With the bad weather and increased salt use, more potholes and general deterioration will be developing.  Early next week the temperatures are expected to be above 40 degrees for a few days and will allow DPW to do some badly needed road patching, so if you are aware of any potholes, make sure to report them by either calling 3-1-1 or using the online form at http://pittsburghpa.gov/311/form
It is also approaching that time of year that the city will be evaluating roads that need to be repaved, so mentioning that in any report, or filing a separate report for that would be a good idea.
(March 2, 2015) Roles are still open for volunteers interested in neighborhood issues such as building codes, disruptive properties and water bills, and for preservationists who can help oversee the City’s archives.
Last month the Peduto administration announced openings for several volunteer roles in City boards, authorities and commissions. Interest has been high in the positions, but the City is still seeking more applicants for the following:
  • Building Code Board of Appeals
  • Commission on City Archives
  • Disruptive Property Appeals Board
  • Water Exoneration Hearing Board
They are among the openings on nine bodies, all of which are listed here on the City website. Links for each group describe the volunteer roles and whether city residency or professional certificates are required for the positions.
For the AmeriCorps VISTA 50th Anniversary, servePGH is partnering with The United Way of Allegheny County to support the 2nd annual Be My Neighbor Day. Please join us in celebrating the incredible legacy of AmeriCorps VISTA by serving hand in hand with our community members!
 
Be My Neighbor Day was started in part to honor Fred Rogers and provide a place where kids and families can learn about acts of kindness and participate in activities that benefit our community. 
 
This event will take place on March 21 & 22nd at several YMCAs across Allegheny County. Volunteers are needed to help lead activities for kids and families at local YMCAs to promote kindness and generosity. Families also have the opportunity to meet Daniel the Tiger. 
The Office of Mayor Peduto and the Welcoming Pittsburgh Advisory Council will turn a listening ear to Pittsburgh residents during five meetings at sites around the city this month. Details below. Hope to see you there!
  
Who Should Attend?

Do you want to see Pittsburgh grow to become a more diverse and welcoming city? Are you passionate about improving the city for our immigrant population? Are you dedicated to making the city more livable for all? Are you actively involved in working with immigrants? Are you an immigrant who is active in the community or who runs a small business? We’re seeking leaders and connectors to join us – whether you’re an immigrant or just new to the city, or a lifelong Pittsburgher, you should attend!

pdf icon Urban-Ag-Changes.pdf

PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment
Land Use Control File No. C-782
Agriculture and Urban Agriculture
The Planning Commission has initiated a Zoning Code Text amendment related to Urban Agriculture. The amendment is proposing to:
  • expand the allowable zoning districts and use classifications for all types of
  • amend and supplement the use standards for all types of Agriculture and
  • add definitions to supplement Agriculture and Urban Agriculture
A copy of the proposed text amendment may be reviewed at the Zoning Office on the 3rd floor of 200 Ross St., Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. or online at  www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/notices
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed text amendments
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 @ 2:00 p.m.
John P. Robin Civic Building, 1st Floor
200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh PA
Testimony presented by individuals will be limited to three minutes each. In addition, any
person who intends to testify on behalf of an organization such as a chamber of commerce, community club, etc., shall provide a “Letter of Authorization” from the appropriate duly appointed officers before testifying. Prepared comments, statistics or
reports in printed form may be presented to the Commission to support testimony or in lieu of testimony. (Interpreters for the hearing impaired will be provided with 4 days notice by contacting Richard Meritzer at 412-255-2102.) You may call 412-255-2241 if

pdf icon Home-Share-Program.pdfInline image 1
Save the Date for the Home Share Summit
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Social Work Conference Center
Cathedral of Learning, Room 2017
Organized by Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education
University of Pittsburgh MSW Students

To attend, please RSVP to: Breann Farrier at bnf11@pitt.edu by Tuesday, March 10th

Home Share Program
Speaker: Janet Hunko, LMSW
Director at UMHS Housing Bureau for Seniors*, Ann Arbor, MI
The Home-Sharing movement is an innovative community response to help older adults age at home, retaining the highest level of independence possible while simultaneously promoting intergenerational living and mutual support. Such programs promote shared housing among older adults and between older adults and younger members of the community, often university students. This Home Share Summit explores the potential benefits of Home-Sharing through a presentation about a successful program in Michigan followed by a brief Q & A and a discussion of the possibilities and opportunities in the Pittsburgh area. Please join us if you are interested in learning more about this model and meeting others who are also interested in the possibility of bringing it to the Pittsburgh area.

*The Housing Bureau for Seniors is a community supported program of University of Michigan Health System