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Singer Place’s Brian Sieffert who, along with his partner Nicole Santella, has been passionately contributing his time, expertise, and leadership to the neighborhood explains that salvaging a vacant property and bringing it back to a safe, occupiable state is a multi-step process that requires patience and partnership. First comes stabilization, or “mothballing,” effectively halting further damage from the elements; next comes the installation of basic utilities like electricity, plumbing, and a clear sewer line; finally, occupancy, with a code-compliant home ready to receive residents who can then complete final finishes and interior touches to their liking.
With funding provided by the WCDC’s Strong Neighborhood’s Program, the Singer Place working group rented a lift for two months to clear hazardous trees and to work on roofs in the neighborhood. Additional dollars were utilized to repaint the front entryway and replace wood at the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg on Wallace Avenue, and to help some neighbors cut back trees and do minor roof repairs.
“With gratitude to WCDC Strong Neighborhoods for the Singer Place allocation, the Singer Place Committee successfully completed vital roof repairs and tree pruning, and necessary gap funding for occupancy, ensuring the continued viability of several properties until future resources become available,” said Seiffert. “As we navigate the complexities of site control, optimism fuels our pursuit of continued partnerships with nonprofits. Our goal is not ownership for its own sake, but to cultivate stability and growth, breathing new life into homes where families can thrive.”
This article is one of a series on our Strong Neighborhoods communities. For the full article and more information about our Strong Neighborhoods program please visit www.wilkinsburgcdc.org.
Photos by AOP Visuals
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