Team members: Pat G., Alysia F., Emily A., JP P.
Overview: Exploring Perceptions of Neighborhood Safety
Our group began by exploring the perception of safety of different Pittsburgh neighborhoods. When we compare these perceptions to city crime statistics, we found that in many cases, young people’s perceptions were, on the whole, reasonable: Often neighborhoods that people thought were more dangerous had more crimes, and those that were seen as pretty safe had fewer crimes.
However, there were several neighborhoods where perceptions and crime statistics didn’t line up. These included East Liberty, Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, and the Hill District.
Neighborhood focus
We decided to focus on the Hill District for a couple reasons.
1. There exists a difference in perceived danger and real crime statistics. The Hill District is more middle of the road with regard to safety, based on crime statistics. Even more inconsistent with perception, the Upper Hill experiences the same level of serious crime as Square Hill South, which is perceived as rather safe.
2. It seems timely and appropriate. New projects are in the works that signal an active effort to reinvigorate the neighborhood. These include a recently opened YMCA center, the revitalization of the New Granada Theater, and the much-heralded new grocery store.
Our next steps
1. Contact Hill District community organizations in order to brainstorm opportunity areas.
2. Devise research activities based on feedback we receive from community organizations.
3. Find and assess precedents relevant to the refined focus area.
Contact Hill District community organizations
In order to gain community insight and connect with community leaders, we plan to reach out to the Hill House Association and the Carnegie Library Hill District branch.
Devise research activities
Through our conversations with these two organizations, we plan to uncover existing ideas for ways that nonresidents could bring value to the neighborhood. For example, do community leaders want more people coming to the Hill District to shop, visit the new Jazz club, or move into the neighborhood? Or perhaps they would just like people to be more aware of the Hill District’s rich history and promising future?
From there, our research will focus on figuring out ways to bring those ideas to life. If there are no existing ideas for engaging nonresidents, our research will focus on working with community leaders to help them envision possible avenues for new interaction.
Find and assess precedents
In order to gain context and discover what has and has not worked, we plan to review case studies of other neighborhood organizations that faced similar challenges. Local organizations that could fall into this category include Vibrant Pittsburgh and cityLAB PGH.
Design and Policy 