Community
Outreach Partnership Center (COPC)
Tuesday, September 18, 2001, 12:00-2:00
2017C
Cathedral of Learning
I.
Hazelwood and Oakland Housing Inventory Report
Andrew Aurand, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs,
reported on his joint efforts with Sungsoo Hwang to research the housing stock
in Hazelwood. Highlights of their
study include: 640 parcels have liens; 255 homes are vacant; 240 single family
homes. The full report will be
posted in the COPC website in the near future.
Joanna Beres, Urban Studies Program, reported on her historical and visual
survey of the Hazelwood housing stock. Copies
of her report were distributed and will be made available on COPC’s website in
the near future.
Megan Bursic, Oakland Planning and
Development Corporation (OPDC),
discussed the Bag Project, a new initiative in cooperation with the Housing
Resource Center and members of the Oakland Business Improvement District.
Bags are being stuffed with pertinent information regarding tenants’
and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, recycling information, and trash
pick-up dates, as well as several coupons for local businesses.
On Saturday, September 21, 2001, undergraduate volunteers participating
in the Pittsburgh Project will distribute the 3,000 bags to students living in
Central Oakland.
Jeff Alex, President of Student Government Board (SGB), explained a
bulk mailing initiative that will be sent over winter break.
The mailing will contain a survey about the conditions of off-campus
housing. Interest was expressed in
partnering with OPDC to include their rights and responsibilities information.
III.
Oakland Housing Summit
In follow-up to suggestions made at the first Working Group on Housing
meeting, OPDC and the Oakland Community Council have met to discuss the
possibility of a housing summit. Kelly
Hoffman, OPDC, reported that the two organizations will first host focus groups
to identify key issues facing various community populations including:
landlords, students, minorities, homeowners, and institutions.
Issues raised by these groups will be prioritized by COPC and will result
in a Housing Summit.
Ken Thompson recommended including people with disabilities and frail
elderly to the list of focus groups.
A sub-committee was formed to identify relevant questions to ask each
focus group. The sub-committee will
meet at the OPDC on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.
Bob Hopkins explained that the
Housing Resource Center was established by the University to assist students,
staff and faculty in identifying suitable housing options.
The HRC’s services include: roommate and sublet matching services,
rental tips, listing of apartments approved by the City of Pittsburgh, and
neighborhood information.
The Working Group on Housing will meet on a monthly basis. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 16, 2001 from 12:00 to 1:30pm. Location TBA.
Future Issues:
Fair
Housing for International Students
Disability
Housing in Oakland