Beltzhoover Vacant Lot Reclamation

Abandoned lots provide a platform for the expansion of a local landscaping business and provide employment opportunities. The Penn State Center is helping to transform blighted lots into community assets.

Bey Brothers Landscaping, a Beltzhoover-based company, was approached by The Penn State Center with an offer they could not refuse. Supported by funding from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the firm was offered a chance to transform 12 abandoned lots, owned by the UR, into well-maintained green spaces, complete with ornamental plantings. This has been an opportunity for them to expand their business, employ additional crew members from their neighborhood, and take advantage of enriching their horticulture knowledge base through Penn State–delivered training sessions. Work on these lots is expected to be completed by the end of September 2012.

Results

Bey Brothers has gained new business and technical training which will aid them in continuing to grow their business. As part of this expansion opportunity, Bey Brothers applied as a registered minority business owner, which will provide them with opportunities well beyond their current range of operation. Six new jobs were created for local residents as a result of this project. The Beltzhoover community can take pride in having added 12 newly landscaped green spaces, which improves the overall appearance of the neighborhood.

Get Involved

Penn State provides major technical support for urban abandoned lot reclamation projects. Contact Joe McCarthy for more information.

Affiliates

Bey Brothers Landscaping, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)