The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood
Bridgeport is Choice
In September of 2023, Bridgeport was one of 14 communities nationwide awarded a Planning Grant for the Hollow Neighborhood.
Through the Grant, Park City Communities (PCC) in partnership with the City of Bridgeport will work with the local residents and a variety of community stakeholders to create a forward-looking Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan focused on People, Housing, and Neighborhood.
What is the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative?
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) is a program by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that employs a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. HUD supports cities and housing authorities through grants to support community-based planning processes and implementation of those plans.
The CNI ensures that current residents will benefit from this transformation by preserving affordable housing or providing residents with the choice to move into affordable and accessible housing in other existing neighborhoods of opportunity.
Bridgeport is Choice
In September of 2023, Bridgeport was one of 14 communities nationwide awarded a Planning Grant for the Hollow Neighborhood.
Through the Grant, Park City Communities (PCC) in partnership with the City of Bridgeport will work with the local residents and a variety of community stakeholders to create a forward-looking Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan focused on People, Housing, and Neighborhood.
What is the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative?
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) is a program by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that employs a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. HUD supports cities and housing authorities through grants to support community-based planning processes and implementation of those plans.
The CNI ensures that current residents will benefit from this transformation by preserving affordable housing or providing residents with the choice to move into affordable and accessible housing in other existing neighborhoods of opportunity.
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Working Groups (December): Strategy Priorities
Share Working Groups (December): Strategy Priorities on Facebook Share Working Groups (December): Strategy Priorities on Twitter Share Working Groups (December): Strategy Priorities on Linkedin Email Working Groups (December): Strategy Priorities linkFrom December 16th to 18th, the third round of working group meetings took place. These virtual sessions included presentations and interactive discussions focused on the core plan elements: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. These working groups build upon the input, insights, and feedback gathered from residents during community meetings and surveys, ultimately shaping strategies, projects, and programs.
The goal of these sessions was to review desired outcomes and key strategies, and identify priority strategies to shed light on potential projects and programs that respond to The Hollow's needs. For each theme, within each of the plan's elements: People, Neighborhood, and Housing, participants ranked the proposed strategies in order of priority. Case studies that have worked in other places in the country were then presented, paving the way for broadening ideas and brainstorming potential connections for strategies.
For the People element, the conversation revolved around education, wellness, safety, and employment. Among the strategies identified as most important in terms of education are creating low-cost after-school programs and activities, as well as creating on-site childcare services. Another proposed initiative included strengthening partnerships with key local education and career development organizations. Safety is emphasized, with residents seeking improved on-site security, better lighting, and initiatives to address gang activity. Key strategies for income and employment highlighted the need for a customized guide to employment resources and stronger partnerships for job training and career development. Likewise, participants considered it urgent to establish restorative justice circles at the Greene Homes, as well as create an on-site clinic for basic health needs.
The Housing Element Strategies sparked discussions on housing types, quality, and affordability. Residents emphasized the need for diverse housing options to accommodate various household sizes and secure outdoor spaces for each unit. At The Greenes site level, participants stressed the importance of securing common areas like entry vestibules, lobbies, and hallways, along with creating shared spaces for gatherings. Regarding homeownership, key actions included connecting residents with credit repair programs and expanding the Family Self-Sufficiency program to include financial literacy and housing support initiatives.
The Neighborhood element comprised key themes such as transportation, parks, amenities and services, and The Hollow's sense of belonging and culture. The most important strategies identified by participants are creating a safe monitoring program to support walking routes to schools and improving street intersections with high injury levels. Residents also consider it crucial to strengthen community ties through events and communities to encourage interaction and use of local amenities, for instance activating school playgrounds and recreation courts with family events. The Hollow community would also benefit from engaging local organizations to encourage participation from businesses and homeowners.
The working group sessions not only set the groundwork for future strategies and ideas for implementation, but also gave rise to potential connections and alliances with different stakeholders. The next steps include continued strategy development, followed by the next community meeting in February 2025 and the fourth working groups meeting while simultaneously creating a draft plan.
Recordings of these meetings can be accessed at the following links:
Monday, December 16th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am
Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am
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Community Meeting (November): Housing Design
Share Community Meeting (November): Housing Design on Facebook Share Community Meeting (November): Housing Design on Twitter Share Community Meeting (November): Housing Design on Linkedin Email Community Meeting (November): Housing Design linkOn November 7, 2024, Park City Communities and the City of Bridgeport hosted Community Meeting #3 at the gymnasium of Columbus School. Approximately thirty five participants attended; many were residents of Greene Homes and some were members of the community that live or work in The Hollow.
- The goals of this meeting focused on:
- Hands-on exercise about the future housing design for the Greene Homes.
- Review the feedback from previous meetings about Early Action Project, continue to add input and comments, and to sign up to get involved in the project.
The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations which displayed materials and prompts for resident input; it also included breakouts for small-group conversations and collaborative activities guided by a worksheet.
Early Action Activity: Residents were asked to provide specific feedback on a selected area of The Greenes for the Early Action Activity. They placed note cards with planning and design considerations for the project.
Community Voices: Residents were encouraged to share their memories, current feelings and future hopes for the planning initiatives.
Housing Design: Residents engaged in a design exercise to reimagine The Greene Homes. Using the current site as a base, they explored different possibilities for organizing open space, connections, amenities and buildings including types of housing with interactive blocks.
Some of the main insights from the meeting included:
- Need for improved infrastructure to enhance security, including better street lighting and safer street crossings.
- Locks on gates, restricted access to amenities, additional parking spaces, and a community room for residents.
- Desire to integrate residential spaces with commercial functions, such as grocery stores, for added convenience.
- Emphasis on creating more on-site parking to improve functionality and ease for residents.
- Desire of fostering a sense of community through programs and environments like community centers that support gatherings and shared activities.
- Increased access to healthy food options and medical services within walking distance of the site.
- Recommendations to address security concerns, particularly on the east side of The Greenes site, through targeted improvements and developments.
Kids were also engaged in hands-on housing design activity to imagine spaces, amenities, and resources they would like to see in the Greenes. Some of the most common ideas included having enclosed gathering spaces such as parks that could also act as a focal point within the community. The different designs also proposed mixed-use buildings combining commercial and residential functions, as well as on-site parking. Finally, many designs identified the southeast corner of The Greenes site as a strategic location for improvement.
Community Meeting #3 was a great success, bringing residents together to help shape a shared vision. Attendees actively participated in the activities, offering valuable insights and feedback.
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Steering Committee Meeting (November): Early Action
Share Steering Committee Meeting (November): Early Action on Facebook Share Steering Committee Meeting (November): Early Action on Twitter Share Steering Committee Meeting (November): Early Action on Linkedin Email Steering Committee Meeting (November): Early Action linkThe Hollow Choice Neighborhood Steering Committee hosted its third meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at the Margaret Morton Government Center. The focus of this meeting was to introduce and discuss Early Action Activities (EAA). EAAs are strategic, high-impact projects implemented early in the Choice Neighborhoods planning process to address immediate community needs and build momentum for long-term transformation. These activities focus on visible improvements that foster community trust and engagement while aligning with the program’s broader goals.
Meeting activities focused on identifying planning and design considerations for the selected Early Action Activity sites - The Hollow Plaza (current corner space at the intersection of Washington and Highland Avenue), and The “X” (open space in between buildings at The Greene Homes). Participants were asked to brainstorm community partners for programming and activities to activate these spaces.
Discussions focused on sharing insights from the neighborhood survey and recent community meeting, and existing conditions of both spaces. Ideas for the Early Action Project centered around the southeast corner of The Greenes, envisioning it as a vibrant shared plaza. Breakout groups brainstormed various aspects, including amenities, arts and culture, safety, mobility, and programming.
Play areas were a key focus, with multiple suggestions for enhancing accessibility and creating connections. Participants also proposed beautifying the area with native plants and community gardens that could grow edible plants, fostering both beauty and sustainability. Art was another major theme, with ideas for interactive elements such as murals, signage, and art installations scattered throughout the site, including along fences and perimeter walls. Regarding programming, participants emphasized the need for multi-use spaces that could be used year-round, along with community guidelines, intimate areas for smaller gatherings, and bulletin boards for communication and engagement.
Safety concerns were also raised, particularly around locations near busy streets, inadequate lighting, and potential issues with drug use and unwanted activities near certain buildings and the nearby gas station. Suggestions for addressing these concerns included adding more trees to serve as natural barriers and increasing police presence to enhance security. Key feedback remarked on the need for speed calming on the central pathway of The Greenes, such as bumps for motorcycles, and creative design elements.
Participants highlighted key community partners for programming and activities, with standout mentions including Bridgeport Groundworks, the Bridgeport Arts Trail, the Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council, Green Village, and the Bridgeport Buffers Program. These organizations were recognized for their potential to bring impactful programs and initiatives.
Overall, this was a very productive meeting and discussion. Next steps include the continuation of the working groups in December, and the next community meeting in February of 2025.
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Working Groups (October): Key Strategies and Precedents
Share Working Groups (October): Key Strategies and Precedents on Facebook Share Working Groups (October): Key Strategies and Precedents on Twitter Share Working Groups (October): Key Strategies and Precedents on Linkedin Email Working Groups (October): Key Strategies and Precedents linkOn October 23rd and 25th, the second round of working group meetings took place, featuring three virtual sessions that included presentations and interactive discussions focused on the core plan elements: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. The role of these working groups is to build upon the input, insights, and feedback gathered from residents during community meetings and surveys, ultimately shaping strategies, projects, and programs.
These sessions concentrated on brainstorming key strategies and reviewing precedents based on previous discussions around community challenges and desired outcomes. At the end of each breakout session, participants reconvened to collectively share their group’s key takeaways.
For the People element, participants shared strategies on education, wellness, safety, and employment. Proposed initiatives included low-cost programs for all ages focused on post-graduation success and career mentorship, free digital literacy training, and expanded access to technology resources such as free Wi-Fi and computer rooms. Holistic health initiatives, like trauma-informed services and group fitness classes, were also highlighted. Safety was a priority, with residents suggesting a neighborhood watch program, improved lighting, and enhanced security systems. Supporting local businesses was another key focus, with ideas for entrepreneurship programs, cultural events, and employment resource guides.
For the Housing element, strategies included the creation of multi-use indoor and outdoor community spaces, such as community kitchens. Discussions on homeownership emphasized connecting residents with financial literacy and credit repair programs, drawing on successful models for homeownership education from other cities.
The Neighborhood element discussions identified high-risk intersections, like Highland Avenue, where future improvements could include creative placemaking, additional green space, and tree planting. Participants shared ideas for using recreational open spaces to engage neighbors and increase awareness of resources in The Hollow. A key suggestion was fostering partnerships between local organizations and businesses to offer services such as neighborhood tours and transportation to nearby amenities. Finally, participants highlighted the importance of community belonging and proposed expanding arts programming and creating spaces for community art installations at non-profits and community centers.
The working group sessions illuminated essential strategies for neighborhood revitalization. Next steps include continued strategy development, followed by additional community and group meetings to begin drafting the plan.
Recordings of these meetings can be accessed at the following links:
Working Group: People
Friday, October 25th, 2024, 9-00-11:30 pm
(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1
(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2
Working Group: Housing
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, 9:00-10:30 am
(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1
(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2
Working Group: Neighborhood
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm
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Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes
Share Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes on Facebook Share Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes on Twitter Share Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes on Linkedin Email Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes linkOn September 16th and 20th the first meetings of the working group were hosted. Three meetings were hosted virtually including presentations and interactive discussion focused on the three core elements of the plan: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. The role of working groups is to review and build on the input, insights and feedback that residents have shared during community meetings and surveys, and to develop strategies, projects and programs.
This first round of meetings focused on discussions regarding current strengths and challenges, as well as the desired outcomes. Key themes discussed for the People element included education, health and wellness, safety, income, and employment; for the Housing element included housing types, affordability and quality; and for the Neighborhood element included transportation, mobility, open spaces, culture and sense of belonging. Upon the conclusion of each breakout session, all participants reconvened to collectively share and review the key takeaways.
Reflections from the discussions on the People element highlighted concerns regarding security, the lack of educational facilities and support programs, and the need for recreational spaces and activities, particularly for the residents of The Greenes. Key feedback stressed the importance of improving street infrastructure to promote a greater sense of security, such as enhanced lighting and the activation of vacant lots. Residents also expressed a need for early childhood education support, particularly daycares. Additional suggestions included establishing consistent recreational programming through community centers and gyms.
Discussion points about the Housing element included safety, accessibility, recreation and homeownership. Residents suggested activating open spaces for family-oriented activities, such as sports courts and recreational equipment for youth. They also identified key areas within Greene Homes, like the basement, as sites for potential improvement. Brainstorming focused on desired amenities, such as community centers offering programs for residents of all ages to enhance neighborhood safety. Some participants expressed interest in expanding homeownership programs.
Conversations regarding the Neighborhood element emphasized assets that currently strengthen The Hollow’s sense of belonging. Residents pointed to parks and schools, like Columbus School, as crucial for maintaining connections between adults and children through recreational activities. They also called for more safe and accessible equipment and amenities. A recurring theme was the concern for children’s safety in the area, leading to suggestions for street design improvements, such as better lighting, wider sidewalks, crosswalks, and integrating street design with the area’s natural landscape.
The working groups meetings were productive sessions that advanced key strategies. Next steps include holding the next working group meeting in October to continue strategy development, followed by community and group meetings for the draft plan in the next months.
Recordings of these meetings can be accessed in the following links:
Working Group: People
Monday, September 16, 2024, 3:00-4:30 pm
(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1
(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2
Working Group: Housing
Friday, September 20, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am
(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1
(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2
Working Group: Neighborhood
Friday, September 20, 2024, 3:00-4:30 pm
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Steering Committee Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning
Share Steering Committee Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Facebook Share Steering Committee Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Twitter Share Steering Committee Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Linkedin Email Steering Committee Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning linkThe Hollow Choice Neighborhood Steering Committee hosted its second meeting on Friday, August 16 at the Margaret Morton Government Center. The primary goal of the Steering Committee meeting was to review and discuss the results from the resident needs assessment survey and identify emerging themes for neighborhood revitalization.
The meeting aimed to engage participants in identifying areas of opportunity in the neighborhood, providing updates on the plan’s status and key milestones. Discussions focused on identifying key locations for early action activities, sharing insights from the resident needs assessment survey and recent community meeting. Additionally, the meeting sought to identify and discuss physical community assets, challenges, and opportunities, and define the next steps to advance the planning process.
Discussion points included the area's proximity to Downtown and the potential of certain assets, such as schools, parks, clubs, and apartment buildings. Some of the challenges mentioned in the breakout groups included vacant lots and buildings across from Nanny Goat Park (Lafayette Park) and proximity issues with the homes. Other topics covered included improvements needed at various street intersections. Emphasis was placed on Nanny Goat Park, Greene Homes, and traffic flow, walkability challenges on commuting paths that cross the highway.
Key feedback highlighted the need for vacant lots redevelopment, accessibility to amenities, and community safety. Suggestions included taking action with abandoned and vacant sites, adding spaces for community gathering the Greene Homes, and strengthening safety and accessibility on pedestrian pathways, such as streetlights and high quality sidewalks. Participants identified opportunities to upgrade streets and sidewalks, redevelop vacant sites, engage churches, improve parks, including Nanny Goat Park, and enhance surrounding areas, such as local shops on neighborhood corridors (primarily Main Avenue and Washington St).
Overall, this was a very productive meeting and discussion. Next steps include the launching of the working groups in September, and advancing the Early Action project.
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Community Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning
Share Community Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Facebook Share Community Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Twitter Share Community Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning on Linkedin Email Community Meeting (August): Needs Assessment Results + Visioning linkOn August 15, 2024, Park City Communities and the City of Bridgeport hosted Community Meeting #2 at the gymnasium of Columbus School. Approximately fifty participants attended; many were residents of Greene Homes and some were members of the community that live or work in The Hollow.
The goals of this meeting focused on:
- Sharing and discussing the findings of the community needs assessment.
- Reflection and ideation activities, conversations about the future of the community.
- Collecting input about ideas for Early Action activities.
- Providing input and direction on a unifying vision for the neighborhood while defining design principles.
The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations displaying materials and prompts for resident input; it also included a group activity inspired by the game, Family Feud, where residents tested their knowledge of community preferences with results from the resident needs assessment survey. This activity also included additional reflection and insights from participants.
Vision Wall: Residents were asked to input their ideas for a community vision using images and adding notes to explain what it meant to them and how that related to The Hollow.
Community Voices: Residents were encouraged to share their memories, current feelings and future hopes for the planning initiatives.
Visual Preference: Residents provided input and voted for the elements related to design preferences for housing, open space, and amenities.
Early Action Voting: Residents participated in an interactive voting process to select a prospective location and a desirable Early Action Activity. They also placed pins on a map of the Hollow to indicate where it should take place.
Some of the main insights from the meeting included:
- Need for open spaces and infrastructure that enhance safety, such as improved street lighting and universal accessibility.
- More recreational areas and youth-focused activities, with Lafayette Park frequently mentioned.
- Desire for better housing conditions, affordable housing options, and increased homeownership opportunities, with an emphasis on early action in Greene Homes due to safety concerns.
- Desire of environments and programs that foster a strong sense of community, which could be offered through local schools.
- Increasing access to fresh, affordable food through initiatives like community gardens or co-op stores, which can help strengthen community ties.
Additionally, within August’s community engagement, the planning team hosted a youth workshop. Approximately twenty kids and teens engaged in hands-on activities to imagine spaces, amenities, and resources they would like to see in the neighborhood. Some of their ideas included adding playgrounds, pools, and playfields, along with addressing housing and security concerns. The primary locations were Greene Homes, Columbus School, and St. Augustine Academy.
The Hollow’s Community Meeting #2 and Youth Workshop were successful meetings that engaged residents in shaping a collective vision. Participants were highly engaged in the various activities and shared vital input and feedback.
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Steering Committee Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities
Share Steering Committee Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Facebook Share Steering Committee Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Twitter Share Steering Committee Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Linkedin Email Steering Committee Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities linkThe Hollow Choice Neighborhood Steering Committee held its latest meeting on Friday, May 17, at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. This committee comprises nearly 30 community partners, including Charles F. Greene residents, elected officials, and local stakeholders from sectors such as education, health, housing, and economic opportunity.
The Boys & Girls Club welcomed participants, showcasing partnerships with programs like Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders and Southwest Community Health Center. The center serves 2,000 youths and families and emphasizes all-day child drop-off services.
The meeting aimed to establish a collaborative foundation for the planning process. Key objectives included re-introducing participants with each other and their roles, updating them on the plan's status, and outlining the planning process and key milestones. Discussions centered on identifying early action activities for immediate positive impacts, sharing insights from stakeholder interviews and a recent community meeting, and discussing existing neighborhood conditions. The committee also focused on identifying community assets, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and engaged in revitalization efforts.
Discussion points included Connecticut's and Bridgeport’s historically low unemployment rates, though The Hollow neighborhood experiences higher unemployment. Challenges for employers in finding workers were highlighted, stemming from high housing costs, high job vacancies, and a mismatch in qualifications. Other topics covered included housing policies ensuring one-for-one replacements for displaced residents and outreach strategies targeting community events. Emphasis was placed on youth engagement, civic education, and policy advocacy to bridge gaps between state and federal affordable housing initiatives.
Key feedback highlighted the need for affordable housing, workforce development, and community safety. Suggestions included increasing green spaces, incorporating STEM programs, and developing intergenerational programs. Participants identified opportunities to address homelessness, enhance security, and leverage funding for public spaces and transportation.
The meeting concluded with reflections shared with the Mayor, who committed to a housing summit to discuss affordable housing, homelessness, and economic development. The enthusiastic participation and commitment from all involved signal a promising start for the Hollow Choice Neighborhood Initiative.
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Community Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities
Share Community Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Facebook Share Community Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Twitter Share Community Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities on Linkedin Email Community Meeting (May): Assets, Challenges and Opportunities linkOn May 16, 2024, Park City Communities and the City of Bridgeport hosted Community Meeting #1 at Columbus School. Approximately fifty participants, including thirty adult residents from the Charles F. Greene Homes attended, and fifteen youth, plus seven community partners and the core planning team. Among the attendees were partners, stakeholders from the community, including elected officials City Councilman Cruz, and Mayor Joe Ganim.
The goals of this meeting focused on:
Sharing about the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative and planning process and showcase the type of engagement activities that will be designed throughout this process to gather insights, perspectives, ideas, experiences and priorities.
Identifying community assets, challenges, and opportunities through diverse interactive activities and group discussions.
Launching the Resident Needs Assessment Survey while increasing awareness for resident participation.
The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations displaying materials and prompts for resident input; it also included breakouts for small group conversations and collaborative activities.
Voting: Residents were asked to prioritize the top three (3) assets, challenges and opportunities in The Hollow community.
Resident Survey: Charles F Greene Homes residents had the opportunity to complete digitally or printed Needs Assessment Survey.
Interactive Map: Residents were asked through notecards to identify community assets, challenges and opportunities.
Breakout Groups: Residents discussed, documented and reported back about their selected top three assets, challenges and opportunities.
Youth Voices: Young residents contributed their ideas for a logo design, as well as their perspective on assets and challenges. They even took the mic to share their thoughts with their community.
To close the meeting, residents participated in an exciting raffle! The more activities they engaged with, the more opportunities to participate in the raffle they had. Congratulations to the resident winners!
Some of the key findings from this meeting are organized below by the elements of the Plan: Neighborhood, Housing, and People:
Neighborhood
Local businesses: Residents showed significant pride about the locally-owned businesses, particularly restaurants showcasing the diversity of the community. This is considered a main asset and opportunity to positively emphasize The Hollow.
Transportation: Residents recognized the positive value of being next to the downtown area, and the easy access to public transportation; there are some concerns about pedestrian safety in specific intersections.
Open Space: Generally, residents like their current park spaces, but expressed the need for more and closer open spaces for family and kids recreational activities given the high percentage of youth population in the neighborhood.
Walkability: There is a direct connection between safety and walkability; multiple comments included improving street lighting and universal accessibility.
Housing
Housing Conditions: Residents shared concerns about poor housing conditions and desire for additional types of spaces for community activities and recreation at Charles F. Greene Homes.
Residential Shared Amenities: Concerns about access of non-residents to the Charles F. Greene Homes that make residents feel unsafe (basements, vestibule to buildings).
People
Youth engagement: Continue to create activities to engage youth perspectives; their voices and insights are very relevant and connected with community safety and wellness.
Health and Wellness: Residents constant emphasis on the need for safe community spaces.
Safety: Significant concerns about gun violence and drug use in multiple areas inside the Green Homes (outdoor spaces and inside buildings).
Education: Residents like their local schools, and would like additional programs to be offered through them because of their convenient location.
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Homeownership Workshop for Public Housing Residents
Share Homeownership Workshop for Public Housing Residents on Facebook Share Homeownership Workshop for Public Housing Residents on Twitter Share Homeownership Workshop for Public Housing Residents on Linkedin Email Homeownership Workshop for Public Housing Residents linkOn March 25th, Park City Communities hosted a homeownership workshop in partnership with Coastal Fairfield County’s Habitat for Humanity who works to help dismantle the systemic bias that permeates U.S. home buying, home financing and exclusionary zoning practices, which have prevented generations of minority families from accessing the intergenerational wealth-building potential of homeownership. Systemic discrimination has persisted into present policy, from redlining to inequitable access to mortgage credit. Taken together, these practices are barriers to saving for a down payment, getting a loan and affording a home – and they threaten the vitality and prosperity of every community.
46 residents from PCC’s public housing communities, including those from Charles F. Greene Homes Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative, participated in a discussion to identify barriers to homeownership, identify opportunities to advocate for policy reform, foster community engagement, and promote affordable housing initiatives that can be achieved through cross-organization, cross-initiative collaboration.
Who's Listening
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Consultant to Park City Communities Choice Neighborhood Plan
Follow Project
Planning Process
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Phase 1: Listening and Learning (Mar - Jul 2024)
The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood has finished this stageThis phase focuses on identifying assets and challenges with the community residents and stakeholders through interviews, community meeting and needs assessment survey.
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Phase 2: Visioning (May - Oct 2024)
The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood has finished this stageThis phase focuses on discussing the findings of the community needs assessment as foundation for visioning activities. Workshops and discussions will be included in community meetings.
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Phase 3: Strategy Development (Sep - Dec 2024)
The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood is currently at this stageThis phase focuses on developing Plan Concepts based on visioning activities and community meetings while identifying projects and actions with the highest priority.
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Phase 4: Draft Plan (Jan - Apr 2025)
this is an upcoming stage for The Hollow - Choice NeighborhoodThis phase focuses on strategies and projects, and the development of the Concept Plan selected to be organized in a Draft Plan.
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Phase 5: Final Plan (May - Aug 2025)
this is an upcoming stage for The Hollow - Choice NeighborhoodThis phases focuses on identifying partners and resources for implementation of projects and strategies identified during the Draft Plan through community meetings and working groups. The Final Transformation Plan is reviewed and shared with the community.
Key Dates
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February 06 2025
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December 16 → December 18 2024
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November 07 2024
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October 23 2024
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September 18 2024
Planning Resources + Documents
- Community Meeting Summary (August 2024) (1.74 MB) (pdf)
- Steering Committee Meeting Summary (August 2024) (681 KB) (pdf)
- Community Meeting Summary (May 2024) (9.36 MB) (pdf)
- Steering Committee Meeting Summary (May 2024) (6.49 MB) (pdf)
- Public Meeting with Partners Presentation (Feb 2024) (13.2 MB) (pdf)
FAQs
- What does a Choice Planning Grant mean for Bridgeport?
- What do we hope to achieve with the Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant?
- What are the focus areas of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative?
- How will these projects impact residents in the neighborhood?
- Who is the Planning Team?
- What are commitments from the Planning Team?
- How will we work with the community?
- Does the planning process include construction of new housing?
- Will Greene Homes residents need to move as part of the Plan?
- How can this planning process benefit the neighborhood in the short-term?