The Revitalization of the Burton Elementary School Site
The Revitalization of the Burton Elementary School Site
The Urban Erie Community Development Corporation has finalized the purchase of the historic Burton Elementary School site. The multi-phase project will expand UECDC's capacity to address the needs of underserved populations on Erie's east side. Decades of disinvestment and violence in the community begs solutions. UECDC practices inclusive, neighborhood based, culturally responsive community development. The project is a key component of the revitalization of the Buffalo Road Corridor. The revitalization of Burton – concurrent with city-funded improvements at Rodger Young Park and private development of aquaponic farming at Joyce A. Savocchio Opportunity Park – can help this stressed-out neighborhood once again become an attractive place for families to live, work and play. UECDC's President and CEO Gary Horton will describe the project history, current status, and how the completed facility will support wellness, education, and workforce development.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Friday, May 24 at Noon
Admission: FREE, optional $5 boxed lunch (please register 48 in advance for lunch)
Parking: lot behind building, State Street, 33rd Street, 32nd Street, French Street
Gary Horton is the founder and CEO of the Urban Erie Community Development Corporation (UECDC) and current President of the NAACP branch in Erie. He is a passionate advocate for building vibrant communities by helping people to remove barriers to self-sufficiency. Horton is a co-founder of the Minority Community Investment Coalition as well as the neighborhood improvement group Eastside Grassroots Coalition. He also currently serves on the Erie Neighborhood Growth Partnership board and the Governor’s Advisory Board for Environmental Justice. Since graduating from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a minor in Political Science, Horton has given more than 30 years to public service. In addition to holding positions in the mayor’s office, the governor’s office, and the federal Department of Health Education and Welfare, he also was elected to two terms as a School Board Director.
