CIMS | City Information Management System

News and Updates

Patrick fights for better staffing, more immediate supervision in Zone 5

While there have been a number of questions about management in the Pittsburgh Police Department recently, Councilman Dowd has emphasized that the primary issue for the Pittsburgh Police is protecting our neighborhoods through patrol. Too much attention and energy has been directed to Secondary Details, which, in turn affects the Bureau's ability to patrol and protect. Patrick recently released the invoices for all Secondary Detail work from 2009 to 2012 in an effort to encourage community discourse.

"Across the City, and in Zone 5 particularly, we need more sergeants to provide direct management support, coaching, and training to the younger, less experienced patrol officers keeping our streets safe," Councilman Dowd said. Over the past 2 months, Councilman Dowd has advocated for an increased number of police sergeants in Zone 5 and other police divisions throughout the City of Pittsburgh.

Patrick appeared on 90.5 WESA’s program Essential Pittsburgh to discuss the need for better staffing and management in the Bureau of Police. You can listen to Patrick’s interview with Essential Pittsburgh by following this link. More information about police management and staffing can be found by keeping up with the District 7 office on Facebook and Twitter.

City income tax forms hit mailboxes

It’s that time of year again – tax season. City of Pittsburgh income tax forms were mailed out by Jordan Tax Service to residents throughout the City. Residents who did not receive forms in the mail can find them posted online on Jordan Tax Service’s webpage. As always, contact the District 7 office team with any questions about how to file your City income taxes.

District 7 Home Improvement Workshop a huge success

Patrick and the team would like to thank everyone that made it out to the February Home Improvement Workshop at West Penn Hospital. The workshop turned out to be an incredible success! Special thanks go out to the Design Center, who hosted a number of mini-consults that received great feedback from workshop attendees. If you missed the workshop but would still like to meet with a volunteer design professional , visit the Design Center’s website to learn about the Design Consults program or contact the Center at 412-391-4144 to discuss your project.

Equitable Gas to begin work in Bloomfield, Friendship

Starting this month, Equitable Gas will be replacing pipes in five locations in District 7 and a nearby street in District 9:

· S. Atlantic Ave between Liberty Ave and Harriet St

· S. Evaline St between Harriet St. and Friendship Ave

· S. Winebiddle St between Liberty Ave and Friendship Ave

· Amboy Way between Harriet St and Liberty Ave

· S Aiken Ave between Liberty Ave and Friendship Ave

· S Graham St between Friendship Ave and Penn Ave (District 9)

Residents in these areas may be without gas for a small period of time that will be scheduled with the customer by Equitable Gas. The work will take place between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, and will impact on-street parking minimally. For more information on the work, please feel free to contact the District 7 office.

Council to Go visits the Strip District

Patrick and his team had a great time visiting the Strip District for a special introductory Strip District Council to Go. Residents and business owners from throughout the neighborhood turned out to talk with Patrick about their questions and concerns related to City government and services. Conversation for the evening ranged from discussion about pedestrian safety and parking in the Strip to the redevelopment of the Allegheny Riverfront. For a full list of upcoming Council to Go sessions, take a look at the Council to Go section of our webpage.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

Council to Go

Join Patrick and his staff for Council to Go, Councilman Dowd’s mobile district office, where residents are encouraged to voice their concerns, ideas, and questions related to City government and services.

Lawrenceville/Bloomfield – Thursday, March 7^th, 6-7pm – Caffe Mona, 4200 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Community Events

Looking for a job? Representative Dom Costa will be hosting a Job Fair at the Ross Township Municipal Building, located at 1000 Ross Municipal Drive (Behind the Big Lots on McKnight Rd), on March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Rep Costa’s office at 412-361-2040.

Pittsburgh AIDS Taskforce Benefit: Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force’s 27th Annual Benefit will take place at the Pittsburgh Opera at 6 p.m. A cocktail reception is followed by award-winning Varla Jean Merman (Jeffery Roberson) performing her new one-woman show, “The Book of Merman.” Tickets can be purchased at www.patf.org. For more information, call 412-345-0593.

Join the Lawrenceville Farmers Market and Pittsburgh Party for a Purpose for a special fundraiser to benefit the Lawrenceville Famers Market. The benefit will be held on Friday, March 22^nd from 9 p.m. at Remedy Restaurant and Lounge, located at 5121 Butler Street.

The Lawrenceville Historical Society will host Barbara McGlynn as part of its public lecture series. Speaking on “Charles Dickens’ Trip to America,” McGlynn will address the Pennsylvania leg of the famous writer’s tour of the United States. Lecture takes place in the McVey Auditorium of Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk Street, on Thursday, March 21st at 7 p.m. Event is free and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Did you know?

Tax season can be one of the year’s most stressful periods, particularly for many low income individuals and households. The Money in your Pocket Coalition facilitated by the United Way and partnering non-profit organizations, provides free tax filing assistance for qualifying low income individuals and households. Organizations partnering with the United Way can provide assistance with federal, state, and city taxes. A list of tax preparation sites and registration information can be found on the Money in Your Pocket section of the United Way website. Tax assistance programs will be held throughout tax season