The Fort Worth City Council announced Tuesday that Wedgwood East, a working‑class neighborhood in the city’s southwest, will receive $4.3 million over three years through the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Program. The funding, slated for the 2027 fiscal year, is intended to boost quality of life and public safety for the area’s more than 1,300 households.
Program details and priorities
Wedgwood East was chosen based on a scoring system that evaluates safety, financial hardship and overall neighborhood condition. The community’s median household income of $65,625 falls below the citywide median of $82,503, while its poverty rate of 18 % exceeds the city average of 13 %.
According to the city’s plan, the first year will allocate $1 million for community outreach and project planning. In the second year, $2.3 million will fund implementation of streetlight upgrades, street resurfacing, public‑safety cameras and the removal of illegal dumping sites. The final $1 million will be spent in the third year to complete remaining projects and maintain ongoing community engagement.
Local leaders voice optimism
“I think the general feeling is excitement,” said Shana Hazzard, treasurer of the Wedgwood East Neighborhood Association. “It’s really necessary and honestly, we need it.” Hazzard highlighted the neighborhood’s appeal to working‑class professionals who value affordable housing, neighborhood events and easy access to Interstate 20.
City Council Member Elizabeth Beck, whose District 9 includes Wedgwood East, praised the high level of resident involvement. “There are a lot of stakeholders that are really motivated to do fantastic work in the area,” she said, noting the active roles of the neighborhood association, the Wedgwood Historical Association and the Wedgwood Garden Club.
Council Member Mia Hall, representing District 6, echoed the sentiment. “The Altamesa corridor and the McCart area have needed significant reinvestment and opportunity, and I’m really excited about the potential of this partnership,” Hall said.
Challenges the plan will address
Wedgwood East faces several persistent issues. A stretch along the Altamesa corridor between McCart and South Hulen contains vacant and rundown properties that have become magnets for crime, squatters and vehicle theft. Residents have repeatedly requested demolition of these blighted structures.
Additional concerns include homelessness, frequent water‑main breaks and the need for better traffic control. Hazzard said the neighborhood’s priorities include renovating commercial properties, attracting new businesses and improving traffic flow.
Community amenities and future outlook
The neighborhood is home to Little People Park, Westcreek Elementary School and the Altamesa McCart Center, providing family‑friendly spaces that reinforce the community’s strong family values.
The city’s Neighborhood Improvement Program, launched in 2017, has previously targeted areas such as Stop Six, Como and the Northside. The upcoming Wedgwood East project continues that tradition of investing in neighborhoods that demonstrate both need and community engagement.
The council will vote on final approval of the Wedgwood East selection at its November 10 meeting.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
