01/26 2017

Support PWSA’s Green First Plan!

There is only a few days left to submit public comments to PWSA on their City-Wide Green-First Plan! Tell PWSA that you support their Green-First City-Wide plan because of the benefits that green infrastructure will bring to your neighborhood! 
   
The plan reduces combined sewer overflows and flooding, and also brings benefits to our community such as cooler temperatures in the summer, revitalized neighborhoods with more green space and street trees, cleaner air, and it fights climate change locally. 
   
The City-Wide Green-First Plan solves multiple problems, generates community benefits, and cleans our waterways quicker than the ALCOSAN tunnel plan. This plan shows that a green first approach is what's best for our City and the smartest way to invest ratepayer money. 
   
Now ALCOSAN must completely expand the study and adopt the plan so that all CSO communities throughout the region can get the same benefits for their money. 
   
Voice your support for the Green-First plan here! 
   
Check out their website, cleanriverscampaign.org

01/23 2017

PLI Community Forum – Wed 2/8 9am – 200 Ross St

The next PLI Community forum will be on Wednesday February 8th, 2017 at 9am
1st Floor Conference Room, 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Please RSVP. 
 
The topic will focused on trade licenses such as general contractors, Electricians, HVAC technicians, Sign Contractors, and Stationary Engineers. Our Business Administrator Nereida Polanco will be joining the discussion.
For more information, visit the PLI license website. 
 
For checklists, bulletins, code interpretations, permit applications, license applications, and other information, please visit the PLI website. 
 
To view a building permit application status, code enforcement violations, and valid licenses, visit buildingeye.

01/10 2017

Bazaar Magazine Names Pgh 4th Among 17 Best Places To Travel In 2017

The 'Burgh is "America's Most Underrated City–and for good reason. It's not the first thing you think of when dreaming of a weekend getaway, innovative food scene or art hub, but it delivers on all accounts in droves."
They mention Pittsburgh as the birthplace of Andy Warhol but not specifically South Oakland.  But we know!
Click here to read the full article.

01/10 2017

Vanpool Group Forming From Evans City, Cranberry To Oakland

pdf icon EvansCityCommute.pdf

If you know anyone currently or planning to commute to Oakland, please print out the attached flyer and/or pass along the info below.

CommuteInfo Wants You to be part of a New Vanpool from Evans City Area to Oakland 
 
A new vanpool group is trying to form from Evans City/Cranberry to Oakland. 
 
What you need to know:
  • Someone already has volunteered to take on the role of Coordinator
  • At least 7 additional people need to say they want to be part of this group 
  • At least 2 people would have to be willing to be drivers, others to help with data collection, or taking the vehicle in for service
  • The group would arrive to Oakland for an 8 AM start time, and leave at 4:30 PM.
  • Exact pick-up locations would be decided by the group
The estimated cost would be about $100 per person per month (assuming 8 riders – the cost would go down if there were more riders). This cost includes the vehicle, the maintenance, driver checks, insurance and parking (donated by the University of Pittsburgh). 
 
From the time of the group’s commitment, it usually takes 4 weeks to get started. 
 
For more information, email CommuteInfo@spcregion.org or call the phone number on the flyer above.

01/05 2017

Oakland Restaurant Week 1/30-2/4, New Restaurant Opening

Oakland Restaurant Week 1/30-2/4
6 Days, $6 Lunches!
Win free lunch for a month as well as other great prizes from Oakland retail shops! 
 
Also, enjoy a Meatless Monday option thanks to the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants Program — OBID’s way of helping to reduce the impact on the environment. 
   
Click here to see OBID website for more info 
 
Piada Italian Street Food Grand Opening!Inline image 2
January 16, 2017 
 
Piada Italian Street Food is opening January 16th! Sign up for a chance to be a VIP and eat for FREE prior to our Grand Opening:
www.mypiada.com/oakland
01/03 2017

Jan 2017 – Free Or Almost Free Stuff To Do In Pgh

Find year-round events for fun, entertaining and engaging things to do in the greater Pittsburgh Area.
Having fun doesn’t have to empty your wallet! Many of Pittsburgh’s annual events are free, family friendly and deliver a unique experience.
A sampling of ongoing and upcoming events and places to visit:
Check out their website for the complete list and links to respective sites.
http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/free-events/  
 
Also check out the list of great family adventures in Pittsburgh this month from NEXTPittsburgh 
  • Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at Phipps: Nov 25 – Jan 8
  • Pittsburgh Restaurant Week: January 9—15
  • Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District: January 20
  • The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh: January 26—February 4
  • Imbibe Northside at the Mattress Factory: January 28
  • Multiple Choice Hip-Hop at the August Wilson Center: January 29
http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/events/10-pittsburgh-events-not-miss-january-2/   

01/03 2017

Jan 2017 – Oakwatch Mtg Wed 1/18 6pm, Green Team Mtg 1/19 6pm

Oakwatch : The Oakland Code Enforcement Project
Third Wednesdays (alternating meeting times at Noon and 6pm)
January 18, 6pm at the Oakland Career Center, 294 Semple St, Pgh, PA 15213
NOTE: Evening meetings now on odd numbered months and daytime meetings now on even numbered months.
Check the webpage for further details and any last minute changes.
Oakwatch webpage 
 
​​Green Team : Putting the “oak” back in Oakland
Third Thursdays
​January 19, 6pm at the Oakland Career Center, 294 Semple St, Pgh, PA 15213
Check the webpage for further details and any last minute changes.
Green Team webpage

01/01 2017

Zone 4 Public Safety Council – Thu 1/19 6pm, JCC; Meet Acting Chief Scott Schubert

pdf icon PSC-Zone-4-Meet-Acting-Chief-of-Police-Schubert.pdf

The Zone 4 Public Safety Council will be on Thursday January 19 6pm, Jewish Community Center, 5738 Darlington Rd. Meet Acting Chief Scott Schubert.  Hear about Acting Chief Schubert's vision for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police & the City of Pittsburgh.  Discuss the importance of Community-Police relations and what's happening in Pittsburgh. 
Light refreshments will be served.
See the attached flyer for more info.

12/21 2016

2016 Holiday Schedule Changes For City Offices & Services

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works advises that there will not be any refuse, bulk waste or recycling collection on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 in observance of Christmas and on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 in observance of New Year's Day. 
 
City of Pittsburgh offices will also be closed on both days. 
 
The Holiday Refuse Collection schedule will proceed as follows:  
Normal collection day for Tuesday, Dec. 27 changed to Wednesday, Dec. 28.
And collection day for Tuesday, Jan. 3 changed to Wednesday, Jan. 4. 
 
If you should have any questions concerning your collection, you may contact Environmental Services at (412) 255-2773. 
 
Citiparks 
 
The following Citiparks facilities will adjust operating hours in observance of the Christmas holiday by closing at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, and remaining closed on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25: 
  • Mellon Park Tennis Center
  • Schenley Park Skating Rink
  • Oliver Bath House indoor swimming pool
Citiparks' 10 community recreation centers and 14 Healthy Active Living senior centers will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26. Recreation Centers will operate under a holiday schedule of 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. from Dec. 27 – 30. 
 
For information concerning Citiparks programs and services, visit www.Citiparks.net. 
 
SCHENLEY SKATING RINK HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 
 
The Schenley Park Skating Rink will offer additional skating sessions Dec. 26 – 30. A complete holiday schedule can be found here: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/Christmas_–_Schenley_Rink.pdf    

12/20 2016

City Council Passes Bill Creating Housing Opp Fund

City Council passed Councilman Daniel Lavelle's legislation that creates a Housing Opportunity Fund for Pittsburgh. The Fund will ensure that every neighborhood in our city receives the investment it needs and that longtime residents are able to share in the “New Pittsburgh.” The Fund will help stop the displacement of low income individuals by keeping housing affordable, and create strong, stable communities where all Pittsburghers can thrive. 
 
Pittsburgh is currently facing a shortage of nearly 17,000 affordable rental units. The lack of affordable housing has become a pressing issue in recent years as new development has driven up the housing prices in neighborhoods long occupied by low and middle income residents. This legislation will address the issue of creating affordable options in the City of Pittsburgh. 
 
Click here to read more about the legislation.
12/19 2016

Dec 2016 – Oakwatch Mtg Wed 12/21 6pm, Green Team Mtg – Cancelled

Oakwatch : The Oakland Code Enforcement Project
Third Wednesdays (alternating meeting times at Noon and 6pm)
​Decem​ber ​2​1, 6pm at the Oakland Career Center, 294 Semple St, Pgh, PA 152131
​Introducing new co-chair Bob Koller​.
Check the webpage for further details and any last minute changes.
Oakwatch webpage 
 
​​Green Team : Putting the “oak” back in Oakland
Third Thursdays
​Cancelled for December, next meeting Thursday, January 19, 2017.
Check the webpage for further details and any last minute changes.
Green Team webpage
12/17 2016

Phipps Winter Flower Show, Winter Light Garden, Garden Railroad: 200 Yrs of Pgh

Three Holiday Shows for the Price of One 
 
Just one ticket price this holiday season gives you access to our Winter Flower Show, Winter Light Garden, and Garden Railroad: 200 Years of Pittsburgh exhibits. Plan to see all three! 
 
The most magical time of the year arrives with the opening of Winter Flower Show and Light Garden on Fri., Nov. 25. Built around a whimsical "Snow Day at Phipps" theme, the changing exhibit rooms will feature topiary penguins, bears and reindeer frolicking in showcases of artful LED lights, decorated fir trees, whimsical props, colorful poinsettias, aromatic paperwhites, showy amaryllis and more. From snowball fights and ice skating to cuddly blanket forts, the displays will revive the wonder of a winter's day of childhood play in guests of every age. 
 
Adding to the festive atmosphere, in our Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, our biggest, best Winter Light Garden yet will sparkle with luminous orbs, trees and fountains, as well as a brand new tunnel of lights designed to imitate a twinkling winter sky. Garden Railroad will be on view too, taking you on a trip through 200 marvelous years of Pittsburgh history, brought to life with interactive buttons for children to push, and miniature living plants, shrubs and trees. 
 
Click here for Phipps website for more info
12/12 2016

Snow Angels – Get Or Volunteer To Help Shovel Snow

pdf icon SnowAngels2016Flyer.pdf
pdf icon HAL_Snow_Angel_Program_-_Volunteer_Waiver_and_Release_16.pdf
pdf icon HAL_snow_angels_app_16.pdf

What is Pittsburgh Snow Angels?
Snow covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. Pittsburgh Snow Angels is a program that helps minimize the hardships of winter by pairing volunteers with elderly or disabled residents to assist with snow removal. 
 
Along with fostering stronger community relationships and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snow storm, Snow Angels makes our sidewalks safer for those who continue to serve despite the winter weather – like postal service workers, firemen, and police officers.  
 
For more information, check out the attached flyer, forms, or visit the website
pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/snowangels/index.html

12/10 2016

PennDOT Autonomous Vehicle Testing Public Meeting

The public is invited to an online public meeting to review the Autonomous Vehicle Policy Task Force's final testing policy in an online public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. 
 
The public is encouraged to review the policy (PDF) and is welcome to ask questions of the panelists during the online meeting. Email questions to penndotav@pa.gov . 
 
The guidance is the result of months of collaboration among state, federal, and private-industry officials — such as the Federal Highway Administration, AAA, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and General Motors — in the Autonomous Vehicle Policy Task Force. 
 
To read more about the Public Meeting, click here.  

12/09 2016

Arson At Laundromat On Kennett Sq Nov 22

Pittsburgh Police are looking for a man who set fire to a trash can in a laundry mat in South Oakland last month. 
 
The incident happened around 7:25 a.m. on Nov. 22 at the business located in the 3200 block of Kennett Square. 
 
According to police, the fire spread from the trash can to a laundry tub. The business and apartments above it sustained extensive smoke damage. 
 
Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect’s identity is asked to call Pittsburgh Police at 412-323-7800. 
 
Click here to see KDKA report with video