Making South Pittsburgh a Better Place Everyday
Join Us for Councilwoman Rudiak & Mayor Peduto’s South Hills Renovation Fair
Looking to Downsize? Get on the Interest List for Hillcrest Senior Residences!
BRAG On Broadway! A New Group Guiding Development in Beechview
Momentum in Beechview: Beechview Senior Center and URA Properties
Honoring South Pittsburgh Residents
Learn More About Liberty Bridge Construction
The 2016 Pittsburgh Paving List is OUT!
Changes to the Street Sweeping Schedule for 2016
Send your Child to Summer Camp with the Pittsburgh Police!
Police Internships Available for All Majors
Comcast Provides Affordable Internet to Qualifying Residents
Construction Junction FREE Deconstruction Help
Community Calendar
Making South Pittsburgh a Better Place Everyday
I meet with residents, developers, organizations, and fellow government employees every day to work on ideas and project that will benefit South Pittsburgh and the City. Here are just a few of the things I did in March!
I started out March with a productive conversation with my fellow Councilwoman, Theresa Kail-Smith, as well as Councilman Bruce Kraus, Mayor Peduto, and Police to talk about how we can get more public safety cameras placed in areas of high crime.
My staff convened the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development South to talk about the future of the Berg Place apartments in Carrick, which have been all-but-abandoned by their current owner. Redevelopment will be a complex process as the properties currently have hundreds of thousands of dollars of liens on them, but we are working through the red tape to make the apartments come back to life.
I hosted a briefing of the Women’s Caucus for a group of women advocating for Pittsburgh to adopt the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The convention was adopted by the UN Assembly in 1979, but was never ratified by the United States. Cities across the Country are now adopting it, and working to make City services more equitable, from making sure programming at parks is for both boys and girls, and making sure city employees are receiving equal pay for equal work.
I spoke to a group of 50 newly elected officials from across the region about the importance of learning conflict resolution skills, to ensure that our time spent in office is productive, and not divisive. Thanks to the Local Government Academy for the opportunity.
I joined the Parks Conservancy and residents from Bon Air and Beltzhoover for a presentation of the new McKinley Park Master Plan. The plan includes restoration of natural areas, as well as active recreation areas, like a community plaza, picnic shelters, a community garden, and a walking loop. You can see it here.
My staff attended a city-wide meeting in Knoxville to discuss new ideas for affordable housing and what that means for our southern neighborhoods.
I attended a public hearing with my fellow Councilwomen to confront the new Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and some members of the board about billing and customer service complaints that you all have brought to our office over the past few years. You can read more here.
We celebrated the 200th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s official incorporation in the lobby of the City County Building! Happy birthday Pittsburgh!
We attended the annual awards ceremony celebrating Allegheny Cleanways volunteers, as well as South Pittsburgh Development Corporation meeting, the Overbrook Community Council, the Beechview Area Concerned Citizens meeting, the Carrick-Overbrook Block Watch, the Brookline Block Watch, and so much more!
Join Us for Councilwoman Rudiak & Mayor Peduto’s South Hills Renovation Fair
Want to renovate your home, but you’re not sure how to get started? Join Councilwoman Rudiak and Mayor Peduto on Saturday, April 30th for the 2016 Renovation Fair! We’ll have all the right people under one roof to answer your questions and help you plan.
- Neighborhood banks to discuss financing options
- Ideas for landscaping and historical preservation
- Local regulatory agencies to discuss permitting
- Government programs to help with energy efficient renovations
- Non-profits and other neighborhood partners to talk about community involvement
Please join us Saturday, April 30th from 10AM to 2PM in the cafeteria at Brashear High School (590 Crane Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15216). Admission and parking are free!
Looking to Downsize? Get on the Interest List for Hillcrest Senior Residences!
In our last newsletter, we reported the exciting news that construction will begin soon on the brand new Hillcrest Senior Residences development! The new building, which will replace the vacant and blighted former Giant Eagle at 2920 Brownsville Road, will include 54 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments for people 62 years of age and older. Amenities will include an elevator, on-site parking, a fitness room, high efficiency appliances, and laundry facilities on each floor. Units are expected to be available for rent by Spring 2017.
More details, including floor-plans, can be viewed here.
If you’re looking to downsize, and would like to receive more information and an application when it becomes available, call The Community Builders at 412-331-1490 or e-mail hillcrest...@tcbinc.org
BRAG On Broadway! A New Group Guiding Development in Beechview
There is no doubt there is a special momentum building in Beechview right now, and one group is seeking community input. Beechview residents and stakeholders are invited to apply for a spot on a new organization, the Beechview Revitalization Advisory Group, or BRAG! BRAG was conceived by the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC), which just recently opened an office on Broadway Avenue. They plan to invest in commercial and residential renovations in Beechview. The group’s mission will be to build positive relationships throughout the community, promote Beechview, provide feedback on PHDC projects, and more.
Click here for more details about the Beechview Revitalization Advisory Group
Click here for information on how to apply to be part of BRAG.
Momentum in Beechview: Beechview Senior Center and URA Properties
Plans to expand and rehabilitate the Beechview Sr. Center (1553 Broadway) are moving forward! Some of you have seen work happening there, such as interior demolition and brick repointing. That’s just the start! After getting feedback from the community and the seniors who use the Center, the architectural plans are almost final. We will leave a copy of the final plans at the Library in a few weeks, if you are interested in taking a look. The City will go out to bid in May and start construction this summer. The City’s goal is to complete the project and open the brand new Center next Spring, 2017.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is also close to finding developers to renovate and purchase the buildings they own along the Broadway Avenue business district. Plans for 1601 Broadway (the turret) building are moving right along with Atlas Development Company. We look forward to construction starting there in the next few months. The URA also put out a request for proposals for two buildings and a lot on Broadway-- 1600, 1602, and 1619 Broadway.
Click here to see the URA's request for proposals!
We look forward to seeing the proposals that come in, and working with the community and the URA to get these buildings back in top form and full of new businesses and residents.
Honoring South Pittsburgh Residents
I presented the family of Edna May Tuite of Beechview with a proclamation honoring her life. Mrs. Tuite was a long-time favorite waitress at the Banksville Eat-N-Park, and a loving mother and grandmother.
I also celebrated the volunteerism and passion of Bon Air resident, Dan Conowalt, who has worked to restore and raise awareness of the USS LST Ship Memorial. The LST, or landing ship tank, played a major role in World War II, the Korean, and Vietnam wars. It is an amphibious ship designed to deliver cargo directly onto beaches during combat. LST-325 was decommissioned, and now serves as a mobile memorial to the countless heroic Americans who died in service to their country. We thank and honor the volunteers who brought LST-325 to Pittsburgh this year, and taught us so much about its history.
Learn More About Liberty Bridge Construction
They say there are two seasons in Pittsburgh: winter and road repair. This summer, PennDOT will continue their $80.08 million Liberty Bridge rehabilitation project. There will be two public meetings where residents can ask questions and learn more:
Tuesday, April 5 at the Wintergarden at PPG Place (1 PPG Place, 3rd Avenue Downtown)
Two sessions: 11:00 AM and Noon
Wednesday, April 6 at Brashear High School Auditorium (590 Crane Avenue, Beechview)
6:30-8:30 PM
Deck replacement and ramp reconstruction will begin in late April. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in the direction of peak travel and a single lane of traffic will be maintained in the opposite direction. Other improvements include structural steel repairs and painting, concrete repairs, signage improvements and the installation of a new alternating overhead lane control system.
Be sure to attend one of PennDOT’s public meetings if you have questions or require more information.
The 2016 Pittsburgh Paving List is OUT!
The Department of Public Works has released their paving plan for 2016! Navigate here to view an interactive map showing all street segments that are to be paved this season. You can click on each one to see details and the anticipated dates for paving work.
How are these streets selected? DPW uses a combination of street condition data, citizen 3-1-1 reports, and condition reports from Public Works staff to develop a comprehensive annual paving program.
This year, the City is paving about 49.5 miles at a cost of $14,887,943, an increase of 8% over last year’s paving budget! We can expect additional paving through coordination with utility companies.
Changes to the Street Sweeping Schedule for 2016
It’s almost time for spring cleaning! Street sweeping starts for the year on Monday, April 4th, with a few key changes.
In Allentown, Brookline, Carrick, and Southside, you’ll see new signage and the following changes in service:
- Streets that were previously cleaned on the 1st week of the month will now be cleaned on the 3rd week of the month.
- Streets that were previously cleaned on the 2nd week of the month will now be cleaned on the 4th week of the month.
**In Beechview, Broadway Avenue street cleaning will continue through the Port Authority’s construction, but due to limited parking, the City will not be ticketing parked cars.
Send your Child to Summer Camp with the Pittsburgh Police!
Looking for fun summer opportunities for your kids? Check out the Pittsburgh Police Cops & Kids Summer Camp! This week-long program is a unique experience for Pittsburgh kids to learn and explore all aspects of policing and public safety. Campers have positive interactions with police officers, while learning about public safety and positive decision making. This year, the camp will focus on education, keeping them “Promise Ready” during the summer months.
The goal of Cops & Kids is to help build self esteem, self-awareness, and a better understanding of what it takes to become a good citizen. All participants will acquire a better understanding of the following topics:
- The Meaning of Public Safety
- Leadership and Teamwork
- The Consequences of Illegal Guns and Drugs
- The Benefits of Physical Fitness & Nutrition
- Tips on Crime Prevention
- CSI-Crime Scene Investigation
- “Paying it Forward”
There is *no cost* to attending the camp, and transportation, breakfast, and lunch is provided. The camp is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so apply early!
http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/pghbop/2016_Summer_Camp_application_ONLINE.pdf
Police Internships Available for All Majors
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is looking for community-minded students who value public service and want to give back to the City. To qualify, you must be a college student, have completed at least 45 credit hours, and maintain a 2.5 QPA. Applications are due April 15th. To apply, go to www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/employmentcenter/joblistings.aspx
Comcast Provides Affordable Internet to Qualifying Residents
What once seemed like a luxury is now an essential: families need the internet to do everything from homework to applying for jobs. Comcast provides low-cost, high-speed internet service for $9.95 per month for qualifying families. To qualify, families must have at least one child who qualifies for the National School Lunch Program. Comcast also connects users with free classes on a variety of topics, including basic computer skills, how to use e-mail, being safe and secure online, searching for jobs online, and more. To learn more, go to: https://apply.internetessentials.com/
Construction Junction FREE Deconstruction Help
It’s almost summertime, and for many, that means home renovation time! But wait! Before you do any demolition, think about if anyone could use something that you’re getting rid of-- lumber, trim, fixtures, doors, windows cabinets? Construction Junction has a licensed and insured Deconstruction Department that can save you money. Their crew will come out for *free* to remove useable building materials before you start your renovation. You’ll save on disposal costs, it’s better for the environment, and your donation is tax deductible.
To request a free consultation, call Brian at 412 243 5025 or email at bswea...@constructionjunction.org.
Community Calendar
You can see all public community meetings and events on our online calendar, here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/district4/district-four-calendar
Carrick-Overbrook Block Watch
Monday, 4/4, 7 PM @ Concord Elementary Auditorium (2350 Brownsville)
PennDOT Liberty Bridge Rehabilitation Public Meeting #1
Tuesday, 4/5, 11 AM and Noon @ PPG Wintergarden (1 PPG Place, 3rd Avenue, Downtown)
PennDOT Liberty Bridge Rehabilitation Public Meeting #2
Wednesday, 4/6, 6:30 PM @ Brashear High School (590 Crane Avenue, Beechview)
Beechview Area Concerned Citizens / Beechview Block Watch
Thursday, 4/7, 7 PM @ Beechview United Presbyterian Church (1621 Broadway, basement)
Brookline Block Watch
Tuesday, 4/12 , 7 PM @ Judge Motznik’s Office (736 Brookline Blvd)
South Pittsburgh Development Corporation
Monday, 4/18, 7 PM @ Brookline Presbyterian Church (1036 Brookline Blvd)
Beltzhoover Community Forum
Thursday, 4/21, 5:30 PM @ Beulah Baptist Church (201 Chalfont Street)
Carrick Community Clean-Up
Saturday, 4/23, 10 AM @ Phillips Park (201 Parkfield Street)
Sign up by calling 412-339-0808 or e-mailing carr...@googlegroups.com
Gloves & bags provided; Donuts & Coffee provided by Dunkin Donuts, Pizza lunch provided by Yinz Guys Pizza & the Carrick Community Council
Rudiak-Peduto South Hills Renovation Fair
Saturday, 4/30, 10 AM- 2 PM @ Brashear High School (590 Crane Avenue)
| 