Thriving Neighborhoods
Wayne Health and Wealth Equity District
A development district for the community, envisioned by the community, working to make positive, lasting change on Erie’s Eastside.
In 2019, we purchased the former Wayne School Building and renovated it to house our programs and our partners. The building, known as ECAT Wayne, has become a community hub for resources including healthcare, education, recreation, and career development.
The Wayne renovation project helped us transition an anchor building in this community. But we know that more resources and opportunities are needed. We invite you to learn about how BUILD is facilitating a development district for the community, envisioned by the community by creating and implementing a neighborhood development plan.
Review our Neighborhood Development Plan
Neighborhood Development Plan Adoption
In spring 2024, the BUILD team brought the Equity District neighborhood development plan through the public process of formal adoption by the City of Erie.
April 16th: the BUILD team presented to the City of Erie Planning Commission to provide an overview and receive feedback. You can watch the meeting here.
June 18th: we requested the Commission's support to bring the Plan to the City Council for formal adoption. We received unanimous support and moved forward in the process of formal adoption by the City of Erie. You can watch the meeting here.
July 9th: prior to a vote by the City Council, we requested a study session to provide an overview of BUILD, the Plan, and Phase 1 projects to Councilmembers and the public.
View the materials here:
- City Council Study Session Agenda
- BUILD Overview
- Wayne Health & Wealth Equity District Neighborhood Development Plan Summary
August 7th: The Wayne Health & Wealth Equity District Neighborhood Development Plan was officially adopted by the City of Erie with a unanimous vote from City Council. We look forward to working with the City of Erie and community stakeholders to collaboratively implement this plan to improve health outcomes and quality of life for the District.
Community Feedback
Ideas Generated
- Splash pad at Wayne Park
- Bright sidewalks
- Space for younger adults to hangout
- Painted metal sculptures designed by ECAT students
- Healthy lunch options
- Capturing history and culture in signage
- Improving street safety
- Improving pedestrian safety
- More greenery and flowers
- Arts and crafts events
- Coworking space
- Activate vacant storefronts
- Coffee shop
- Pet pickup stations
- Side street lighting
ENVISIONING THE DISTRICT
The East Ave. Corridor
From ECAT on 6th St. to the industrial corridor on 12th St., the Bayfront Parkway to Pennsylvania Ave., we have envisioned the Wayne Equity District with the East Ave. commercial corridor at the core.
DEFINING THE DISTRICT
District Boundaries
Based on feedback from the community, our Steering Committee, and the expertise of Altair consultants, we have defined the district as the following:
- Western Boundary: Bayfront Parkway
- Northern Boundary: Northern side of E 6th St. to the West of East Ave. only, and continued on East Lake Rd. including Wayne Park
- Eastern Boundary: Western side of Pennsylvania Ave.
- Southern Boundary: Northern side of E 12th St.
FOCUSING ON OUTCOMES
The Goals
In service and in partnership with the members of the neighborhood, our team will build a Neighborhood Development Plan for the Wayne Health and Wealth Equity District with the following goals:
GOAL 1: Cosmetically improve the commercial properties located at East 6th and Bayfront and along the East Ave corridor between 6th and 12th.
GOAL 2: Improve quality of life for neighborhood residents by increasing accessibility and safety and carrying out place-making activities that focus on the arts and recreation.
GOAL 3: Result in critical repairs to at least 8 home-owner owned properties, improving both health outcomes and generational wealth (through increased property value).
GOAL 4: Provide access to healthy, affordable food options.
GOAL 5: Engage residents in meaningful planning for their own neighborhood.
GOAL 6: Build wealth through technical assistance programs that are strategically coupled with real-life opportunities.
GOAL 7: Increase access to workforce development programs in key industries for Erie County.
THE PROCESS (2022-Present)
PHASE ONE
September – October 2022
- Form Steering Committee
- Identify district boundaries
- Conduct key stakeholder interviews
- Assemble existing, relevant data sets
- Design property and community outreach surveys
- Community engagement
- Canvassing
- Input events (2)
PHASE TWO
November 2022 - January 2023
- Conduct property survey and perform GIS Analysis
- Implement community outreach survey (door-to-door canvassing during weeks of November 14th and November 28th)
- Community engagement
- Community Survey
- Community Dinner
PHASE THREE
February - March 2023
- Draft plan recommendations
- Community Engagement
- March 7th: Open House to share proposed plan
PHASE FOUR
March 2023 - Ongoing
- Revise plan based on community input and recommendations
- Implement plan
- Secure funding
- Pilot Phase 1 projects
- City of Erie plan adoption request