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WHEREAS, impetus for West Park Court began in 1970 when Central Northside Neighborhood Council found many elderly residents were being evicted from their homes and had nowhere to turn. There was a strong desire and commitment to providing a housing option for these residents to be able to remain in their community; and,
WHEREAS, in 1971, a group of Northside residents, supported by local ministers and Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, organized into a subsidiary body called West Park Court Inc. and began the rigorous task of putting a subsidized housing plan together; and,
WHEREAS, this group included: Rev. Jesse Cavileer, Katherine Christopher, Becky Coger, Rev. Tom Cox, Marilyn Detwiler, Mary Downer, Adele Evanish, Marjorie Eichleay, Ethel Hagler, Katherine Haydn, Elder Hoover, Curtis Johnson, Tom Jones, Rev. Roy Lahet, Ken Longfield, William Murchison, Mary Grace Thompson, Byron Williams, and Arthur Zeigler. They worked tirelessly for 7 years, including securing subsidy financing during President Nixon’s Moratorium on housing; and,
WHEREAS, groundbreaking was held on July 20th, the building was placed into service on October 10th, and a gala ribbon cutting was held on November 26, 1978 with 111 units of housing for senior citizens; and,
WHEREAS, West Park Court became the first subsidized building for elderly to be developed, owned, and managed by a community group in the United States of America. This 111-unit building has been managed by community volunteers for 40 years, ensuring safe, decent, and affordable housing; and,
WHEREAS, West Park Court Board and residents have been blessed to have had a phenomenal manager, Margaret Blannon, who was honored at the 40th anniversary and retired on Sept. 23, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, West Park Court also recognized board members for their years of service: Sister Alexine Cockerham (35 years) and Lisa Carver (10 years); and,
WHEREAS, a group of residents including Sheila Collins, Sarah Garland, Jessica Thompson, Linda Wade, Stafford Williams, Ivy Wofford, and Audrey Woods, organized a wonderful 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 29th. As a part of the 40th anniversary, West Park Court announced the creation of the Roy Redman Memorial Garden, being developed next to the building, in recognition of his 40 years of leadership and service to affordable housing in Central Northside; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Wednesday, October 10, 2018, to celebrate the “40th Anniversary of West Park Court” in the City of Pittsburgh.