Major plan addressing housing, parks, streets, arts center, programs, more in Easton’s West Ward to be shared at Nov. 16 community meeting 

 

EASTON, Pa. — The team developing the West Ward Choice Neighborhood Plan will be presenting its recommendations for the West Ward at a community meeting on Wed., Nov. 16, 2022, from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Paxinosa Elementary School, 1221 Northampton Street.

The gathering will include a summary of the process and community input and feedback received along the way, as well as an overview of the three core plan elements: people, housing and neighborhood. Community members will be presenting updated plans for the Overtown Arts Center at the meeting, one of the potential “People Projects” in the plan.

Team members from the developer and architecture firm that will help move from plan to implementation will also be introduced. There will be ample time for questions about and feedback on the plan. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Following review and adoption of the plan, the initiative will gear up for a grant application in 2023 anticipated to be near $40 million for Choice Neighborhood Implementation support.

More about the West Ward Choice Neighborhood Plan as well as draft plans, “mind maps” and other presentations are available at westwardeaston.org/choiceneighborhood.

The plan is the culmination of a process begun in September 2020 when the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Easton (HACE) and the City of Easton, applied for and was awarded a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for the West Ward neighborhood of Easton. The grant award of $450,000 is helping the GEDP, HACE and the City of Easton address the inequities that exist within the community and build significant positive momentum for revitalization.

About GEDP:

GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. It is comprised of Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, PA Bacon Fest, West Ward Community Initiative, Easton Ambassadors and many other programs and events. For more information, visit eastonpartnership.org.

About West Ward Community Initiative: The West Ward Community Initiative was launched in 2019 by the Greater Easton Development Partnership. It is an initiative made possible through a Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED).

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott (for GEDP)
Drabenstott Communications Group

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