On the first day of July, we heard the fantastic news that the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority approved our $600,000 grant application for street improvements for Broadway Avenue in Beechview. My office applied for the funds last summer, and Senator Wayne Fontana successfully advocated for the project in Harrisburg. There will be a public process to determine the details of the project, which is expected to include T stop renovations, improved crosswalks, enhanced signal crossings, and features to slow traffic.
On July 6th, City Council passed my bill requiring the Department of Public Works to complete pool and spray park inspections in October of each year, ensuring that problems are identified and repaired in the off-season. I introduced the bill in response to the delayed opening of Moore Pool in Brookline, which could have been prevented with an earlier inspection and more proactive approach to fixing the problem. The also requires that the Department of Public Works proactively release inspection reports as public information, to ensure accountability and transparency.
I met with a group of women elected officials from across the United States, who were here in Pittsburgh for the Local Progress conference. I heard some incredibly inspirational stories from people working in cities from New Orleans to Minneapolis, all the way to Culver City, CA.
My staff and I joined the Women's Caucus of City Council in the Pittsburgh Bicentennial Parade downtown. It was so lovely to see so many Pittsburghers out celebrating our city's history. Many thanks to Mr. Rick Sebak for emceeing!
I met with Police Chief Cameron McLay to discuss recent staffing changes in the Bureau, and ways to ensure these changes are well communicated in our neighborhoods.
I met with the Saw Mill Run Watershed Coordinator, the Department of City Planning, and the Department of Public Works to talk about how to clean up the Seldom Seen Greenway, clean up the trails and restore wildlife habitat.
I continued to meet with stakeholders in early education to lay the foundation for pre-k for all 3 and 4 years in the city of Pittsburgh.
I represented Pittsburgh at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia!
On Saturday I cheered on boxers from South Pittsburgh and beyond at the historic "Duelo del Siglo" Pittsburgh vs. Cuba match on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. It was an amazing event, bringing together the best in citizen diplomacy from the United States and our neighbor to the south, Cuba. 2500 tickets sold out in 11 minutes for this series of 11 bouts, showcasing the best of our boxing talent. Thanks to the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister City Partnership for getting this event off the ground and working all year to normalize relations with Cuba. Read more here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2016/07/31/Pittsburgh-Cuba-boxing-bout-seeks-to-bridge-the-divide/stories/201607310221
My staff and I also met with wildlife advocates, Uber, the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, residents concerned with zoning, Economic Development South, and many, many more!
Each year, the best neighborhood youth baseball and softball teams in the City compete for the Mayor's Cup at PNC Park. This year, South Pittsburgh cleaned up! Brookline won the little league championship in a 5-3 nail-biter against Squirrel Hill, while Carrick's Pony team beat the 14th Ward, 10-6. The Carrick Colt team bested Squirrel Hill 17-8.
Brookline's 12U softball beat Morningside, and 18U softball overcame Elliot by a score of 13-10 in extra innings! And, though it didn't end in a win, congratulations to the 15U Brookline #2 team for their efforts against Swissvale. Congratulations to all the players, special thanks to all the parents and community members who volunteer their time throughout the season, and to Citiparks staff for making our youth shine.
We're proud of our stellar venues here in Pittsburgh—from PNC Park, Heinz Field, and now Consol Energy Center, we have fantastic spaces to cheer on the home team, AND see musical acts and other performers. We know these assets bring people to the City, where they spend money and add to our local economy. That's why the City provided assistance in building these beautiful venues. But when I called for an audit in 2014, the Controller's office found that performers were exploiting a loophole that allowed them to skip town without paying the taxes they owed for using our taxpayer-funded venues.
In early July, Mayor Peduto introduced an ordinance to close that loophole, which allowed some performers to hide their earnings and avoid paying what they owed us. In 2013, Taylor Swift paid $70,410.61 for using Heinz Field, while Kenny Chesney only paid $131.50. Major events like this require significant City resources, from Police coverage to EMS services, clean-up by Public Works, and more. When performers don't pay, City taxpayers foot the bill. I'm proud to have been a part of the partnership that is leading us to closing this loophole and getting our tax collections on the right track.
On July 18, 2016 the Certified Drug and Alcohol Recovery Housing Taskforce submitted recommendations to the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for certifying recovery houses. There is a 30 day window for the public to make comment on these recommendations. Many of you have brought concerns to my office about halfway homes, 3/4 homes, and other types of recovery homes that seemingly pop up in our neighborhoods every day. This is an opportunity to let your voice be heard by state regulators.
After the 30 day public comment period, DDAP will review the recommendations and comments. They will then announce the final standards for recovery housing certification and the process for becoming certified. These standards will apply only to recovery home owners who would like to receive state funds and referrals from licensed drug and alcohol treatment service providers.
My office has reviewed these recommendations and has plans to make comment as well. We have two primary concerns based on our assessment of the recommendations.
- We hear many concerns from constituents about homes opening that are purely profit driven and not focused on residents' recovery. These homes are often not regulated.The recommendations should provide more insight into recovery houses that are not regulated, or require that all homes are regulated.
- The final regulations should provide direction for residents living in recovery homes and their neighbors to report problems to the state. It is very important that we have a way to provide consistent feedback when something is wrong to ensure our safety as well as the safety of the residents in recovery.
Did you know that many of our region's communities are built in areas that were heavily mined in the late 1800s and early 1900s? Mountainous and sloped areas in particular were coveted for their seams of high quality coal. South Pittsburgh is no exception. Our hills and valleys, from Brownsville Road to Saw Mill Run, from Brookline Boulevard to West Liberty Avenue, back up to Broadway and down to Banksville Road, were all mined at some point before our houses were built.
Sometimes, when homes are unknowingly built on top of shuttered mines, we experience mine subsidence. When a mine shifts or collapses, it can cause real damage to your home. Typical damage includes cracked plaster, stuck doors and windows, tilted floors, and significant cracks or separations in a home's foundation.
The Department encourages all residents in undermined areas to consider subsidence insurance. A typical homeowner's policy rarely covers mine subsidence damage, leaving the property owner with repair expenses that can exceed $100,000 per building. Mine subsidence insurance is an affordable option that protects homeowners from the cost of potential damages due to subsidence. The insurance, administered by the DEP is about 55 cents for every $1,000 of coverage. An average policy of $175,000 would cost just $95 per year, $8 per month, or .25 cents per day.
Brookline Teen Outreach's kick-off Capital Campaign event is sure to be a night to remember. Food, fun and prizes and an evening of horse racing for ages 18 and up for only $25/person.
Since opening its doors in March 2016, Brookline Teen Outreach has been providing a safe, supportive environment and inventive programming for area teens.
They are hosting their inaugural fundraiser, Night at the Races, on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 520 Brookline Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15226. This event is the first of many in a capital campaign to help them reach the goal of raising $75,000 to purchase their headquarters, the American Legion building – an anchor of Brookline Boulevard. This building will not just benefit the youth of Brookline and the South Pittsburgh neighborhoods. In the few short months they've been open, they have opened their doors to serve as a meeting space for more than a half dozen community groups, including the Brookline Chamber of Commerce. Their operating costs are low – they are currently staffed entirely by volunteers, and almost everything inside the Center was donated by community members like you. Join us in supporting Brookline Teen Outreach as they work to solidify their presence on the Boulevard and the important work they do with South Pittsburgh teens.
More information, and online registration is available here:
In June, the City of Pittsburgh held two city-wide public meetings to learn more about what residents would like to see included in the 2017 Capital Budget. The Capital Budget includes funds for brick-and-mortar projects, like street paving, park improvements, slope failure remediation, and more. Residents who attended the meetings were given a briefing on the Mayor's criteria for prioritizing projects, and were able to express their opinion about funds needed for projects in their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, South Pittsburgh was very underrepresented at the meetings, and did not provide much feedback. But never fear, there is still time!
Call 3-1-1 to tell the Mayor what you'd like to see in the 2017 Capital Budget. If you're not sure where to start, you can call to voice your support for priority projects that we submitted, including:
- Moore Park Improvements
- City staircase repairs in Overbrook
- Reconstruction of Trelona Way in Brookline
- Construction of a concession stand at Alton Field in Beechview
- Street and T-stop Improvements on Broadway Avenue in Beechview
- Intersection improvements at Brownsville Road and Parkfield Street
- Hillside stabilization on Maytide Street
- ...and many more!
Projects that meet the following criteria are the most likely to be funded:
- Fixing it first: an emphasis on extending the useful life and capabilities of existing assets, rather than the acquisition of new assets
- Complete Streets- an approach to infrastructure that encompasses and supports all forms of transportation, from driving to public transportation, to walking and biking
- Improving Public Facilities—a goal of supporting a quality of life in our neighborhoods by improving our public facilities across the City
- Better Services – investments in processes and infrastructure that will help the City deliver services faster, more efficiently, with greater customer service, and at a lower cost over time
- Economic Development—A commitment to all communities through economic development and neighborhood building support
Questions about whether or not a project is considered a "Capital" project? Contact our office at
412-255-2131.
It's that time of the year again! Time to sign up for the Civic Leadership Academy. The Academy is a free 10 week course which teaches participants about City government, including in-depth looks at 12 city departments and authorities.
Forty students are accepted into the program from all different backgrounds, ages, and from neighborhoods across the City. Applications are due August 5th and classes begin Wednesday, September 14th. Classes are held every Wednesday for 10 weeks from 6-8:30 pm downtown as well as various locations throughout the city.
Please share this opportunity with any residents who would be interested in learning more about how our City works!
Does Brownsville look a little brighter to you? Well it should, because in June of this year, the Department of Public Works upgraded 50 streetlights between Copperfield and E. Woodford, between Biscayne and Parkfield, between Woodford and Parkfield, and between Berg Place and the City line. Using LED technology, the City was able to change the light distribution to cover more of the roadway and sidewalks, all while lowering our energy costs and reducing our carbon footprint.
These changes were made in response to resident concerns that some areas of Brownsville were dark at night, and people did not feel safe walking. The project came in under budget and ahead of schedule.
Mentor A Brashear Student!
The Mentor 2.0 program pairs college-educated volunteers in one-to-one mentoring relationships with ninth grade students at Pittsburgh Brashear High School. The program employs technology and a unique curriculum to ensure volunteers are effective in supporting students through high school and beyond.
The time commitment is easy—just 2 hours one evening per month for the in-person event, and fulfill the remaining responsibilities remotely. The in-person interactions are guided by a custom curriculum. Mentors receive coaching via e-mail and activities are designed to help mentors connect with students.
To volunteer, you must be 21 years of age, college educated, and live or work in the Pittsburgh area. Applicants should plan to commit two school years to the program, though ideally, relationships will last through high school.
West Liberty Cemetery
The historic West Liberty Cemetery on Fallowfield Avenue in Beechview needs a little love. Chuck Burrow is looking to recruit volunteers for the following:
Type of volunteer work:
- Will need a gas operated “weed eater” to clear around the grave markers
- Assistance needed to remove and dispose of cuttings, some will be very thick and prickly
- Need protective clothing i.e. long sleeves, long pants, hard shoes or boots, gloves and eye protection
The church has approved of this work on the property. Anytime that the volunteers have to help in this endeavor will be greatly appreciated.
Contact for more information:
Chuck Burrow
Carrick-Overbrook Block Watch Monday, 8/1, 7 PM @ St. Basil's Church-Lower Level (1735 Brownsville Rd)
National Night Out – Tuesday, 8/2
- Beechview, 6PM @ Parking lot at Beechview Avenue and Broadway
- Bon Air, 6PM @ Gazebo in Bon Air Parklet
- Brookline, 7PM In front of Judge Motznik's office, 736 Brookline Boulevard 15226
- Carrick:
- 7PM, Kirk Avenue, Corner of Almora and Kirk
- 6:30PM, Belplain Street
- Overbrook: 6PM, in front of 151 Odette Street
Beechview Area Concerned Citizens and Beechview Block Watch Thursday, No August meeting
Brookline Breeze and Breezefest, 8/13
- 8:35AM – One-Mile Mini Breeze Fun Run and Dog Walk,
- 9AM – 5K Start Time
- 11AM-4PM – Breezefest, Brookline Boulevard
Beltzhoover Community Forum, 8/18, 5:30PM @ Beulah Baptist Church, 201 Chalfont Street 15210
Brookline Block Watch Tuesday, No August meeting
South Pittsburgh Development Corporation Monday, No meeting in August
Cornfest, 8/27 noon-6PM, Phillips Park
Overbrook Community Council - No August meeting
Zone 3 Public Safety Meeting, 8/15 6PM @ Zone 3 Police Station 830 East Warrington Avenue 15210
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