The City of Fort Worth announced a $4.3 million investment in the Wedgwood East neighborhood through its Neighborhood Improvement Program. The funding is intended to boost public safety, upgrade infrastructure and stimulate commercial development in an area that residents say has long needed attention.
Neighborhood scores drive funding
Fort Worth’s Neighborhood Services Department uses a scoring system that evaluates safety, condition of homes and other quality‑of‑life factors. Wedgwood East received a safety score of 85 out of 100, indicating higher challenges than many surrounding areas. That score helped the neighborhood qualify for the latest round of city‑wide revitalization funds.
Local leaders welcome the money
Shana Hazzard, treasurer of the Wedgwood East Neighborhood Association, said the safety score was a surprise. “I feel like we have generally the same amount of crime that I hear from other areas,” Hazzard told reporters.
Hazzard emphasized the need for commercial‑area upgrades. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve had a lot of new businesses that come to our area. Some of the commercial properties on the south end of our neighborhood are empty or could really just use some rehabbing. So we’re looking forward to that,” she said.
Fort Worth City Council member Mia Hall, who represents part of Wedgwood East in District 6, echoed that optimism. Hall highlighted the potential for reinvestment along the Alta Mesa corridor and surrounding commercial strips, noting that the city’s investment could attract new businesses and create jobs for local families.
Planned improvements
The $4.3 million will be used for a range of projects, including new streetlights, safety cameras and cleanup of illegal dumping sites—upgrades that have already benefited other neighborhoods in the program. Hazzard said those types of improvements are exactly what Wedgwood East residents have been asking for.
“Some of the things that we’re looking forward to are just some infrastructure improvements. Of course, public safety is always great and necessary,” Hazzard added.
Community pride endures
Despite the challenges highlighted by the city’s scoring system, residents remain proud of their community. “We feel like Wedgwood is really a hidden gem,” Hazzard said.
She also recalled the neighborhood’s historic slogan from the 1950s—“you’ll live happier in Wedgwood”—and expressed hope that the new investment will preserve that sentiment for future generations.
What’s next?
The city will work with the Wedgwood East Neighborhood Association to prioritize projects and begin implementation later this year. As work progresses, officials plan to keep residents informed through regular updates at community meetings and on the city’s website.
Fort Worth’s commitment to Wedgwood East reflects a broader city strategy to strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses and enhance safety for families across the metro area.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
