Congratulations to Johnstown Housing Authority and their co-grantee, Cambria County Planning Commission, for their selection as one of only 13 communities nationwide to receive funding through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Program.

The Choice Neighborhood Grants are to be utilized to create a comprehensive neighborhood “Transformation Plan” to modernize existing HUD housing; improve workforce, health and education outcomes for residents; and attract long-term public and private reinvestment to promote economic development.  Read on for a summary of Johnstown’s plan.

Once the leading steel producer in the United States, Johnstown has a long history as a major manufacturing center. Unfortunately, perpetual flooding and the loss of manufacturing caused a steady decline in population. Today Johnstown and the West End neighborhood face significant challenges related to poverty, job loss, environmental decontamination, and crime.

The target housing site, Coopersdale Homes, is one of many low-income housing sites in the neighborhood. Located near the historic West End neighborhood and Downtown Johnstown, the West End neighborhood serves as a northern gateway into the City of Johnstown. The West End is situated along the Conemaugh River, and features rolling hills, historic homes, and small neighborhood parks.

With the Choice Neighborhoods grant, Johnstown hopes to capitalize upon these assets and develop a community-based, bottom-up planning approach that empowers residents to envision a new future for the neighborhood.