The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood

On 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

(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1

(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2

The 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.

On 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.

The 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.

On 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.

On 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.

On March 7th, the Choice Neighborhood Initiative Program team of the US Department of Housing and Development (HUD) visited The Hollow. Hosted by Park City Communities and The City of Bridgeport, they met with community stakeholders and residents of the Greene Homes to discuss the Choice Neighborhood planning process.

See press release from HUD about Choice Neighborhood grantees (September 2023).

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_23_201

On February 23, PCC hosted the Women’s Leadership Roundtable, bringing together PCC residents, staff members, and community partners. The roundtable leveraged the unique perspectives and expertise of two women who have created innovative solutions to redevelopment and community investment, informed by their lived experience growing up in the South Bronx.

Guest speakers included Majora Carter, an esteemed American urban revitalization strategist, public radio host, and author of Reclaiming Your Community. Also gracing the event was April De Simone, a distinguished architect renowned for her expertise in the intersection of social dynamics and spatial design. Notably, De Simone served as the curator of the acclaimed exhibition The Practice of Democracy, a View from Connecticut.

In a dynamic and heartfelt dialogue with residents of public housing, discussions revolved around vital themes such as retaining local talent, fostering prosperity without displacement, addressing the historical impact of redlining and environmental injustices, and exploring innovative models for inclusive development. Guiding this engaging conversation was Jillian Baldwin, CEO of Park City Communities, who skillfully moderated a panel and Q&A session featuring Majora Carter, April De Simone, and Carmen Colon of Pacific House.

Residents enthusiastically shared their perspectives and personal experiences in leadership, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to public housing contexts. A particularly poignant moment arose with the participation of resident-led PT Partners, whose initiatives in resident mutual aid, capacity building, and civic engagement have made significant strides across three PCC communities, including Charles F. Greene Homes.

Resident, speakers, and organizers of the Roundtable.

On January 12th, the City of Bridgeport and PCC held two well-attended in-person community meetings to share information about Choice Neighborhoods and to create space for community dialogue about the grant. Guests included Mayor Ganim, Chief of Police Porter, Councilman Jorge Cruz, and other city officials. Robust discussions included ways that city departments and community partners could collaborate on shared goals for collective impact. Residents shared concerns about current conditions, safety, and well-being, and offered their lived expertise-informed ideas for the transformation of the Charles F. Greene Homes and the Hollow neighborhood.

Find complete article from Connecticut Public here:

https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-11-08/bridgeport-resident-task-force-to-transform-public-housing

Bridgeport’s public housing authority, known as Park City Communities, is using federal funds to create a resident task force designed to help improve a public housing property.

The Charles F. Greene Homes were built in 1951 and have 270 apartments. The city will use a $500,000 federal Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to research and develop a transformation plan to improve the property.

The two-year grant process will include developing a task force made up of Greene Homes residents. The residents will give input on desired changes, Park City Communities CEO Jillian Baldwin said.