District 4 Newsletter for March 2014
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Daniel Barrett
Mar 17, 2014, 11:40:25 AM3/17/14
to carrick-over...@googlegroups.com, carr...@googlegroups.com, occ-pitt...@googlegroups.com
Hello all,
Below you will find Councilwoman Rudiak's District 4 Newsletter for March 2014. I realize that I'm getting this to you quite late in the month, and I want to extend my apologies that it wasn't shared with you immediately upon completion in early March.
This is the first newsletter sent out since our former Communications Manager, Adam Shuck, left our office, and I did not realize it was his standard practice to separately share the newsletter with your Google Group each month. I will be certain to share all future newsletters with you in a timely manner.
The link to our online version is here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/district4/newsletter.htm?id=2815
Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
Daniel Barrett
Community Relations Manager
Office of Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak
District 4 Newsletter | March 2014
"In like a lion..."
In this issue...Working to make South Pittsburgh a better place, every day
Just Harvest offers free tax preparation assistance
DISTRICT 4 NEWSWorking to make South Pittsburgh a better place, every dayFor nearly two years, Adam Shuck was the nerve center of the District 4 office, talking with residents, solving problems, and writing our newsletter. In February, Adam left our office to pursue an exciting new opportunity at the University of Pittsburgh Humanities Center. We will certainly miss his dedication, professionalism, and pragmatism, and we wish him well in all future endeavors! To follow up on any issues that Adam was working on, please contact my Chief of Staff, Ashleigh Deemer: ashleig...@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2131 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Also, for your information, City Council’s voicemail services have been down and not working properly over the past month. So if you left a voicemail, we may not have received it. We are in the process of getting new software. Please feel free to keep calling us at 412 255 2131 or shoot us a webform at:http://pittsburghpa.gov/district4/contact so we can resolve your issue. Many thanks for your patience.
Pittsburgh’s Pre-K PromiseEvery child should have access to high quality preschool education
On February 23rd, I published an op-ed in the Sunday edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, calling for universal access to high quality pre-k programs for Pittsburgh children. Too often, children of working families are denied a strong start, because their parents make too much to qualify for programs like Headstart, but too little to pay high pre-k tuition out of pocket. That’s unacceptable! You can read it here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2014/02/23/lt-div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-gt-Pittsburgh-s-pre-K-promise-lt-br-gt-lt-div-gt/stories/201402230006
Thousands of hard-working parents and guardians put every ounce of their energy into their children's education. But sometimes, everything just isn't enough. Pre-school is an essential part of that educational journey; yet I have heard too many heartbreaking stories from working families in our district who can't afford it. Special thank you to Michele, Kara, and Christy who shared their personal stories for this piece, in an effort to bring light to the issue.
The Post-Gazette published a follow-up interview with me on the issue here: http://earlyreturns.post-gazette.com/home/early-returns-posts/6036-the-baby-pittsburgh-promise-rudiak-wants-to-give-all-pittsburghers-access-to-pre-k-education
I hope that you find this op-ed thought provoking, and that you will spread the message far and wide, so that we can use the momentum to spur action.
What is Brookline to the rest of the world?
Why is Bloomfield called Pittsburgh’s “Little Italy”? Why is Lawrenceville the new hot spot for hipsters and artists? These identities didn’t happen by accident. Like any other brand, successful neighborhoods create identities on purpose. A community’s identity gives it a competitive advantage, distinguishing it from other places and makes it more desirable. Through outdoor welcome signs, logos, banners, maps and advertisements, we can market our neighborhoods to new families and entrepreneurs.
It is with this in mind that neighborhood leaders from the South Pittsburgh Development Corporation won a grant to work with a local planning firm, evolveEA, to market Brookline.
But before we could even create any logos or signage, we had to ask ourselves, “Well, what is Brookline?” Through a series of meetings and online input at www.ourbrookline.com, we figured out three potential themes for the neighborhood:
Sound intriguing? Read the study yourself at:https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16485986/BROOKLINE%20REPORT%20FINAL%20high%20res.pdf
If you have any thoughts - don’t contact us - this is a community-based effort! You can check outhttp://www.ourbrookline.com or attend any of the future SPDC meetings (see dates below) to get involved!
Rebuild Beechview! We Need Proposals for Broadway Ave. PropertiesThe City’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is reaching out to prospective developers in an effort to re-purpose four now-vacant buildings on the 1600 block of Broadway Avenue in Beechview. The properties include two mixed-use buildings, one 5,200 square feet and the other 4,500 square feet, and two open pieces of land. When the proposals come in, they will be reviewed by a committee of Beechview residents, URA staff, and government stakeholders. The best proposals will be presented the community for feedback, and the best proposal will be chosen based on that feedback.
The community has long-awaited a new life for these buildings in the heart of the business district, which were purchased in the 1990s by Bernado Katz, the failed developer in the area who has since left the country. Since then, little has happened on the 1600 block, and I am greatly looking forward to a new life for these properties.
Please share this information with ALL Beechview and District 4 residents! All proposals are due by March 21st. The RFP can be found here: http://mail-dog.com/page.html?p=0000015Fu8vsFBBjcl2A+NgOsgH5j2pVNndlXvLOndtw
Proposed Senior and Residential Development in Mt. Lebanon across from Brookline
A development team consisting of Green Development, Inc., Oxford Development Company, La Quatra Bonci, and Sota Construction has proposed a development in the municipality of Mt. Lebanon, specifically the former Bradley Center site on Castlegate Ave. on the Mt. Lebanon side of Dorchester Ave. Currently, the existing buildings are blighted with broken windows and graffiti. The developer’s plan is total removal of all the current decaying structures, an environmental remediation, and the development of 60 senior housing apartments on the sloping portion overlooking McNeilly Road. In addition, they plan on creating approximately 60 energy efficient market-rate houses on the upper part of the site.
In order to develop this property as a residential use, Green Development has submitted a request to Mt. Lebanon Zoning Hearing Board to rezone the property from R-2 to R-4. This rezoning is a decision of the Mt. Lebanon Zoning Hearing Board, and all questions and concerns should be shared with them. There will be a public meeting on the requested rezoning on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 7pm at the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building at 710 Washington Road.
You can find more information on this our website here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/district4/article.htm?id=2808
Kitchens, roofs, solar panels, oh my!Get smart about home renovation at our very first South Hills Renovation Fair!
Rep. Erin C. Molchany and Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak are proud to host the first South Hills Renovation Fair! Join community partners to get started on improving your home - no project is too big or small!
When: Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 10:00am until 2:00pm
Where: Church of the Resurrection, 1100 Creedmoor Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Cost: FREE!
Please RSVP here! https://www.facebook.com/events/251214928390101
Our “corridor communities” collaboration keeps growingEconomic Development South (EDS) proudly announced this month that they have added more neighborhoods along the Route 51 corridor to their service network: Beginning in February, they are representing Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, and D4’s own Brookline neighborhood.
This adds to the neighborhoods and municipalities they currently work with: Brentwood Baldwin, Whitehall, Mt. Oliver, Carrick, and Overbrook.
In addition, EDS has kept busy by planning and hosting small business meetings in our neighborhoods. In cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center and Dollar Bank, they hosted its first in a series of small business workshops on Tuesday, February 11th.
Over 25 businesses, from yoga studios to concrete companies, attended the workshop and learned about defining and capturing their specific markets. Some businesses were less than 1 year old, while others have more than 40 years of operation. The topics discussed included how to use social media to attract customers, ways that businesses can work together to bring customers to their part of the neighborhood, and much more. In addition, these business owners will have the opportunity to attend a free one-on-one consulting session on March 20th at the EDS offices.
The next workshop will be held at the Whitehall Borough Building on May 22nd from 6-8pm. The meeting will focus on “Understanding the Financial Conditions of Your Business.” These workshops are free and open to any interested business.
For more information or to schedule a consulting appointment, you may contact Kathleen at kkea...@economicdevelopmentsouth.org or (412) 207-7066.
Need a summer job? Citiparks seeking LifeguardsCitiparks’ Aquatics Division is looking for Lifeguards for the 2014 Summer Season. If you or a friend are certified or interested in obtaining certification to work for Citiparks, please have them contact the Aquatic Division Office at 412-323-7928.
Trainings for the upcoming season are being held at the Oliver Bath House on March 15th - March 26th, and May 6th - May 29th. Course training is $70, and payment plans are available. Applicants must be 16 years old by May 30th, 2014.
Columbia Gas offers payment assistance programsAs winter unapologetically trudges on, Columbia Gas wants to remind D4 residents that they can help customers struggling with increased utility bills. They ask that customers contact them at the the first sign of trouble paying your bill, stating “the sooner we hear about an issue or problem, the sooner we can explore assistance options.”
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is offering funds that are available until April 4th, 2014. To apply for LIHEAP, call 1-800-272-2714. Columbia Gas is also offering CRISIS, federal funds available to customers in emergency situations and in danger of losing their heat. For more information on CRISIS funds, call Columbia at 1-800-272-2714.
In addition, Columbia also offers Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) and Customer Assistance, Referral & Evaluation Services (CARES), with CAP offering reduced payments and loan forgiveness. CARES refers customers to agencies that can provide information on energy assistance programs. For more information on CAP and/or CARES, please call 1-800-537-7431.
The Dollar Energy Fund, an independent non-profit association, provides assistance to low-income customers. To contact the Dollar Fund, please call 1-800-537-7431. Lastly, the Budget Payment Plan allows customers to spread annual gas costs evenly across the year instead of paying account balances each month, helping to eliminate high winter bills. The budget year begins in May, but customers can enroll any time during the year. For more information on Budget Payment Plans or to apply, call Columbia at 1-888-460-4332.
Updates from our local public schoolsPittsburgh Brashear
On January 24-26, the World of Wheels Custom Car Show was recently held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Student Career Day at the show allows students to view the cars on display and learn more about the technology behind the automobiles. High schools’ Career & Technical Education programs also encouraged to compete in a Pedal Car Competition.
In the competition, each school is provided with a free car kit from Summit Racing from which they must build their own Pedal Car. The students may perform any modifications they deem appropriate. The pedal cars are then placed on display throughout the car show and put up for a popular vote. On the final day of the show, the cars are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Auto Technology Teacher, Mr. Curry, and Auto Body Teacher, Mr. Lipovsky, worked with Brashear’s students to obtain and complete the structural and body work on the pedal car.
This year, the hard work of Mr. Curry, Mr. Lipovsky, and all the Brashear CTE students paid off, as they were crowned first place champions in the Pedal Car Competition, beating out six other schools from the greater Pittsburgh area. Best of all, the money raised through the auction is given back to the participating high school CTE programs for shop supplies or equipment. Great work Brashear CTE!
Pittsburgh Roosevelt Recently, grades 2-5 recently enjoyed an inspirational visit from Pittsburgh Public Schools' Allison Henry to promote the students' activity on the school’s web site.
To encourage mathematical skill development, students are engaging in both grade-level and school-wide competitions in which they earn stickers for their math scores. These contests, held weekly, reward both overall total stickers earned as well as the most sticker growth in a week's time, encouraging all students to strive for growth in the subject each week.
In addition, classrooms compete to have a math competition trophy in their room for the week, and grade level winners earn prizes and even compete to wear the "MATH MEDAL" for the entire week. Currently, Roosevelt’s student’s total sticker count is 202,797 stickers!
The school has begun PSSA informational nights for parents to learn about the upcoming assessments and to have their questions answered prior to testing season.
Pittsburgh Brookline Brookline wishes to congratulate their recent winners in the middle school “Expressions of Freedom” essay contest Bana Al-Moussa, Rachel McGough, and Pamela Tomassi. The contest was sponsored by Citizens Bank, the Pittsburgh Public Schools, WPXI-TV and KISS-FM.
The Bobcats Against Bullying program is in full swing! All of our students are learning about bullying. Students often bring home class work that helps them share what they learned with their parents and guardians. Working together, they that our school environment is safe and comfortable for all children.
The school will host an upcoming PSCC meeting on Tuesday, March 11th.
Pittsburgh Carmalt Academy of Science and Technology Lots of events took place at Carmalt this month: In early-February, students from 2nd and 6th grade learned about opera from the Opera Theater group. Carmalt welcomed parents for a training of web-based student programs that their children can use at home. The successful training was part of the Title I program.
On February 20th, Carmalt welcomed Baldwin High School students from Mr. Harrison’s English class to bring donated books for our library. The two schools worked together last year, too.
Pittsburgh West Liberty Elementary School West Liberty hosted a special dinner call “Pasta, People, and The Promise” on February 25th from in the school gym. A great time was had by all as families came together to learn about the Pittsburgh Promise and eat delicious pasta. Representatives from the Pittsburgh Promise and the PA College Savings Program were in attendance, sharing information to help parents ensure that their students are Promise Ready.
Pittsburgh South Brook Middle School South Brook hosted a Math Night of their own on Tuesday, February 18th. At the event, parents were given the opportunity to participate in a math lesson, speak to the teachers, and ask questions related to supporting mathematical learning.
Last but most definitely not least, congratulations to Mr. Milank and the South Brook Boys Basketball team for winning the City Championship! D4 is very proud of them!
Good news you don’t see in the news
HELP, WORK, DONATE, VOLUNTEERJust Harvest offers free tax preparation assistanceJust Harvest is gearing up for its 12th year of providing free tax preparation at several different sites. The Money in Your Pocket Coalition project is a coalition between Just Harvest and the United Way of Allegheny County. Walk-ins for tax preparation are not permitted, so you'll have to call to make an appointment. Call the United Way's 211 hotline, or call 412.255.1155. For more information, go to Just Harvest's page here: http://www.justharvest.org/get-help/tax-preparation/ Free and accessible health and legal assistance for veterans, non-profits, and low-income individualsDuquesne University's Center for Pharmacy Services operates in the Hill District (1860 Centre Ave) and offers services regardless of ability to pay. It offers generic drug programs, free screenings, and services like blood pressure monitoring, weight loss and lifestyle counseling, drug therapy, and vaccines and immunizations. To learn more, visit this link:http://www.duq.edu/pharmacy/hill/index.html Duquesne's Psychology Clinic offers psychotherapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and counseling for adults, adolescents, children, and families. For most, the Clinic charges a nominal fee, and they use a household income-adjusted scale to determine session charges. They also provide services at no cost for members of the military who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, in addition to their families. For more information, follow this link: http://www.duq.edu/about/centers-and-institutes/psychology-clinic The Duquesne School of Law offers a range of services for folks who are unable to afford legal representation--specifically veterans, non-profit organizations, and low-income individuals who are involved in civil rights issues, appellate court matters, unemployment compensation, and other specific legal areas. For more information on the specific clinics (including Veterans Clinic, Civil Rights Clinic, and Unemployment Compensation Clinic), follow this link: http://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/law/clinical-legal-education Seniors aged 60+ can receive free home safety resourcesDid you know that our houses can potentially be dangerous places, especially for the youngest and the oldest members of our population? A program for County residents aged 60 or older can help recognize and fix some common potential problems. A project of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania’s Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver program, trained volunteers will inspect your house room by room for fire and fall hazards, making recommendations as they go. They will help distribute safety supplies (like nightlights, bathmats, and flashlights), install smoke alarms, and help residents outfit their homes with grab bars or handrails--and it’s all free of charge. If you’re interested, please call the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program at 412.345.7420 to request this home safety check, which lasts about an hour. More assistance for seniors aged 60+The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program, a part of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, is advertising lots of free, volunteer services to our area’s aging population. Anyone in the County aged 60+ qualifies for free help from IVC, regardless of income. Services they provide include:
To learn more and to get assistance for yourself or a family member, neighbor, or friend, call IVC at 412.345.7420. And also call that number if you’re considering volunteering with this program to help others. Meals on Wheels needs drivers and kitchen helpOur Meals on Wheels programs are in need of volunteer drivers, visitors and kitchen help Monday through Friday. Volunteering requires a one and a half hour commitment for drivers and visitors and a three hour commitment for kitchen helpers once a week or as needed.
EVENTSAll events listed here are open to the public, whether they take place in the City County building or in the community. These and more are also listed on our District 4 Community Calendar.
Beechview Area Concerned Citizens & Block Watch
Thursday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. at Beechview United Presbyterian Church (1621 Broadway Ave) Brookline Chamber of Commerce meeting
Monday, March 10, 5:45 p.m. at CLP Brookline (708 Brookline Blvd)
Brookline Block Watch meeting Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. at Judge Jim Motznik's Office (736 Brookline Blvd)
Mt. Lebanon Zoning Hearing
There will be a public meeting on the requested rezoning the Bradley Center/Depaul Institute site bordering Brookline.
Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building (710 Washington Road)
South Pittsburgh Development Corporation (SPDC) monthly meeting
Monday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. at Brookline United Presbyterian Church (1036 Brookline Blvd)
Mt. Washington Community Forum Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. at the Mt. Washington Senior Center (122 Virginia Ave)
South Hills Renovation Fair
Join state and local government agencies as well as nonprofits and other community partners to get started on improving your home!
Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection (1100 Creedmoor Ave) Rep. Molchany’s First Annual Senior Fair
State Representative Erin Molchany (D-22) is planning a fun, informative evening featuring government resources, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, housing and utilities resources, and fun activities. Music and refreshments will be provided, along with a chance to have your photo taken with Rep. Molchany.
Thursday, April 24, 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at St. Pamphilus Church (1000 Tropical Ave.) Economic Development South’s Corridor Communities Small Business Series
Session 2: Understanding the Financial Conditions of Your Business
EDS in partnership with Pitt’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosts this meeting series to help grow the economies of the Rt. 51 and Brownsville Road corridors by providing business owners with tools to improve their enterprises.
Thursday, May 22nd, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Whitehall Borough Building (100 Borough Park Drive)
Improving our neighborhoods and keeping them great is a process that requires involvement from people like you. Be active, and join us at any of the following events or meetings. We can't do it without you! If you have questions about any of these events, feel free to give our office a call at 412.255.2131. |
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