Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report

The first meeting of a new city committee on community issues will be held March 19 at the Corpus Christi Parish Hall on Market Street, Downtown.

Formed by McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko, the Mayor's Committee on Community Issues is a "work in progress," says Angelia Christina, the city's Fair Housing Officer.

The MCCI will hold a public meeting every month, in different wards of the city, Christina says. "The purpose of the MCCI is to attempt to address issues, or perceived issues, at a neighborhood level, to the combined best of our ability," she says.

"The thinking is that if we have an informal and relaxed setting, in the neighborhood, folks may be more likely to contribute rather than going to a council meeting," Christina says. "Hopefully, if this works, we can start to find collective solutions to city problems, ward by ward."

The MCCI will replace the former McKeesport Human Relations Commission. Members will include elected officials, residents and a representative of McKeesport Housing Authority.

The mayor's "number one goal" of the MCCI is to foster community involvement to eliminate impediments to fair housing and equal opportunity, Christina says.

The first meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. March 19 at Corpus Christi Social Hall, 803 Market St., and is intended for people who live in the First, Second and Third Wards --- mainly the areas Downtown, along the Youghiogheny River, and the Walnut and Market Street areas (but not includng Christy Park).

Issues to be discussed include:

• Transportation


• Accessibility (housing and public accommodations)


• Blight


• Education


• Employment


• Economic opportunity


• Senior, youth and family services


• Crime and violence

There will also have a suggestion box for people who do not want to speak or want to be anonymous, as well as a table with flyers promoting different community resources.

For more information about fair housing policies in the City of McKeesport, visit the website or call (412) 664-7003.