04/01 2015

Street Cleaning 2015 – April 1 – November 30

Street Cleaning starts April 1 and ends November 30, dependent upon weather conditions.  South Oakland days are typically the third Wednesday or Thursday.  Check the signs in your area.
If there are a lot of parked cars being ticketed, it can greatly delay and ultimately prevent street cleaning.  Please make sure to move your car and alert any neighbors as well.
Report any problems to 3-1-1 on online at http://pittsburghpa.gov/311/form

04/01 2015

Dept Parks & Seeks Proposals for Cleaning And Custodial Services for Citiparks Facilities Due by 5/8

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (Citiparks) will be accepting proposals for a contract to perform custodial and cleaning services at the city’s twenty-two (22) Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) centers beginning April 8, 2015.

This Request for Proposals specifically addresses the need to provide regular, efficient and effective custodial and cleaning services to the 22 Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) centers.

Citiparks is seeking proposals that provide an hourly rate for reimbursement for providing the services above for as few as four (4) specific facilities and as many as all twenty two (22) facilities.

Citiparks has partnered with the Department of Innovation & Performance and the city’s Code for America Fellows to develop the RFP website where interested vendors can sign up to receive updates, responses to questions, submission details and deadline information regarding the Request for Proposals.

Click here for original post and contact info.

03/30 2015

2015 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation actively assists western Pennsylvania high school seniors in their pursuit of academic achievement by offering scholarships, which includes one Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship and a maximum of 20 Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Scholarships annually. In addition, the Penguins Alumni Association sponsors a scholarship for local students who play hockey. All three scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year will be available in February 2015.
Click here for more info and applications

03/26 2015

Hotline For Highmark/UPMC Transition Problems

There’s free assistance available to help you with questions or complaints related to the UPMC-Highmark split.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has launched a toll-free helpline – 1-844-743-2015 – with staff to help consumers understand their rights and cut through confusion they have about their plans. In addition, the staff may contact UPMC or Highmark on behalf of consumers who have a conflict with either company.
If you use the hotline, please be prepared to provide:
  • Basic information about yourself;
  • As much detail as possible about the conflict with UPMC or Highmark;
  • Any correspondence you may have received from either company; and 
  • Insurance coverage information because of the variety of plans that exist.   
Call process times will vary. The helpline will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you call the helpline outside of normal business hours, on the weekend or when specialists are assisting other consumers, you may leave a message. Calls will be returned in the order in which they were received.
Before a complaint is processed, consumers will receive a confirmation email or letter with a summary of their complaint, as well as release forms.
For more information about the UPMC/Highmark transition plan, you may visit www.stayinformed.pa.gov.
03/26 2015

Events At The Corner In West Oakland

pdf icon 2015-3-25-Around-the-Corner.pdf
pdf icon Financial-Management-Workshop.pdf

FEATURED EVENT: ** POETRY SLAM **
Come out THIS Friday, March 27th at 7pm for the Corner Slam Invitational! 

FILM AND DISCUSSION: The Corner will screen I AM on Thursday, March 26th at 5:30pm, and discussion will be led by The Necessary Movement and students from Propel Homestead.

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MARCH MADNESS MAYHEM: Join us at The Corner Saturday, March 28th at 5pm to watch March Madness basketball!
 
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING: The next meeting of the West Oakland Neighborhood Council is Tuesday, April 7th from 6:30-8:00.
 
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP: The Corner is partnering with Dollar Bank to host a FREE Financial Management Workshop on Wednesday, April 8th at 6pm at The Corner.
 

​See the flyers for details and contact info.​

03/23 2015

Birmingham Bridge Platform Installation result in closures and stoppages on I-376 E

Traffic Advisory
Birmingham Bridge Work Platform Installation continues Monday Night in Pittsburgh
Overnight Traffic Stoppages on Eastbound Parkway East
 PennDOT District 11 is announcing work platform installation under the Birmingham Bridge (Route 2085) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will continue Monday night, March 23, weather permitting.
Single-lane closures and intermittent rolling stoppages of 5 minutes or less will occur on eastbound (outbound) I-376 (Parkway East) under the Birmingham Bridge weeknights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday night, March 27.
To help keep motorists, pedestrians, cyclists informed as work on the Birmingham Bridge Preservation Project continues visit the project website at  http://birmingham.otmapgh.org/. *Remember to sign-up to receive eAlerts
 Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com or by calling 5-1-1.
03/20 2015

Mayor Peduto Makes Nominations to City Boards, Commissions and Authorities

Mayor William Peduto sent 36 nominations for seats on City boards, commissions and authorities to Pittsburgh City Council today.
The nominations will be officially introduced at the regular meeting of council Tuesday. Some, but not all, will be subject to council interviews and votes.
Click here to read the full press release and the full list of nominations.
03/20 2015

Birmingham Bridge Work Platform – 10p-5a Mon 3/23- Fri 3/27

PennDOT District 11 is announcing work platform installation under the Birmingham Bridge (Route 2085) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will continue Monday night, March 23, weather permitting.
 
Single-lane closures and intermittent rolling stoppages of 5 minutes or less will occur on eastbound (outbound) I-376 (Parkway East) under the Birmingham Bridge weeknights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday night, March 27.
Motorists can find information and sign up for email alerts at http://birmingham.otmapgh.org/.
 
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com.  511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 700 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
03/19 2015

East End Food Coop Events

East End Food Co-op
For more Coop info goto:
http://www.eastendfood.coop/co-op
Winter-Gardening
Wednesday, March 25th, 6:30 PM
Cold Weather Vegetables and Herbs
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm and Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Spring is officially here! It’s time to get out and garden. Bob Madden of Garden Dreams will arm you with all of the information you’ll need to start your garden with confidence—no prior experience required! It may be chilly out, but these colder spring months are a great time to grow hardy vegetable and herb varieties. This workshop will introduce methods of season extension to help you time your planting efforts to yield the largest and healthiest possible yield.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598
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Wednesday, April 8th, 6:30 PM
Getting to Know Garden Herbs
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Add some excitement to your gardening—and cooking—repertoire this season with fresh herbs! Join Bob Madden of Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery for the second installment of his three-part springtime gardening workshop and get to know garden herbs. We will learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest several popular herb varieties and will discuss some basic troubleshooting techniques. Most herbs grow happily in pots and window boxes, so don’t let the lack of a garden bed keep you from joining in the fun!
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Saturday, April 11th, 2 PM
Hunger & Poverty Simulation
Katy Millins and Julie Rusin, Pitt FeelGood
Carnegie Library of Homewood
What does hunger look like? How do global poverty and food insecurity perpetuate one another? What can we do to end hunger and poverty in our lifetime? The University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of the national FeelGood organization is committed to finding answers to these questions and wants you to join in the conversation. Julie Rusin and Katy Millins will facilitate an interactive simulation to help illuminate the systemic causes of global hunger and poverty and start a dialogue about the need for sustainable development.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 PM
Illegal Dumping: Pittsburgh’s Dirty Little Secret
Myrna Newman, Allegheny CleanWays
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Pittsburgh has been named the Most Livable City six times since 2000. We also pride ourselves on being one of the greenest cities. There is another side of Pittsburgh that we don’t talk much about—the pockets of blight scattered throughout the hillsides and along our lovely rivers. Myrna Newman will discuss a particular type of blight: illegal dumping. Join us to learn about the environmental, social, economic, and health costs associated with illegal dumping and how you can help Allegheny CleanWays reverse the damage.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 22nd 6:30 PM
Intro to Organic Gardening
Bob Madden, Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery
Carnegie Library of Homewood
Calling all beginner and budding gardeners: would you like to have a bounty of fresh and healthy produce at your doorstep this summer? This workshop will cover all the basic skills and methods you need to know to start digging in. Experienced urban farmer and garden educator Bob Madden will discuss layout, soil management, planting, watering, weeding, and of course, growing and harvesting some of your favorite veggies. Bob will answer your questions about gardening, and help you prepare to get growing.
This event is FREE; just call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
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Wednesday, April 29th, 7:00 PM
Cookbook Club
East End Food Co-op
Café Seating Area
Do you spend hours perusing the cookbook section of your library, scrolling endlessly through food-centric Pinterest boards, and collecting recipes from friends and family? You are not alone! Connect with other local food lovers as we dive into some of our favorite cookbooks. Our Co-op welcomes gourmands and novice cooks alike to join us for the inaugural meeting of our Cookbook Club. We will brainstorm how the club should work and share homemade snacks, potluck style. Bring your ideas and a dish (along with a list of its ingredients) to share!
This event is FREE, but reservations are required. Call 412-242-3598 to reserve your spot!
03/13 2015

Community Mtg On Central Catholic STEM Bldg Construction – THIS Wed 3/18 6:30p

pdf icon 150312-STEM-Flyer.pdf

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Notice Of Community Meeting
Wednesday March 18, 6:30pm at Central Catholic Library
Central Catholic High School is planning on constructing a new S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Building expansion to its 4720 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA campus.
You are cordially invited to attend this community meeting.
Community groups, school representatives, City of Pittsburgh District 8 representatives and planners will be present to answer your questions.
03/12 2015

Schedule Change On Birmingham Bridge Project – Start Delayed to Mon 3/16

SCHEDULE CHANGE: Birmingham Bridge Preservation begins New Phase Monday Morning in Pittsburgh
 
Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is announcing the next phase of work on the Birmingham Bridge Complex Preservation Project in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will begin Monday morning, March 16 weather permitting. (Originally the phase change was set to begin Friday night).
 
Beginning at 5 a.m. Monday morning, the northbound side of the Birmingham Bridge will close to traffic to begin preservation work.  All northbound traffic will be shifted into the southbound lanes.  The new configuration will consist of one 12 foot wide northbound lane, two 11 foot wide southbound lanes and a bicycle lane.  Additionally, all pedestrians will use the southbound sidewalk.
See previous post for more project info and links
03/11 2015

Spring 2015 Love Your Block Grant Recipients Announced

Mayor William Peduto announced the 15 organizations that will receive funding for the eighth round of the Love Your Block (LYB) grant program, a servePGH initiative. Through the block revitalization program, in partnership with The Home Depot, Peoples Gas and PNC, the City awards $1,000 to purchase supplies and tools to implement a block improvement project that mobilizes community volunteers to transform blighted lots into community assets. Additionally, a special $2,000 prize will be given to the organization that carries out the most successful block transformation, according to identified criteria. Spring project implementation will take place from April 25 to June 30, 2015.
If you have an idea for a Love Your Block Grant project for our community, let us know.
Click here to read the full article describing more about the program a funded projects
SPRING 2015 GRANT RECIPIENTS
  • Bloomfield Development Corporation
  • St Paul AME Church
  • Mt Washington Community Development Corporation
  • White Lily Baptist Church
  • Hill House Association
  • Polish Hill Civic Association
  • Hazelwood Initiative
  • South Side Community Council of Pittsburgh
  • Beechview Business District Revitalization Project
  • Penn State Extension Center
  • Monticello Street Hospitality House
  • Soldiers & Sailors Museum
  • Larimer Green Team
  • Spring Hill Civic League
  • Perry Hilltop Citizens Council
03/11 2015

Pgh Celebrates 3-1-1 Day 3/11

Mayor William Peduto today celebrated March 11 as ‘3-1-1 Day’ in the City of Pittsburgh in honor of the continued success and development of the 311 Response Center.
“The success of the 311 Response Center is a city-wide effort,” said Mayor Peduto.  “I am very proud of the commitment our employees continue to demonstrate to this invaluable service.”
The 311 Response Center is a part of the Department of Innovation & Performance. Since the creation of the Department in February 2014, several upgrades and improvements have been made to the 311 process, demonstrating the Peduto administration’s continued commitment to providing services in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.
“The goals of the 311 Response Center are to provide excellent customer service and easy access to government,” said 311 Manager Wendy Urbanic. “The 311 Response Center is proud to serve the citizens, visitors, employees and commuters of the City of Pittsburgh. We are very excited about implementing changes to make those services even better.”
Click here to read the full article with more details on improvements and statistics on 3-1-1 system
03/11 2015

City Of Pgh Plans For St Patrick’s Day Parade 3/14

City of Pittsburgh officials announced plans to ensure a safe, fun and clean atmosphere for tens of thousands of visitors expected in the city Saturday for St. Patrick’s Day parade festivities.
Motorists should expect delays and street closures Downtown after 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning from the parade staging area on Liberty Avenue from 11th Street east to 26th Street in the Strip District. The parade starts Downtown at 10 a.m. at Liberty Avenue and Grant Street, goes to the Boulevard of the Allies and finishes at a grandstand at Stanwix Street.
Streets should begin reopening by 1 p.m., but those attending other Downtown events — including the 1 p.m. Pittsburgh Penguins game at Consol Energy Center and the Home & Garden Show starting at 10 a.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center — should plan for delays or consider taking public transit.
Uniformed and bike patrol officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will be enforcing the city’s prohibition against open containers of alcohol throughout the day.
As the parade ends the Department of Public Works will begin picking up barriers and trash and sweeping Downtown streets.
With the conclusion of the parade public safety personnel including city police and mounted Allegheny County police will shift their focus to the South Side. Police will begin clearing the South Side at 2 a.m.
At that time Public Works will also begin collecting barricades, picking up trash and street sweeping. Crews will use backpack blowers to blow sidewalk trash into the paths of street sweepers.
For more details, click here to read the full article
03/11 2015

Phipps Conseratory Receives Global Award For Center For Sustainable Landscapes

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Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens announced that it has received the 2014 Global Best Project Award in the Green Project category from Engineering News Record (ENR) for the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL). This competition was established to honor and identify project teams behind outstanding design and construction efforts across the globe, and the CSL is one of only 20 such projects worldwide, and one of only two in the U.S., to win an award.

Click here to read the full press release
Click here to see the webpage for CSL