August 2010 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Re: PAT funding
by David Passmore 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Since it appears we are discussing Port Authority (PAT is the old acronym, but let's use it here) funding and service cutbacks, it makes sense to mention a few basic facts that need to be understood. -PAT is not an agency of the City of Pittsburgh. PAT is a county-owned, state-funded agency. -In 2007, PA Auditor General Jack Wagner audited PAT - there were 5 major findings: 1. PAT is primarily funded by the state, but the state has no representation on the board. 2. PAT wasted $15 million to lease prime downtown office space - after spending ~$5 million to renovate space it *owned* in Manchester - the latter remaining empty. 3. PAT historically has been compensating executives on a staggering, astronomical scale. For example, former CEO Paul Skoutelas receives $9k/month as a pension...and many other examples abound. 4. PAT ineffectively planned, budgeted, and managed major capital projects (such as the North Shore Connector). 5. PAT has done a good job generating advertising revenues with an in-house crew (good!) The full audit findings are here: http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Reports/Performance/Special/PortAuthAlleg… PAT Service reductions on the scale being described will cripple our regional economy. Many folks depend on public transportation for work, education, and medical services. In HP, we are talking about having to go to Stanton and Negley to get into town. At least we will still have a route, however remote from our doorsteps...but in a great many areas of Allegheny County, there will be no routes at all. This is going to be nothing short of a disaster. Our region is not only powered by those who barrel into town in Range Rovers and cry about taxes, it is also powered by workers who NEED to ride a bus into the city. PAT needs money to operate. Ed Rendell is using the last portion of his term of office to campaign for transportation funding. He tried to toll I-80...no go. He has been proposing VERY FAIR gasoline and vehicle licensing taxes...no go. He has been outlining a tax on oil profits...success there is extremely unlikely. In my opinion, the best thing we can do is to lend support to one or all of these ideas. In PA (and also in Allegheny County), we have bent over backwards to keep suburban motor commuters happy, while services such as PAT face dramatic and debilitating cuts. Vociferous opposition to a few cents a gallon cannot win out any longer. It is time for us to support initiatives that fund the services that most regular people depend on every day - public transportation, library systems, education, public safety and infrastructure, and the like. Ed Rendell is not going around the state begging for more taxes because he finds it thrilling. He is doing it because we're amidst a severe funding crisis. If we want to support public transportation in Western PA, we need to support initiatives that define new sources of revenue immediately.

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[Highland Park] Big Yard Sale Saturday
by Jay Gilmer 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Highland Park Neighbors, You're all invited to peruse the treasures at this year's Big Sale sponsored by Jonah's Call Church at The Church of the Ascension -- Neville Avenue at Ellsworth Avenue in Oakland/Shadyside. Lots of books, dvd's, household stuff, clothes, toys, etc. Saturday, August 28, 9 am to 2 pm. A flyer is attached. Jay A. Gilmer, Esq. Portland Street home: 412-363-0878 office: 412-255-6774 mobile: 412-592-9472

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[Highland Park] Dresser for sale
by Dulcimer Hope Brubaker 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

We have a very sturdy dresser for sale - please see the attached photo and following craigslist post: http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/fuo/1919931041.html $30 takes it. Dulci Brubaker dulcimer.hope(a)gmail.com 412.894.1873

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[Highland Park] giveaway of stuff on Sunday 8/29
by Amy P. Kennedy 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Hi, Drive by this Sunday for FREE stuff----1272 N. Negley Ave Just looking to get rid of stuff that isn't good enough to sell but might have some use for someone: two adult commode chairs --one is self contained, the other sets over a toilet---both used but clean non-collapsible walker (Global Links does not accept these items as per policy) 19 inch (?) analog(?) regular old TV--worked fine last time I used it a year ago digital converter box for above old TV DVD/VHS combo player---VHS half often does not work or eats the tape, but DVD part is fine meow mix individual serving cups moisturizers, hand lotions, etc old rugs--suitable for dog beds lots of plastic plant pots In need of repair: flat screen computer monitor (shorted out due to water exposure) webbed lawn chair formerly great hi-tech office chair that is dilapidated wobbly bookshelf (I built it myself!) whatever else might be unearthed in clearing stuff out....... Will put it all out on the lawn this Sunday morning about 9:30 a.m., weather permitting......just take what you want if you want anything..... 1272 North Negley....corner of Negley and Callowhill THANKS!!

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RE: [Highland Park] bus service cuts--PAT hearing
by Brendan Malloy 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

As a (soon to be former) daily 77D passenger, I don’t have much to add to the general frustration but more of the same. However, while we do seem to go through this particular performance every season, this year’s act has a bit of a different flavor: The troubles worsened when a key component of the state's Act 44 transportation funding law, tolling Interstate 80, was rejected by the Federal Highway Administration in April. That would have provided the Port Authority with about $27 million. The toll rejection caused an immediate statewide transportation funding shortage of $472 million, which so far the Legislature has done nothing to address. Gov. Ed Rendell this week said he wants to summon lawmakers back to Harrisburg next month to deal with the problem. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10202/1074071-147.stm - July 21, 2010. (There may be something more recent but I’m having trouble navigating the post-gazette website.) PAT is claiming a shortfall of ~$50mm, so this covers < 60% of the deficit. Earlier in the story the usual suspects are mentioned: gas prices, salaries, pensions, flat state contributions over the past 5 years, etc. All in all, I suppose we’d have a smaller version of the same crisis on our hands even if the legislature hadn’t acted as imprudently as it did regarding I-80 tolling. However, the funding crisis goes beyond local mismanagement to real funding issues at the state level; the Carnegie Library is currently experiencing a budgetary crisis due to stagnant state funding over the past decade even as they’ve trimmed to the bone. “Contact your legislators!” has the unfortunate ring of “Let them eat cake!” but it’s been known to work from time to time. Jospeh Preston – Representative for the 24th Legislative District 208 North Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 361-3692 Fax: (412) 665-5501 Homepage - http://www.pahouse.com/preston/ Contact - http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=24 Jim Ferlo – Senate District 38 3519 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (412) 621-3006 Homepage - http://www.senatorferlo.com/ Contact - ferlo(a)pasenate.com Find your legislators: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm ~Brendan -----Original Message----- From: neighborhood-bounces(a)highlandparkpa.com [mailto:neighborhood-bounces@highlandparkpa.com] On Behalf Of ckulk44(a)aol.com Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 9:51 AM To: ethanwinograd(a)hotmail.com; chris.sandvig(a)comcast.net; neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com Subject: Re: [Highland Park] bus service cuts--PAT hearing Neighbors: I knew I couldn't be the only one thinking the thoughts expressed below by Ethan. Pittsburgh likes to claim the slogan of being "America's Most Livable City," but how can that be if there isn't a viable public transportation system? I don't know who's really to blame for the mess PAT keeps getting itself into, but it does seem that those who have some power in the decision-making process aren't doing their jobs. They can't really believe (can they?) that cutting back on services and raising fares is really a solution or that this will encourage more people to use the pathetic system we currently have? I'm all for making the system more efficient, but given the past history (as Ethan notes), this clearly hasn't happened (and won't with these changes). I can work around these cuts, but many others can't. It will be a hardship for the poor, the working poor, the elderly, the disabled, etc. I wish I could say that all of this is simply short-sighted, but I don't think I can give them that way out. With people losing jobs and trying to find work, how can any of this be a good idea? Claudette -----Original Message----- From: Ethan Winograd <ethanwinograd(a)hotmail.com> To: chris.sandvig(a)comcast.net; hp list serv <neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com> Sent: Fri, Aug 20, 2010 11:12 am Subject: RE: [Highland Park] bus service cuts--PAT hearing It baffles me that every year we go through this. The state gov't blames the port authority for mis management. There are a series of hearings. Teeth are gnashed, and then PAT gets funded but routes get cut and rates go up. How does anyone expect to have a functioning economy without a public transportation system? Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:37:41 +0000 From: chris.sandvig(a)comcast.net To: neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com Subject: Re: [Highland Park] bus service cuts--PAT hearing Folks, Please don't assume that the map you are looking at tells the whole story. It's a fair assumption that we could see a drastic reduction in both 71a and 500 frequency. The new 87 could see a huge drop as well. ----- Original Message ----- From: "William Ghrist" <ghristwd(a)verizon.net> To: neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com, kennedyamyp(a)yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 11:04:05 AM Subject: Re: [Highland Park] bus service cuts--PAT hearing It depends where you are in Highland Park. The 71A Negley goes from Bunker Hill down St. Clair and Bryant to Negley, then down Negley past Stanton. On 8/17/2010 4:08 PM, marcie mcguire wrote: Having checked out the Port Authorities website, it seems that Highland Park will be left without any bus service to the corner of Stanton/Negley once the 77D is eliminated. For many residents that take the bus, it's just too far to walk to catch the 87 Friendship (if one needs to go via Liberty Ave), the replacement bus for the 77D. Perhaps I've missed something on the website that tells how HPer's that can't walk that far, yet need public transportation, will get to Stanton and Negley. If anyone know anything differently, please let me know? Thanks, Marcie On Aug 16, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Amy P. Kennedy wrote: Hello neighbors, The listing of the proposed Port Authority service cuts effective Jan 9, 2011, has just come out. In a nutshell, those that I've identified that run through our neighborhood are: Proposed cuts: 500--split into two routes (HP to downtown, and downtown to Westview), service reduced on our half of the route 71A--service reduced 74B--eliminated 77D--eliminated starting this September 94A--service reduced, eliminated on Sundays EBA--service reduced EBO--service reduced If you transfer to any other buses, you might want to check on the Port Authority website how your route might change, since there seem to be changes to most all of the routes. www.portauthority.org Cash fares will go to $2.25 for zone 1 with $1.00 for a transfer. Premium fares of $4.00 will be instituted on the flyer routes and the 28x. Pass prices will all go up proportionately. There is a hearing this Thursday 8/19 from 8 am to 8pm downtown at the convention center. To speak at the hearing (3 minutes max per speaker), call 412-566-5437 to register. If you can't attend the meeting, you can send written comments to the Port Authority (online or via mail) until August 31. Bus service is really important to a vital city, even for those who don't take the bus. To me, the Port Authority appears to be an organization greatly in need of new ideas and feedback. If you have something to contribute, now would be a great time to do it. Thanks! Amy -- <http://lists.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood> -- <http://lists.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood>; -- = -- <http://lists.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood

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[Highland Park] Kids Stuff for Sale
by LAP8HOOPS＠aol.com 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Leslie A. Perlow Attorney at Law 412-661-5363 ____________________________________ From: LAP8HOOPS(a)aol.com To: neighborhood(a)highlandparkpa.com Sent: 8/26/2010 12:02:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time Subj: Kids Stuff for Sale FOR SALE 1.EDUCATIONAL KEYBOARD FOR ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION great learning tool, press down on keys for answer portable, no batteries required good condition can see it at: _http://www.funiqtoys.com/addition&subtraction-toy.html_ (http://www.funiqtoys.com/addition&subtraction-toy.html) 2. LEAP FROG TWIST AND SHOUT ADDITION great learning tool for addition, 4 AA batteries good condition can see it at: _http://www.shopping.com/xpo-LeapFrog-Leap-Frog-Twist-Shout-Addition_ (http://www.shopping.com/xpo-LeapFrog-Leap-Frog-Twist-Shout-Addition) 3. FISHER PRICE I CAN PLAY PIANO SYSTEM in the box, only taken out once b/c we got a piano shortly after this was purchased. can see it at: _http://www.shopping.com/xpo/FisherPrice-Fisher-Price-Fisher-Price-I-Can-Pla y-Paino-System_ (http://www.shopping.com/xpo/FisherPrice-Fisher-Price-Fisher-Price-I-Can-Pla…) All of these items are from a smoke free and pet free home BEST OFFER. Please call at 412-661-5363 or email me! Thanks, Leslie Leslie A. Perlow Attorney at Law 412-661-5363

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[Highland Park] Books
by Bernard K. Feinman 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

We have many books, fiction and non-fiction that are yours for the taking. They are located on our front porch at 1001 Heberton Street. Please feel free to take as many as you would like. They are available, today, August 26. Bernard Feinman

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[Highland Park] Language Tutor?
by Michelle Wahila 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Hello neighbors, I think I posted this once before, but am trying again. I have some basic Haitian Kreyol, but would like to improve those language skills. Does anyone know someone who would be interested in tutoring? My schedule is flexible, but I would prefer daytime tutoring. Thanks! Michelle Wahila

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[Highland Park] wet suits to borrow?
by Amy P. Kennedy 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Is there any chance anyone has a couple of wet suits sitting around that we could borrow? We are an average-sized man and woman, would say "medium" size. Thanks! Amy

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[Highland Park] swimming lessons for toddlers?
by Erik Schark 26 Aug '10

26 Aug '10

Hi, neighbors - We are looking for swimming lessons for the fall for our 2 and 3 year old girls. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where we could go? Thank you! Erik Schark

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