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revitalization by transforming bricks and mortar into neighborhoods and communities. In October 2011 the SSJNN was approved to receive Neighborhood Partnership Program Tax Credits based on their efforts in creating partnerships for Little Italy revitalization. As part of this program three local companies, Eriez Magnetics (an investor with the ERCGP), Northwest Savings Bank (a gold level investor with the ERCGP) and Saint Vincent Health System (a platinum level investor with the ERCGP), have committed to donating $50,000 per year for five years for a total of $750,000 to make positive changes in Little Italy. Furthermore, in November 2011 the agency was approved for Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits recruiting donations from Berry Plastics, Marquette Savings Bank (a gold level investor with the ERCGP), Erie Insurance (a platinum level investor with the ERCGP) and Mayer Brothers Construction.
Before Photos Courtesy of SSJNN
In perhaps their most visible initiative, SSJNN’s “Clean Up Green Up” plan carries out graffiti eradication, promotes street art programs, and facilitates neighborhood landscaping projects. The large community garden on the 400 block of West 18th Street is a testament to their mission of revitalization. “The community garden project provides a wonderful opportunity to mobilize neighbors,” said Graham. The garden contributes to neighborhood revitalization by “providing sources for healthy nutritious food and teaching gardening practices that can be carried over to their own personal property. It is a wonderful green activity for adults and children alike.”
After
So successful is the community garden project that SSJNN recently announced plans to create a second garden on 18th and Walnut Streets in partnership with the Trinity Center. “Last year we doubled the SSJNN garden boxes in the existing community garden located on the 400 block of West 18th Street,” said Graham. Throughout the year we offer not only garden opportunities but also nutrition education and meal preparation using the produce grown in the garden.” Graham thinks that these gardens are not only feeding people, but are also “opportunities for the neighbors and community to come together in celebration of Little Italy.”
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Like flapping banners on the summit of a distant peak, the Housing and Neighborhood Development Service and the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network are visible and kinetic examples of how resiliency becomes revitalization. In Little Italy, as well as across Erie, organizations like these as well as people like Chuck Scalise and Rose Graham demonstrate that Erie is not just digging fingernails into fragile soil below the acme, but rather steadfastly exploring the zenith.
COMMUNIT Y RESILIENCE