The Hollow - Choice Neighborhood

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.

On June 2, 2023, Park City Communities (PCC) invited Community partners and stakeholders, including residents, to participate in a virtual presentation unveiling the draft grant application. The presentation covered essential aspects such as grant priority areas, timeline, concept budget, steering committee, and the working group structure.

Additionally, attendees gained valuable insights from resident feedback collected during the Community Connects festival and other outreach efforts. This feedback provided a deeper understanding of residents' hopes and concerns within the priority areas of Housing, People, and Neighborhood.

On May 19, 2023, Park City Communities (PCC) hosted a spirited celebration at Charles F. Greene Homes, rallying community partners and residents to spread the word about their ongoing application for the Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant.

Residents shared their insights on crucial areas like Housing, People, and Neighborhood, while also signing up for updates on the grant process. Community partners, including the Housing Collective, Alliance, YMCA, New Reach, and Recovery Network programs, set up tables to engage attendees.

The event buzzed with excitement as everyone enjoyed a cookout, relished Italian ice treats, bounced in a lively house, and danced together in joyful camaraderie.