New appartments, but close to bad neighborhoods? (Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks: townhouse, college)
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I don't know exactly what I want to say here, but will admit I have been troubled by a lot of different aspects of the events that have and are now transpiring in this Westgate/Fairywood/Broadhead ares. There are so many different vantage points and I try to be open, but find that to be somewhat challenging at times.
I am not from here, but I currently reside in Ingram and have for the past 7 years, first as a renter and now as a homeowner. I reside on one of the streets closer to the area we are discussing, actually from what the locals tell me, just pass through what's referred to as 'the desert' and you're there.
I love Ingram and not once have I *EVER* felt unsafe. I'd walk to the shopping plaza anytime and would do it again and will repeat that I never had any issues. But then recently a contractor looking at our home talked about 'the past activities of that area' and it got to me. I have a small child and plan to raise my family here and I don't want our neighborhood to have to deal again with the ramifications of such an element that 'the projects' attracted.
I would hear more talk as I work a PT gig at a local place and even an old neighbor saying to me 'he was going to hurry up and sell'...after he did so much to his home! I was floored! That's not what makes a community strong; GETTING INVOLVED in your Community and GETTING TO KNOW your neighbor, that does. We in Ingram are all working class people, a lot with families and from where I'm standing; we all hope to provide a safe place for it. I want to believe this is true and I want to believe that we have the power to make it so.
The problem is the IGNORANCE that runs deep in this town when it comes to other ethnic groups. I realize in this area it was easliy viewed to be one ethnic, more than another, but the color of their skin IS NOT THE PROBLEM.
*POVERTY IS A STATE OF MIND* - and when people having nothing to lose or people never learn what it is to 'EARN A LIVING' they don't give a crap when something is just given to them!
This is a direct result of the 'democratic' policies and all our local citizens that remain true to their democratic beliefs. The demise of this area is the result. I'm not trying to make this political, I do care for others and when people 'need' assistance, they should get it, but I'll tell you what...the 'requirements that an individual would have to meet' and 'the regular checks of legitimacy' should be instituted. That's how things go wrong, because there is no additional funding for that. And who suffers the person or family that was truly hoping to gain from the help. It's all just sad.
So I don't care what race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religion you may be, if you want to work hard to provide a decent life for yourself, your family, etc., then more power to you, I would welcome the opportunity to have you as a neighbor and strive for the same goals. But we can not let that DEEP ROOTED FEAR BASED ON IGNORANCE leave what were once beautiful prospering communities for the infestation of a bad element. Cause that is what has happened and somewhere someone finally GOT IT.
And trust me, I'm new at this too and I’m starting to practice what I preach here, it's the only way. People tell me the cops were scared to patrol these areas, well then YES - that is a problem, but what we do to change it? Does anyone even care to know?
I'm not trying to have the value of my house triple, or I would've bought elsewhere. But I have a love for the city neighborhoods and I just hope that all residents new and current can see the potential of joining forces for a positive change. There so much about the surrounding area that is worth while and this 'Emerald Gardens' - I hope it does all it can to bring change to that area as well and that they follow through, it's worthwhile for the tenants and worth while for the surrounding area.
In regards to it being an 'isolated area'...I've been told a lot of the industrial stuff came afterwards, and if you lived in different areas like I have you'd know it's not all that uncommon, industry and residential being close.
So again, I don't know what I'm saying here other than 'change can be a good thing'. And if your mindset is stuck on the negative, keep it to yourselves...I can literally walk there in 10 minutes, and enjoy a wonderful neighborhood, so why can't we spread that out more instead of keeping those complexes a 'shrine of shame' .
Great replies and stories, lots of good local info there!
As far as your neighbour selling his house, that seems a bit knee-jerk. As was previously stated, these are very nice appartments, not projects anymore... In fact yesterday they installed the laundry facilities, and a large fenced in area for our dogs to run around in. I hear there is a convinience store coming in as well as a fitness center. The security booth at the entrance to the complex is being finished up now.
As for the armed security guards, I think he has a gun just to make people here feel extra safe. Given the history of the area, I think alot of people's minds might be eased by it. Of course, this can be a double-edged sword as some people will think he needs the gun. As far as I can tell, he has no use for it, other than deterrance and making the residents feel more comfortable.
IngramResNotFromPA: I'm not actually sure what your post is in response to here, I think most of the people here would agree with you. I think the future for this area is quite good, I think Emerald Gardens will really change the image of this area, and raise property values nearby.
Mortico: I know I did go off a bit of a tangent. I guess I'm just trying to share to any new tenants at Emerald Gardens that even though it's located in an area that was once very troublesome, that they should also know of all the wonderful neighborhoods around them. And even though some of their immediate surrounding areas may be seedy, hopefully with new growth will provide new opportunities and a positive change. I just remember someone's comments about, "when your year is up to 'get out" and I don't think that helps promote positive change, just like someone 'selling your house and running', it's unwarranted fear.
Mortico - I have some afterthoughts in response to your original post...
First - Welcome to the Neighborhood!!!!
Your location is very convenient to many of the city's offerings;
Ingram Borough is your neighbor up and over the hill; the wooded area between us is actually a Nature Conservation area, so now development will happen there.
Just up Ingram Avenue is the West Bus-way to the city, there is also a Crafton bus-way stop with ample parking. Ingram Park is just on the corner too, which hosts local events and children’s team sports as well. It has a nice walking, jogging, track that circles the park.
Off of Crafton Blvd is Crafton Park and the Crafton pool, Crafton Park hosts many events and the 'Summer Concert Series' as well, which is Thursday evenings during the mid to late summer months.
Of course we have the Crafton-Ingram Shopping Plaza, which has been having some turnover but new shops have come in. The Walgreen’s is a new addition all together, knocking down what was once an older part of the apartments next to it.
Of course following Rt. 60 South connects you to Route 79. Route 79, which I'll assume you know, offers direct routes to great shopping at Grove City and beautiful parks up north. Route 60 is also your direct artery to the Robinson Town Center, Robinson Mall and South Pointe Shopping plazas. Our famed 'Super Wally World' is out there and people from OH, WV and PA all shop there.
Going towards town up Steuben will bring you through the West End and your arties to the city in less than 10 minutes time (off times of course). If you have yet to explore downtown, the Strip Market on Saturday mornings is awesome, the 'Pennsylvania Macaroni Company 'PENN MAC' is the place to go for cheeses, fresh pasta's, etc., the smells of fresh ‘everything’ and interesting street vendors and shops makes for an enjoyable way to spend a nice Saturday morning.
Then of course East on Carson Street will run you into Station Square, which can make for a full evening out, with activities during the summer such as the Station Square Street Jam, free outdoor concerts on Fridays, their mall areas, many eateries and a comedy club.
Down further is the 'South Side'...your more eclectic area of town, with unique shops, people :-) and wonderful eateries as well...plus further down is now the South Side Works, more upscale to appeal to the newer tenants of town.
There is so much around you; so explore, learn and love what this city has to offer.
Enjoy and of course (as in ANYWHERE), use common sense and be safe.
Later!
I don't know exactly what I want to say here, but will admit I have been troubled by a lot of different aspects of the events that have and are now transpiring in this Westgate/Fairywood/Broadhead ares. There are so many different vantage points and I try to be open, but find that to be somewhat challenging at times.
I am not from here, but I currently reside in Ingram and have for the past 7 years, first as a renter and now as a homeowner. I reside on one of the streets closer to the area we are discussing, actually from what the locals tell me, just pass through what's referred to as 'the desert' and you're there.
I love Ingram and not once have I *EVER* felt unsafe. I'd walk to the shopping plaza anytime and would do it again and will repeat that I never had any issues. But then recently a contractor looking at our home talked about 'the past activities of that area' and it got to me. I have a small child and plan to raise my family here and I don't want our neighborhood to have to deal again with the ramifications of such an element that 'the projects' attracted.
I would hear more talk as I work a PT gig at a local place and even an old neighbor saying to me 'he was going to hurry up and sell'...after he did so much to his home! I was floored! That's not what makes a community strong; GETTING INVOLVED in your Community and GETTING TO KNOW your neighbor, that does. We in Ingram are all working class people, a lot with families and from where I'm standing; we all hope to provide a safe place for it. I want to believe this is true and I want to believe that we have the power to make it so.
The problem is the IGNORANCE that runs deep in this town when it comes to other ethnic groups. I realize in this area it was easliy viewed to be one ethnic, more than another, but the color of their skin IS NOT THE PROBLEM.
*POVERTY IS A STATE OF MIND* - and when people having nothing to lose or people never learn what it is to 'EARN A LIVING' they don't give a crap when something is just given to them!
This is a direct result of the 'democratic' policies and all our local citizens that remain true to their democratic beliefs. The demise of this area is the result. I'm not trying to make this political, I do care for others and when people 'need' assistance, they should get it, but I'll tell you what...the 'requirements that an individual would have to meet' and 'the regular checks of legitimacy' should be instituted. That's how things go wrong, because there is no additional funding for that. And who suffers the person or family that was truly hoping to gain from the help. It's all just sad.
So I don't care what race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religion you may be, if you want to work hard to provide a decent life for yourself, your family, etc., then more power to you, I would welcome the opportunity to have you as a neighbor and strive for the same goals. But we can not let that DEEP ROOTED FEAR BASED ON IGNORANCE leave what were once beautiful prospering communities for the infestation of a bad element. Cause that is what has happened and somewhere someone finally GOT IT.
And trust me, I'm new at this too and I’m starting to practice what I preach here, it's the only way. People tell me the cops were scared to patrol these areas, well then YES - that is a problem, but what we do to change it? Does anyone even care to know?
I'm not trying to have the value of my house triple, or I would've bought elsewhere. But I have a love for the city neighborhoods and I just hope that all residents new and current can see the potential of joining forces for a positive change. There so much about the surrounding area that is worth while and this 'Emerald Gardens' - I hope it does all it can to bring change to that area as well and that they follow through, it's worthwhile for the tenants and worth while for the surrounding area.
In regards to it being an 'isolated area'...I've been told a lot of the industrial stuff came afterwards, and if you lived in different areas like I have you'd know it's not all that uncommon, industry and residential being close.
So again, I don't know what I'm saying here other than 'change can be a good thing'. And if your mindset is stuck on the negative, keep it to yourselves...I can literally walk there in 10 minutes, and enjoy a wonderful neighborhood, so why can't we spread that out more instead of keeping those complexes a 'shrine of shame' .
What does being a democrat have anything to do with being poor? That is truly an ignorant statement if I have ever seen one.
Republicans have destroyed this country. Since 1970 republicans have controlled the white house 25 of the 37 last years. Over that time period poor education, drugs, lack of gun control, exporting of jobs, immigration and poverty all compounded into the problem we have today. Society is what it is primarly because of leadership since 1970 to now. While Clinton was in office this country experienced the most prosperous eight years since the 1960's. Now we are wasting money in an endless iraq war the we shouldve never been in. Forclouses and poverty are raising to record highs. All that money could've helped those after Katrina and gone for infrastructure improvements for our country.
So once again tell me how it is a Democrats fault when republicans support big business, exporting our jobs and exploiting the poor / eroding the middle class with slave wages?
Now back on topic to Fairywood. You haven't lived there long enough or experienced what it is like to come from deep into poverty. Fairywood was the poorest city neighborhood and second poorest neighborhood in Allegheny County when westgate and broadhead manor were in full swing. The unempolyment rate was 47 percent.
You are right people shouldn't make excuses based on race, gender, etc. When you come from poverty and live in a westgate or broadhead it DOESN"T GIVE HOPE!!! You have to integrate poor people among middle class and rich to have a sense of normalcy. The rich white (republican) people frown upon that though. Most of the people living down there had no hope and could've cared less about their life or someone else'. Basically they have nothing to lose because they have nothing. Their lives are miserable and they steal to obtain goods, deal drugs to make money or use drugs to try the numb the pain that is their life. The poor are constantly exploited on television, radio and newspapers. If the government doesn't provide them with aid, who will? Are you willing to help guide them in the right direction or give up your job so they could have it?
The American dream is pretty much dead in the water. We sold ourselves out. When the baby boomers die and their fortune left to their loved ones dry up there will be nothing left. This country will all be impoverished and saturated with jobs that pay enough to rent a slum apartment and eat dinner at mcdonalds... Only the small percentage of rich will be and everybody else will be poor....
Next time you have some free time and feel like doing some homework check and see where people vote democrat and then see where they live. I think you'll find that people who overwhelmingly vote democrat are from poor intercity area's. I'm not saying the point afterwards is right or wrong....just that the fact that democrat's = poor is a sterotype? perhaps but a true statement none the less.
and separation of classes is inevitable in a capitalist society. It's the driving force behind the idea, then you would have a revolution and everything either resets or you dictators...people are a long way from being past greed a long way.
Just a quick response to 'zman63'...
It was not my intention to lay blame on one political party or make this the focus of this chat forum...I'm not ashamed to admit my own ignorance when it comes to the inner workings of our government, but I felt I tried to imply that by saying that these programs are implemented with no really 'follow-through'. Who should be responsible to make sure individuals gain from this assistance what they had hoped to gain. I would assume the government that voted for such programs?, but maybe I’m naïve for thinking that.
But it is a two way street as well, yes the areas set up as 'projects' aren't the best (because it's not suppose to be lifelong assistance), you need to work your way out (if your rent is free or super cheap, McD's can provide a stepping stone to something better)...I personally have worked my entire short existence from making $3.75 an hour to now $19 an hour, I have no schooling and at times worked 3 jobs when I needed to, and have also lived in my car. Never at one time did I seek assistance because I wanted better for myself and it's that 'want' that's been my driving force. When things are just given to anyone, they have no drive to do much more; all the rest of it is just excuses.
I too live in Ingram, and am not from there. I couldn't have picked a better neighborhood if I tried. My neighbors are in their 80's and told me about how it used to be, and why no one has every heard of Ingram- b/c of those projects. But now that they are gone, better for me! Way cheap, big, brick house with 2 car garage and big yard!
As a result, I think, my neighbors are always alert. They now what time I leave for work, when my days off are, everything. SOme may call that nosy, I call it helpful. If I am ever in trouble, I know who to call...
What does being a democrat have anything to do with being poor? That is truly an ignorant statement if I have ever seen one.
Republicans have destroyed this country.
LOL
Monkey see, monkey do.
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