Policy Committee highlights economic redevelopment in Erie

East Side Renaissance transforming Parade Street neighborhood

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    September 10, 2024 | 12:12 PM

ERIE, Sept. 10 – Transformational redevelopment in the Parade Street neighborhood of Erie is improving lives, and state lawmakers had a conversation with local officials during a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable discussion on ways the state can improve redevelopment projects.

“This project has invested in the lives of people, not only wrapping their arms around the youth in the community but also stepping in to help young adults by providing the guidance they need in order to transition to the workforce,” said Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman and hearing host Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who represents portions of Montgomery County. “We cannot expect to see success until we focus on how to improve the lives of the people in our communities.”

The Eagles Nest Leadership Corporation welcomed the House Majority Policy Committee to talk about East Side redevelopment. The East Side Renaissance Project focuses on the Parade Street commercial corridor that is home to roughly 2,100 people – and 888 households – with an estimated 42% of the population living below the poverty line. The average median household income is about $23,000.    

“This tour highlighted how economic redevelopment goes far beyond raising four walls and placing new buildings in a neighborhood,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships in Erie County. “Housing affordability is part of the equation, but officials also highlighted the work being done to improve education and workforce development in our community.”

Tuesday’s roundtable discussion was led by East Side Renaissance Development Corporation and Eagles Nest Leadership Development Corporation CEO Bishop Dwane Brock, who also serves as the pastor of Victory Christian Center. Brock has served his church and community since 1980.

“As an East Sider I’ve seen the positive changes in the neighborhood,” said Rep. Bob Merski, who represents a portion of the city of Erie. “It’s great to see reinvestment in our community, and I’m also grateful that lawmakers from across the commonwealth were able to witness the progress we are making – and hopefully we can continue to develop these areas.”

Located in Tract 8 of the city of Erie, the Parade Street neighborhood has roughly 350 vacant properties in the wake of a population decrease of 15% since 2010.

“There are numerous reasons why a community experiences hardships, so its recovery must focus on multiple areas of redevelopment – and that’s exactly what we are seeing,” state Rep. Pat Harkins said.

Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.