Lawrenceville United (LU) is an inclusive, resident-driven community–based non-profit organization focused on improving quality of life of Lawrenceville residents and stakeholders through community engagement and advocacy, community restoration and beautification, and community planning and development.

Growing from its modest roots in 2001, Lawrenceville United has made great strides over the past few years, and has also demonstrated the ability to not only deliver on the targets and objectives described in an original business plan, but have also demonstrated the ability to take on new, community-driven programs that align with the mission of the organization. The mission and goals have stayed the same, but as the neighborhood evolves, new and creative ways of reaching those goals and carrying out that mission of improving overall quality of life have been and will continue to be explored and implemented.

Lawrenceville United’s direct connection to the residents makes the organization unique in their ability to create and deliver programs that address the high priority concerns and needs of the residents.

Lawrenceville is currently experiencing an incredible revival, and its growth is due in no small part to the work of the community organizations that have worked diligently to re-establish this neighborhood as a place. Nowhere in this region can a neighborhood claim so many historical assets, involved and engaged residents, economic development projects and opportunities, sustainability and green initiatives, and bona fide examples of substantive business community growth. We are one of the largest neighborhoods in the City, yet have experienced a remarkable reduction in crime over the past few years: a 56% drop between 2002 and 2010. Investors and developers are approaching Lawrenceville with proposed projects and plans, and houses are selling and renting faster than in previous years, despite the challenging economic times.

Despite the organizational and community success, there is still much to be done in Lawrenceville. Dilapidated and vacant buildings, large tracts of vacant underutilized land, struggling main street businesses, potential plans waiting for implementation, a myriad of quality of life issues and standard of life issues are constant reminders that organizations such as Lawrenceville United are crucial to the continued success and revitalization of the community.

Current Happenings in the neighborhood:

Lawrenceville Summer Celebration Camp is accepting registration!

Lawrenceville United hosts a summer day camp and art camp for all Lawrenceville youth ages 4 - 14. In addition, we also register kids for Pittsburgh Soccer in the Community's soccer camp in Lawrenceville.

The day camp is free for all Lawrenceville youth and it includes transportation, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

If you are interested in more information or would like to register, please visit our youth programs page.

Time to renew your LU membership for 2012!

Lawrenceville United has already accomplished so much for the neighborhood and, with your support and the continued support; we can continue to make positive and transformative change in Lawrenceville. As we move forward, we would like to remind you to update/ renew your membership, if you haven’t already, for 2012.

In addition, please fill out the new membership application and survey (unless you have already filled out this specific application) and return it with you membership payment. We need to keep our records of you current so we know your wants and needs and can be of optimal use to the residents.

Memberships can be renewed at the annual rate of $5.00 or now we have an option to pay a onetime payment of $35.00 for a lifetime membership. We also have associate member rates for non-residents and business owners, but they will need to contact our office for detailed rates.

Thank you again for you dedication, time, and support thus far. If you have questions or concerns, wish to take part in any events or volunteer for any services, call us at 412-802-7220 or email us at info@lunited.org. We look forward to continuing our partnership.

To update your membership online:

Membership options

Development of the Green Boulevard continues to move forward!

The Green Boulevard Plan will determine Allegheny riverfront park access, open space programming, neighborhood design, and the types of transportation modes that will be options for Pittsburghers for many decades to come.

The Green Boulevard project is a 20-month planning process that began in July 2011. Community engagement will play a guiding role throughout the process until completion in February 2013.

What is the purpose of The Plan?

1. Converting the existing rail freight corridor into a multimodal corridor. The multimodal corridor offers a new type of transit which is available in only a few cities across the country and brings people to their jobs or to weekend entertainment downtown, without displacing rail freight that supports local businesses.

2. A new way of engaging with the Allegheny River. Future development of the riverfront will work with the landscape to restore a healthier river and ecosystem.

3. A neighborhood where residents and employees can step outside their doors onto a multi-use trail system, kayak and boat access, or onto transit that will take them downtown.

PUBLIC SAFETY & ADVOCACY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & RESTORATION

COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Public Safety Action Team:
Monthly meetings that bring all facets of city agencies and services together to streamline communication and create efficient processes for the removal of blight and crime in Lawrenceville.

Localized Block Watches:
Monthly meetings hosted by local residents that give members of the community an open forum to discuss concerns and issues in their neighborhood.

Weed n Seed Community:
Recognized federally as a thriving community that bolsters “weeding” out the blight and crime and “seeding” Lawrenceville with healthy-active growth.

National Night Out:
National event that promotes involvement in crime and drug prevention activities, strengthening police-community relations, and encouraging neighborhood camaraderie as part of the fight for safer streets.

Snow Shoveling Volunteer Program:
2010 launched the pilot of this program, which pairs able-bodied residents with those in need of assistance to shovel their walks and steps. With the success of our program, the City adopted our program and expanded it city-wide as part of servePGH's Snow Angels.

Youth Programming:
Summer Celebration Day Camp
Soccer in the Community
Unity Art
Recognizing that youth programming is a need in the community, LU continues to pursue new and innovative ways to engage the youth of Lawrenceville.

Seasonal Events:
Independence Day Celebration
Halloween
Light Up Lawrenceville
Providing free family-friendly events to bolster community pride and civic engagement.

Tree Vitalize Participant:
TreeVitalize Pittsburgh will plant 20,000 trees throughout the Pittsburgh region in order to improve quality of life and the environment.

Community Clean-ups:
April through October on the 3rd Saturday of the month, residents and stakeholders come out to clean-up the streets, playgrounds, gardens, and tree pits of Lawrenceville.

Park(ing) Day Participant:
An annual, worldwide event that invites citizens everywhere to transform metered parking spots into temporary parks for the public good.

Neighborhood Maintenance Manager:
Manages property in Lawrenceville to keep blight and overgrown spaces at a minimum, as well as, coordinating the cleaning of the business district with LU’s sidewalk sweeper and support from the businesses.

Lawrenceville Farmers Market:
April through October, every Saturday morning, the Lawrenceville Farmers Market Association hosts an open-air market that brings fresh, natural foods to an acknowledged “food desert” area.

Bernard Dog Run:
Working with city agencies and residents, to create an Off Leash Exercise Area (OLEA) in Lawrenceville.

Vacant Home and Land RFP Processes:
Managed by LU’s Housing Committee, the program promotes responsible home ownership with affordable homes through a purchase-rehab process.

Responsible Hospitality Planning:
Stewarding a responsible nightlife and entertainment district in Lawrenceville that peacefully co-exists with residents

Advocacy and Planning:
Coordinating revitalization and redevelopment of Lawrenceville with the best interest of the residents and stakeholders in mind.

Love Your Block Awardee:
Established by the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Love Your Block is a partnership of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and the Home Depot Foundation to beautify Pittsburgh – block by block.

Community Gardens:
Lawrenceville Organic Community Garden
Western PA Conservancy flower gardens
Individually managed vegetable plots

RESOURCES:

Want to know more about the happenings in Lawrenceville?

check out our news page

Mayor Ravenstahl's Neighborhood Newsletter

Click Here for Silent Complaint Form