From June 15-28, the Hollow community transformed the wall along Harral Avenue into a vibrant mural through a collaborative painting project with the Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council (BACC) through the Park City Urban Beautification Project. Local artists, the Greene Homes and The Hollow residents were actively involved in making this Early Action Activity a reflection of The Hollow’s voices and creativity. The community had a celebration gathering on Saturday, June 28 to unveil the artwork, shared some refreshments and welcomed a special visit from Mayor Joe Ganim. A big shoutout to everyone who collaborated and showed the power of community in shaping public space!

Held virtually on June 16th and 17th 2025, these two Working Group sessions brought together residents, ambassadors, and stakeholders to refine strategies and key projects for neighborhood improvements and transformation in The Hollow.

The Neighborhood Working Group focused on improving transportation, mobility, open space, recreation, and cultural identity. Key projects included expanding on-demand transit, improving walkability and pedestrian safety, activating parks like The Hollow Plaza, supporting cultural events like Taste of the Hollow, and enhancing neighborhood identity.

The People Working Group centered on advancing health, safety, education, employment, and a strong sense of belonging. Participants discussed cross-sector partnerships, community wellness initiatives, and resources to support residents' holistic needs.

Both sessions emphasized inclusive collaboration, transparency, and identifying missing resources or partners to ensure the success of upcoming implementation efforts.

On May 30th, the fifth Steering Committee meeting provided updates on the planning process, early action activities, and the future redevelopment of Charles F. Greene Homes. The Early Action Activities plan was approved by HUD, with mural painting scheduled to begin in June or July. Arts engagement activities have already begun, reflecting community input around culture, identity, and joy.

The meeting formally introduced JHM Group as the co-developer for the Charles F. Greene Homes site. JHM shared its community-driven approach, based on experience from similar affordable housing projects like Marina Village and Crescent Crossings. Discussions emphasized maintaining connectivity to the surrounding neighborhood, addressing concerns about scale and affordability, and ensuring alignment with residents' aspirations.

JHM provided some preliminary feedback to the vision for The Greenes, focused on reconnecting the site to the neighborhood through improved pedestrian and vehicular access, reducing the scale of existing buildings, and integrating green and open spaces. Key elements include a range of unit types, accessible and secure community areas, and spaces that support multi-generational living.

The committee reviewed housing strategies and draft design concepts, including the possibility of off-site housing and homeownership initiatives. Members advocated for stronger coordination between the housing authority and local government to prioritize housing development.

Additional discussions centered on design principles to improve walkability, safety, and integration with the neighborhood character—especially along key corridors like Highland and Lexington. Participants emphasized the importance of avoiding high-rise or underground parking, favoring designs that encourage community interaction, safety, and transparency.

The session also explored the potential for mixed-use programming, including commercial and childcare spaces, which could serve both residents and visitors. JHM noted that while it is difficult to deliver a broad mix of uses economically, a phased approach will allow for the prioritization of the most critical community needs.

The meeting concluded with next steps for continuing community engagement and refining the redevelopment strategy for implementation.

Next steps

• June: Working Groups #5 (Resources + Partners)

• July: Working Groups #6 (Implementation Strategy)

• August: Community Meeting #6

• September: Final Plan Submittal

On May 29th, our 5th Community Planning Meeting was held in Lafayette “Nanny Goat” Park, drawing approximately 45 participants. Attendees included Greene Homes residents, along with other community members who live or work in The Hollow and visitors who were walking by. The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to review the Draft Plan’s strategies and projects for People, Housing and Neighborhood, as well as to engage in discussions, share insights, and contribute to bring The Hollow Choice Neighborhood Transformation's Plan to the finish line.

The goals of this meeting were to:

• Review the Draft Plan goals, strategies and projects on the three elements: Neighborhood, Housing and People

• Review updates on the Early Action Activities and get residents involved in art workshops led by the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council (BACC) to beautify the Hollow and the Greene Homes.

The community enjoyed some refreshments, creative activities, and meeting with neighbors with joyful tunes by DJ JB (Hip Hop 1001) in the background on a beautiful Thursday afternoon.

We look forward to activating this amazing community space again for our final community meeting on August 21, 2025.

Join us for the Hollow Choice Neighborhood Community Meeting!

Thursday, May 29, 2025

4:00pm - 6:00 pm

Lafayette Park (74 Oak St)

You are invited to join and contribute to share your input on how we can improve housing, neighborhood services, and overall community well-being. This meeting will be a chance for you to review and provide feedback on the Draft Plan's goals, strategies and projects.

Meeting Highlights:

• Project Updates: We are on the final stretch for the Hollow & Charles F. Greene Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan! Final plan is due September 2025.

• Draft Transformation Plan: Join this event to review and share your feedback about the goals, strategies, and projects that are identifying investments to the Hollow Neighborhood.

• Early Action Activities: Get involved in art workshops and activities led by the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council (BACC) to beautify the Hollow and the Greene Homes!

We will have music, refreshments, activities for families and kids, exciting raffle prizes, and a variety of community partners to connect with!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Did you miss our last Community Meeting?

Community Meeting #4 was held on February 6, 2025, at the Columbus School gymnasium, continuing the collective efforts of the Hollow Choice Neighborhood Initiative. The meeting focused on three key goals:

• Reviewing Refined Housing Concepts – Building on feedback from Community Meeting #3, held on November 7, 2024, which featured an interactive housing design workshop for the Charles F. Greene Homes.

• Prioritizing People Strategies – Engaging participants in discussions around support services and programs that strengthen residents’ well-being.

• Providing Updates on Early Action Activities – Sharing progress and inviting community members to get involved in upcoming efforts.

Learn more about Community Meeting (February)

Stay Connected!

Your voice is vital in shaping the future of this effort.

To learn more about this project visit:

engage.bridgeportct.gov/choice-neighborhood-hollow

The fourth round of working group meetings were hosted from April 28th to 30th. These sessions included presentations and discussions on the core plan elements: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. Working groups build upon the feedback gathered from residents during the engagement process so far, ultimately shaping strategies, projects, and programs.

The goal of these sessions was to identify resources and partners for proposed projects that have been included in the Draft Plan completed in March. Within each of the plan's elements: People, Neighborhood, and Housing, and their respective projects, participants brainstormed on potential leads, partners, and resources available, and in some cases ranked proposed projects and strategies.

The Neighborhood Session was hybrid, hosted by Park City Communities in partnership with the City of Bridgeport and The Hollow NRZ (Neighborhood Revitalization Zone) at the Bridgeport City Hall and online on Zoom. Neighborhood Working Groups co-chair Sonia Montcrieffe welcomed participants; she also serves as the President of the Hollow NRZ. Projects analyzed correspond to key themes such as transportation, parks and open spaces, amenities and services, and sense of belonging and culture.

Both results from the virtual and in-person session reflect the prioritized projects below:

1. Enhancing the connectivity at Main St underpass

2. Improving crossing and streetscape at Washington Ave and Pequonnock St

3. Early Action Activity at The Hollow Plaza

4. Annual family festival at Lafayette/Nanny Goat Park

5. The Taste of The Hollow

6. Branding on Madison Ave and Main St

Other ideas included expanding on-demand transit service in Bridgeport to connect residents to key amenities and services, having a neighborhood health food hub, and creating an online neighborhood resource guide. Among key partners that meeting participants identified are Metro COG, Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, SquashBridge, and other community driven organizations and non-profits.

For the People element, the conversation revolved around education, and health and wellness. The themes corresponding to safety, jobs and income will be reviewed during the next session in June. Co-chair of the People Working Group, Alli Ganim from the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, welcomed participants to this session. Education projects presented included creating accessible and safe spaces for after-school programming such as on-site child care services, programs and activities with transportation options, connecting teenagers with post-grad resources, and having an on-site technology hub for residents. Participants also evaluated health and wellness projects such as establishing on-site programs focused on preventative care for the reported health conditions, peer-to-peer mental health support programs for youth, and establishing a local Farmer’s Market in The Hollow. Some of the partnerships identified include Housatonic College, the Board of Education, Kolbe Cathedral, Bridgeport Rotary, The Hollow NRZ, Bridgeport Transit Authority, Sacred Heart University, The Kennedy Center, Advanced Behavioral Health, Fridgeport, and various grant programs.

The Housing Element discussions focused on housing types, production, homeownership, and affordability. The main design improvements participants would like to see in the redevelopment of The Greene Homes are having open spaces that foster community interaction and different types of housing that can accommodate all kinds of families. There was also a focus on features such as porches, balconies, and vibrant colors. Highlights of the conversation included potential partnerships with community land trusts, banks, city departments, rental assistance programs, and local colleges, as well as sparked light on resources such as funds, homebuyers programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Some of the most mentioned were Habitat for Humanity, the City of Bridgeport, Building Neighborhoods Together, and the Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust. During this session, we also had the participation of Councilwoman Eneida Martinez, co-chair of the Housing Working Group, who invited residents to be part of future council meetings.

Working groups sessions have been an important part of the process of developing strategies and the upcoming implementation of projects while connecting different stakeholders and resources. The next steps include Community Meeting #5 at Nanny Goat/Lafayette Park on May 29th, 2025 and two additional Working Groups sessions in June and July leading towards the development of the Final Plan in September.

Presentations of these meetings can be accessed at the following links:

Working Group: Neighborhood

Monday, April 28th, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm

Working Group: People

Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, 10:30-12:00 pm

Working Group: Housing

Wednesday, May 30th, 2025, 2:30-4:00 pm

About 40 people attended Community Meeting #4 which was hosted on February 6th, 2025 at the gymnasium of Columbus School.

The goals of the meeting focused on:

• Reviewing refined Housing Concepts

• Prioritizing People Strategies

• Providing updates on Early Action Activities and recruiting volunteers

The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations that displayed materials and prompts for resident input; it also included breakouts for small-group conversations and collaborative activities. Amongst the different activity stations, there were:

• People’s Bucks: Residents were asked to prioritize projects amongst 20 options related to four categories of the People section of the plan: Education, Safety, Income and Employment, and Health. Each resident received 10 bills of $1.000 and could distribute them throughout the projects after learning about them all. The results indicate what the community believes will generate the most positive impact and indicate which initiatives should be prioritized.

• Housing Concepts Conversations: Residents learned about design proposals for redeveloping The Greene Homes through illustrated boards and could explore different possibilities of layout, housing typologies, and density with interactive models of the sites. They were also asked to prioritize design elements related to housing, amenities, services, and activities for open space, giving their feedback on why these elements are more important to them.

• Neighborhood Key Projects: Community members were asked to prioritize strategies for neighborhood key project ideas highlighting what they found most interesting about them and identifying what improvements would benefit residents the most. Illustrated boards showed visual references for each of the projects, which were also indicated on a map of the neighborhood planning area.

• Early Action Activities: Community members learned about updates regarding proposed Early Action Activities, and were encouraged to continue providing their feedback. They could also sign up to get involved in the implementation phase of one of the projects which includes murals in different locations of the Greene Homes.

At the neighborhood level, some of the main insights from the meeting included:

• Install murals and wayfinding elements as landmarks in The Hollow.

• Prioritize the Park & Washington Ave underpass project and repurpose the space by incorporating a farmers market.

• Activate Lafayette Park with resident-led events and designated spaces, including a dog-friendly area.

• Enhance neighborhood commercial corridors by introducing medical clinics, grocery stores, and restaurants.

For The Greene Homes:

• Establish after-school and sports programs, an on-site technology hub for Internet access, and on-site child care services.

• Ensure safe and clean play areas for children, including a basketball court.

• Incorporate art and signage that reflect the cultural heritage of The Greene Homes residents.

• Design housing around a central open space, primarily consisting of triplexes.

• Prioritize accessibility at building entrances.

• Enclose open areas to prevent unauthorized access.

• Ensure adequate parking space for residents.

• Develop mixed-use buildings that integrate retail and community spaces.

Park City Ball also led activities for children and youth engagement. Community Meeting #4 brought together residents of all ages, creating an engaging atmosphere that generated valuable insights and feedback and strengthened future involvement in The Hollow community. A big shoutout to our community ambassadors and everyone who collaborated on this event!

From 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:

Working Group: People

Monday, December 16th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am

Working Group: Housing

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am

Working Group: Neighborhood

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am

On 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.

The 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.