Images Courtesy of Camiros, Ltd.

west ward choice neighborhood Plan

Easton, Pennsylvania

Client

Greater Easton Development Partnership, Housing Authority of the City of Easton, and City of Easton

Description

In December 2020, the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Easton (HACE), was awarded a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for the West Ward neighborhood of Easton. The Plan identifies HACE’s N Union Street Apartments property as a Target Housing Site for redevelopment, while incorporating revitalization strategies for HACE’s Elm Street Apartments and Bushkill House properties within the larger framework for redevelopment.

The West Ward Choice Neighborhood Plan is a collaborative effort led by the community that builds on a strong foundation of previous planning initiatives. The CN Plan updates and adapts the 2019 West Ward Neighborhood Plan to focus on the core goals of People, Housing, and Neighborhood.

The Plan includes the following Vision for the community: The historic West Ward will continue to become a colorful, safe, inclusive and desirable neighborhood fully integrated into Easton’s vibrant urban fabric. Residents will have access to affordable education and training opportunities, local jobs and support services. Local amenities will be connected by a robust system of sidewalks, bicycle routes and tree-lined streets. Parks and open spaces will host unique events and art installations that draw visitors and showcase local creativity. Residents of all colors, backgrounds, cultures, ages, abilities, faiths and incomes will be proud to call the West Ward home and will work together to make it a Neighborhood of Choice.

West Ward residents have been engaged through various meetings, events and more throughout the planning process, including in person and online. The Team collected valuable information on visioning for the future, program and project strategies and people, housing and neighborhood elements. Through surveys and activities, all of the information collected has been used to develop the Plan.