From the Highland Park Newsletter...
HPCDC Update and Outreach The Highland Park Community Development Corporation will soon mark 12 years in our mission of neighborhood revitalization. Formed to partner with the Community Club to take on key, stubborn development challenges, we've faced both noteworthy successes-restoration of 5635 Stanton Avenue and leadership of the Highland Park Community Plan, for example-, as well as daunting challenges. Tackling some of the more difficult residential redevelopment properties in the City, recent years have been busy ones on the acquisition, design, funding, and partnership side. Moving these houses into "bricks and mortar" activity is the last remaining hurdle, and the process is underway. A major portion of the funding for 5 of our houses was just approved by the State, for instance, and we are truly excited about the coming months. Expect to hear more from us on this soon. On Bryant Street, revitalization carries real promise, and we will have progress to report to the Club in early 2005. At the State level, both the neighborhood and park are in final review for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. And in Highland Park itself we have been a key and leading partner in the Welcome Entry Fountain and Garden restoration now underway, as well as the very exciting planning efforts underway in Heth's Run that will connect the neighborhood and park to the river as never before. The entire board of the HPCDC sees 2005 as a year that will return us to the roots of our existence, development of the troubled portions of the SW Quadrant. If you'd like to be part of this, we have a few, important positions open on the board. In particular, we are seeking individuals with expertise in accounting, real estate, and design/construction. Commitment to the neighborhood, and the willingness to lend some of your already valuable time and skills to making this an even better place are the values we place first, however. On the board, just as in the neighborhood itself, we strive for diversity. Please contact any board member, or give me a call at 361-4935 if you'd like to talk about this opportunity. A final note: We hope to be coming to you soon with a letter expanding on some of these points, as well as to ask for your financial support in the operation of this neighborhood corporation. For those of you who are able to do so, and who would like to have your tax deductible contribution in before the end of 2004, please send your check to: Highland Park Community Development Corporation; P.O. Box 4866; Pittsburgh, PA. 15206. David Hance, President Jessica King, Vice President