CSAC 2024: A Year of Growth and Community Impact

Reflecting on a year filled with achievements, partnerships, and progress for the Charles Street Valley community, we are excited to share the milestones that defined 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to making a difference!

December 20, 2024

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Key Accomplishments

Homeownership Initiatives

This year, we made significant strides in supporting homeownership for Charles Street Valley residents. From facilitating first-time homebuyer education to assisting homeowners with renovation grants, our efforts focused on creating pathways to stability and growth.

First-Time Homebuyer Program: Partnered with NeighborWorks Western PA to assist 70 applicants, several of whom completed certification.

Affordable Homeownership Project: Completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Environmental Site Assessment for N Charles St.

URA Residential Facade Program: Continued the program, with 6 of 33 homeowners beginning or expressing interest in applications.

Key Grants Secured: 

  • $900,000 Federal Home Loan Bank
  • $500,000 RACP
  • $105,000 GEDTF
  • $77,000 Foundation PreD Design

Community Beautification

Beautifying our community remained a priority in 2024. From planting trees to improving local infrastructure, we enhanced shared spaces and fostered pride in our neighborhood.

Greenway Planting Day: Planted 14 trees with the help of 20 volunteers in partnership with Tree Vitalize. The Executive Director also became a certified Tree Tender.

Weed & Seed Days: Organized two gardening and cleanup days at Bright-Chuck Point gateway.

Greenway Signage: Installed 4 interpretive signs and 2 trail marker signs.

Traffic Calming Measures: Completed Phase 2 of the N Charles St Traffic Calming Project. View City Update. View Details

Neighborhood Events

This year was filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and grow together. Our events brought neighbors closer while addressing critical community needs.

Cross-Strauss Playground Grand Reopening: Celebrated the renovation with 70 attendees and 11 partner organizations. View photos here!

Health & Wellness Programs: Hosted workshops in collaboration with Dr. Raymond Logan and Safe Passage from June to August.

Toy Drive: Donated over 20 toys for King Elementary School’s third graders through State Representative Aerion Abney’s annual toy drive.

Other Notable Achievements

We laid important groundwork for future development, ensuring our projects reflect community needs and priorities.

311 Request Webpage: Launched a centralized platform to address CSV 311 request needs. Check it out here!

CSAC Newsletter: Rolled out the Charles Street Area Council Newsletter to keep residents and stakeholders updated on relevant updates and opportunities. Subscribe here!

Events: Held the Black Wealth & Asset Building Workshop and a tour of Choice Neighborhoods in partnership with NeighborWorks America Training Institute, Perry Hilltop Citizens Council, Fineview Citizens Council, Marshall-Shadeland Citizens Council, and California Kirkbride Neighbors. 

On the CSAC Horizon in 2025

As we look ahead, our vision for 2025 is brighter than ever. Here are just a few of the exciting initiative:

  • Launching the Anti-Litter Campaign to promote environmental responsibility
  • Expanding the Tangled Title Program in partnership with Catapult.
  • Introducing a Workforce Development Program to empower residents with job skills.
  • Expanding the Tangled Title Program in partnership with Catapult.
  • Constructing six affordable, owner-occupied housing units.
  • Hosting the third First-Time Homebuyer Program.

      Acknowledgements

We extend our deepest gratitude to the following partners and supporters for making 2024 a year of impact:

  • PHCC/FCC
  • WesBanco
  • Buhl Foundation
  • NeighborWorks America
  • City of Pittsburgh
  • Mayor ED Gainey
  • State Representative Aerion Abney
  • Senator Wayne Fontana
  • Governor Shapiro

Let's keep this momentum going in 2025!

We hope you will join us in building and enjoying the bright future of Charles Street Valley. Please volunteer, donate or partner with us to build a better and thriving community.

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