Development Team Members Present to Netroots Nation

 Equitable Development is Possible! The Lower Hill Story.
 
Panelists from The Lower Hill Development Team spoke about the history of The Lower Hill project and The Buccini/Pollin Group's innovative reinvestment plan to channel at least $50 million to the Historic Hill District at the Netroots Nation conference August 18-20th. Longtime organizers and activists, who are now working in development and education to realize the full potential of their communities, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Director of Community, Arts and Culture, Bomani M. Howze, Vice President of Development, R. Daniel Lavelle, City Councilman, District 6, Tracey McCants-Lewis, General Counsel and HR, The Pittsburgh Penguins and Dr. Diamonte Walker, Historic Hill resident were in attendance. 
 
Background: In the 1950s, the City of Pittsburgh was chosen to be the recipient of federal funds to address post-World War II urban renewal. Hence, the first Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in the nation was created and, in 1957, they cut the ribbon for what was to be a brand new cultural district. Urban planning began but was not finished. Promises were made but were not kept. Protests and resistance ensued and in the end, at least 8,000 African Americans, in particular, were displaced.
 
Today, the second chance at development of the Lower Hill site is afoot. With an organized community, government accountability and corporate citizenship resulting in a "CCIP," The Buccini/Pollin Group discusses how they have the best reinvestment plan in America for the Historic Hill District. Watch the presentation here