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Community Forum: Three Community Investment Initiatives

by The Berks Alliance

Apr 25, 2019

Date And Time

Thu, May 23, 2019, 11:30 AM EDT

Location

Schmidt Center

Reading Area Community College 10 South Second Street, Reading PA 19602

19104

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Interesting things are happening in Reading’s neighborhoods!

Learn about three new initiatives to stimulate community development and what they could mean for the city.

REGISTER HERE

The South of Penn Initiative: The South of Penn Initiative is a coordinated effort to improve quality of life in the neighborhood south of Penn Street. Focusing on creating a sense of neighborhood and community engagement, this initiative employs a Neighborhood Outreach Worker to engage the residents in identifying community needs. The project, which offers educational programming for homeowners, will provide facade improvement funding for up to 26 homes in the neighborhood. Using the arts and cultural events as a means of engaging residents, particularly young people, the effort hopes to create a sense of community and cohesiveness to focus on community improvement efforts.

The 18th Wonder: Consisting of the “forgotten neighborhoods” of the city south of the River, the 18th Wonder Project is another effort to create neighborhood cohesiveness. Comprised of the Millmont, Oakbrook and Wyomissing Park neighborhoods of the city, the 18th Wonder community organization has launched several projects designed to strengthen that part of Reading. The group has already developed a strategic plan for the community, designed to improve the look and feel of the area, improve both pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow and enhance the area’s greenways and parks. This summer, they will offer a facade improvement grant program for buildings along the Lancaster Avenue corridor. And the group recently announced plans to create a local business association to help market the businesses in the neighborhood.

The Buttonwood Gateway Project: Located adjacent to the Buttonwood Bridge, this project aims to revitalize a neighborhood that is a major entry way into the city. Led by Habitat for Humanity, the effort focuses on increasing homeownership in the neighborhood, including providing education for residents of the area in personal finances. The project involves collaboration between non-profit and governmental organizations and residential home developers, designed to enhance the neighborhood, not only by enhancing the housing stock, but by expanding neighborhood resources such as recreation and community garden space.

Also plan to join us on Tuesday June 11th at 11:30 in the Schmidt Center for a Community Forum on Housing Issues.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Parking is available in the RACC parking garage adjacent to the Schmidt Center off of Court Street.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Yes. Just let us know at check-in on the day of the event.

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