The Hilltop Alliance is bringing back our Hilltop Summit in 2024 on March 19th at Alla Famiglia on E Warrington Ave in the Allentown neighborhood. This annual event brings us together with the eleven community-based organizations we are comprised of to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. This week, we are highlighting the pride and impact of the Knoxville Community Council!
For the past seven years, the Knoxville Community Council (KCC) has been making an impact as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Led by President Sharlee Ellison, a retired educator from Pittsburgh Public Schools who has been with KCC since the beginning, the council strives for Knoxville to be a proud residential community.
Knoxville is a unique neighborhood within Pittsburgh, strictly zoned for residential purposes with no business storefronts. It houses a divided demographic, with a substantial population of children and seniors, and a smaller representation of adolescents and adults. Knoxville has the highest percentage of Section 8 properties relative to their population, so neighborhood pride and togetherness is incredible important to them.
Here are the core goals and initiatives that define the Knoxville Community Council's mission:
Founding Vision: Tackling Overgrown Lots and Trash
The Knoxville Community Council's journey began with a shared concern for overgrown lots and alleyway trash plaguing the neighborhood. Their primary goal is to encourage residents to take pride in their streets, clean up empty lots, and create a safe environment for the community.
They organize regular cleanups for residents to come together and clean their streets together and even bring in other organizations for volunteer days.
KCC also engages in yearly initiatives with the community through initiatives such as book bag and school supply drives in collaboration with local churches. They have fostered a positive relationship with Zone 3 police officers to create a sense of security and collaboration within the neighborhood
Monthly Meetings
The Knoxville Community Council holds regular meetings to address disruptive and abandoned properties. The Knoxwatch meeting takes place every third Thursday at 11am, where they collaborate with the Department of Public Works, District 3 Police, and the mayor's office. Council meetings are held on the same Thursdays at 6pm, providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggestions.
Upcoming Gateway Sign and Tree Planting Project
One of KCC's ongoing projects is the Gateway Sign Project, aiming to install a "Welcome to Knoxville" sign at the corner of Bausman St and Knox Ave alongside some new tree plantings. This initiative seeks to enhance the neighborhood's identity and create a sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike.
The Knoxville Community Council shows the power of lasting community-driven initiatives. Through regular cleanups, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering neighborhood pride, KCC is making strides in keeping Knoxville into a livable and welcoming community. Individuals interested in becoming involved in cleanups and community meetings are encouraged to reach out via email: knoxvillecommunitycouncil@gmail.com
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