A collective vision for Forest Hills is here.
Consider it a launching point for more conversations, open to deliberate shaping and action.
How’d we get here?
In partnership with consultants evolveEA, FHCA pursued an ecodistricts-inspired process, one that has empowered other boroughs in the region to define their identities and build capacity. To guide our neighborhood into its next chapter, with community engagement at its core, Forest Hills Forward was launched.
A series of community conversations in 2024 led to the development of three overarching themes:
The need to reimagine the Forest Hills business district
The desire to build upon our community’s legacy of innovation
An interest in elevating and enhancing our neighborhood’s existing natural beauty
CONCEPT 1
Reimagine Main Street
With an integral position along Western PA's innovation corridor stretching from downtown Pittsburgh to the Turtle Creek Watershed, Forest Hills’ core business district is optimally situated as a compelling and convenient stop. Opportunities to renew its cultural relevance and to rethink its commercial potential abound.
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Image courtesy of evolveEA
Attract prospects for transit-oriented, mixed-use development representing an expansion of the East End’s vibrant accessible communities, centered on lifestyle and culture.
Explore opportunities to extend the business corridor along and beyond Ardmore Blvd, attracting residents and small businesses that mirror community and commuter interests.
Promote sustainable business development that bolsters economic growth and environmental resiliency in the region, serving neighboring communities.
CONCEPT 2
Reinforce our Innovation Identity
Forest Hills embodies a long-standing reputation for ingenuity and is home to dedicated historians, diverse inventors, and budding entrepreneurs. We invite like-minded partners to build anew with us, to preserve legacies in breakthrough technology, and to centralize amenities that feed our community with culture and convenience.
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Image courtesy of evolveEA
Build a pedestrian-friendly Innovation Park as part of the existing municipal innovation campus that incorporates historical, cultural, and social markers of vibrancy, such as a restorative display of the Atom Smasher.
Create infrastructure that expands upon existing neighborhood activities, like an integrated solar-powered structure to cover the Farmers Market and parking lot.
Amplify community interests in sustainable assets and co-operative growth, like the establishment of a community food garden, workforce development, and incubator programming.
CONCEPT 3
Honor the Forest
The canopy and topography that make up Forest Hills’ landscape are some of the community’s most magical and attractive traits. Despite a strong role as a vehicular thoroughfare for suburban commuters, community members seek to highlight, restore, and protect the impressive natural resources and assets contained within our Borough, and to connect those pathways to a greater network of access.
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Image courtesy of evolveEA
Enhance existing trail, park, and environmental assets with infrastructure upgrades, amenities, and signage.
Unify natural assets and pedestrian paths into a continuous, accessible network, improving environmental quality and creating connectivity across the community.
Create a buzz in the forest by strengthening programming within the park and trail network, including historical, interpretive, and conservation-focused resources.
Create new water places where nature and human industry meet, such as the new Alphabet Alcove Park.
Thank you for your passion & participation.
Along with residents and business owners in the community, our partners and volunteers made the FHF Vision Plan possible.
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Committee Members
Susan Englert
Gail Harper
Leon Harper
Lauren Heidingsfelder
Jose Muniain
Nick Smerker
Sarah Williams
Michele Woltshock
