The group became an active in the spring of 2010 following a community engagement initiative completed by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) and Public Allies Pittsburgh. BGC and the Public Allies conducted an intense survey of the neighborhood. The purpose of the survey was to ask residents within the designated Elm Street area what they want to see happen in the neighborhood. The response revealed that neighbors were most concerned about:
- Things for kids to do
- Vacant land & blight
- Littering & dumping
- Home Improvements
- Public Safety
Neighbors met to discuss the results of the survey and what can be done to address the concerns. From that meeting residents began to meet regularly and start new community initiatives aimed at solving these concerns.
While the group continues to serve as the Elm Street Committee, it has grown to include the creation of community projects outside of the Elm Street area. Projects are geared toward inspiring community involvement and creating a cleaner, greener and safer Garfield. In its first year GCAT hosted a Garfield Family Day, started larger more regular neighborhood clean-up areas, planted trees on Black Street through TreeVitlize, recruited 5 new community tree tenders and applied for a tree planting for Winebiddle and Dearborn Street.
Have a question about the Garfield Community Action Team? Email Kathryn Vargas at: kathrynv@bloomfield-garfield.org
We invite you to become part of the action! If you would like to be added to the email list for meeting information and volunteer opportunities, please fill out the form below! Any and all levels of participation are welcome!
