State of the Land Report: March 2023

State of the Land Report The State of the Land Report is our monthly update where we will be educating and sharing out about everything you need to know about vacant land policy in the City of Pittsburgh! State of the Land Updates City Council Assessing RCOs Role in Facilitating Equitable Neighborhood Development On March 1st, 2023, the Pittsburgh City Council held a Post-Agenda Meeting & Public Hearing on the state of Registered Community Organizations (RCOs). Representatives from the Department of City…

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State of the Land Report: February 2023

State of the Land Report The State of the Land Report is our monthly update where we will be educating and sharing out about everything you need to know about vacant land policy in the City of Pittsburgh! State of the Land Updates Why does the Tri-Party Cooperation Agreement matter for the Pittsburgh Land Bank? The Tri-Party Cooperation Agreement is an intergovernmental agreement that is allowed under the The Pittsburgh Land Bank legislation that was passed back in 2014. The agreement…

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State of the Land Report: January 2023

State of the Land Report The State of the Land Report is our monthly update where we will be educating and sharing out about everything you need to know about vacant land policy in the City of Pittsburgh! State of the Land Updates In Response: Fighting blight by fixing up homes could bring down Philly gun violence, new study shows In the City of Pittsburgh, we have an estimated 30,000 vacant properties, and around 13,000 are the City of Pittsburgh-owned. Hypervacancy disproportionately…

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Any Exposure is Bad Exposure: A Comparison on Lead Safety & COVID-19 Safety Practices

As we learn more about the Coronavirus and how to limit exposure, proper health and safety precautions are on everyone's minds. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending we wash our hands for 20 seconds, avoid touching our faces, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces like countertops or doorknobs. You may know that these are important measures to take to mitigate risk of catching the virus, or spreading it to other more vulnerable people…

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Community Keystones

Blog by Sean Cuff, Policy Fellow In early August, I interviewed CommunityCare Steward and long-time Larimer resident Tab Duckett outside his adopted lots near Thompson and Joseph Streets. He and his lawnmower have been fixtures of the community, and represent the outsized role neighbors have had to take on to keep their blocks maintained. He was born and raised in the neighborhood. In between at least ten horn honks, waves, and “hey there’s” with passersby, we talked about how the…

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Allegheny Mountains Lot Refresh

Join us for a workday in the Northside at Allegheny Mountains Lot at the intersection of California Avenue and Benton Avenue! This lot was damaged and needs repair so we are asking for volunteers to join us in restoring it to its former glory. As a part of the Grounded Strategies team, we will be getting our hands dirty with weeding, mulching, and general site refresh. Come ready to work in warm or cool weather. To sign up, please email…

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Make this West End Lot SHINE

Volunteer work day on the Together We Shine lot in central Sheraden. Tasks include landscaping, picket fence painting and construction, pebble mosaic craft for kids. Something for everyone. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing ready for painting. The lot will be a Green Playce that encourages kids to move and play. RSVP and learn more by contacting Rebecca at rebecca@groundedpgh.org or 412-361-2099 x 2#. Location: 1111 Fairdale St, Pittsburgh, PA 15204

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THINC30 Tank: Ensuring Inclusive Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Lend your voice and insights to help create a tool that can be used to regularly check up on the health of Pittsburgh's 90 unique neighborhoods at our first 2019 THINC30 Tank: Ensuring Inclusive Pittsburgh Neighborhoods. Over the last two years, Pittsburgh’s business, civic and community leaders have joined us at our THINC30 summits to learn how they may help advance the 17 global UN Sustainable Development Goals here locally and create a thriving, robust region for everyone. Last year,…

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Hazelwood Green Space Build

Join the Hazelwood Platoon in collaboration with Morningside Baptist Church and Grounded, in honoring the legacies of George Thomas; Army Veteran, and community advocate, Min Rena Fuller. Help us to uphold their commitment to leadership and service. The Hazelwood Platoon alongside Hazelwood volunteers will complete 2 memorial service projects, one of which is reviving a vacant lot. Join us in planting shrubs, building an outdoor activities space, constructing pathways, building benches and more! Help us to bring in the Spring Season the right way!…

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Vacant Lot Beautification in Larimer

Support our CommunityCare stewards as they work to stabilize and beautify vacant lots throughout Larimer. We need extra hands to help us with some particularly overgrown vacant lots that are encroaching on the sidewalk. Help us uncover a safe walking path for pedestrians and pick up debris on site. Please come equipped with sturdy footwear (no open toes), as well as clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. RSVP and learn more by contacting Anna at anna@groundedpgh.org or 412-361-2099 x 6#. Location: 558…

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