborhoods. Integrating human development into this effort, we prepared residents to be active planning partners by sponsoring the Community Economic Development Institute to train them to employ economic development concepts, tools, techniques, and analysis. The foreclosure crisis put development plans on hold, but residents continue to inform the review of development options and opportunities.
Bringing Quality Goods and Services to Residents
The human development effort also includes work with residents to ensure that high-quality goods and services—including healthy food options and affordable quality child care—are available in NPU-V. We helped residents form the Consumer Advocacy Group and the Customer Satisfaction Network to use consumer research, education, and advocacy to empower residents to demand quality goods and services from local businesses and institutions.
Watch a video about the preservation of Pittsburgh.
Brochure
Download the full brochure: Atlanta Civic Site: Creating Life-Changing Pathways for Families