NEWS & UPDATES

Councilwoman Gross Stands with Residents at the Zoning Board

On June 12^th, Councilwoman Gross took a stand with Bloomfield residents with concerns about UPMC’s expansion in the area.  She expressed concern alongside other community leaders, residents, and business owners at the Zoning Appeal Board hearing regarding UPMC’s development plans in the neighborhood.  The full story can be found here.

Act 47 Plan

On Tuesday, June 24^th City Council approved a five year financial plan for city with a vote of 7-2.  The plan was designed by state-appointed financial overseers as part of Act 47.  Learn more about the plan here.

D7 Office Heads to Hershey, PA!

On June 9^th the District 7 office traveled to Hersey, PA for the 2^nd annual Pennsylvania Land Bank Summit.  The vision of this year’s summit was to bring together those who have already adopted legislation, those in the process and planning stages, and those just curious about the potentials to discuss, inspire, and inform each other about the process.  The District 7 office was given the opportunity to present on the lessons learned during the formation of Pittsburgh’s land bank as a panelist during the “First Four: Lessons Learned from the First Pennsylvania Land Banks and Charting the Path Forward” session.  We also had the chance to listen to others discuss and debate the policy considerations needed to develop the best strategy and process for disposing of land for the greatest community and neighborhood benefit.

Coffee with Council

Councilwoman Gross's staff are breaking free from the Downtown office! Coffee with Council is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Councilwoman's staff members at local coffee shops inside the district. The event will happen once a month, and the location will change in order to be present in all of District 7’s wonderful neighborhoods!  Keep a lookout in our newsletter, website, and social media pages for the monthly location. The purpose of Coffee with Council is for constituents to express their concerns, thoughts, and ideas on issues relevant to their community, neighborhood, and district with local government staff. The staff look forward to fostering relationships and open dialogue. The first Coffee with Council will be July 15^th between 2:00pm and 6:00pm at Constellation Coffee, 4059 Penn Avenue.  Hope to see you there!  E-mail brenton.weinert@pittsburghpa.gov if you have questions.

Mayor’s Search for New Police Chief

The search for Pittsburgh’s new police chief continues.  Mayor Peduto has recently announced plans inviting the public to weigh in and help decide.  In collaboration with the public safety councils in each of the city’s six neighborhood police stations, a series of public forums will be held to provide residents the opportunity to express the qualities they would like to see in the new police chief.  Mayor Peduto and Public Safety Director Bucar plan on being in attendance.  Read more about the meetings here.

Pride at Arsenal Park

Through a Love Your Block grant, the City of Pittsburgh’s ServePGH initiative, 170 students from Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 and Pittsburgh Arsenal PreK-5 worked to beautify Arsenal Park on May 29^th.  Students planted flowers with the Friends of Arsenal Park, performed a trash pick-up with Lawrenceville United, participated in a tree identification scavenger hunt with Tree Pittsburgh, learned about the environment and history of the park with the Lawrenceville Historical Society, created birdfeeders with MGR Youth Empowerment, and designed models of the park with MKSK.  The terrific event was made possible by the hard work of Arsenal parents, members of Public Allies, and Lawrenceville United’s PEP Rally program.  You can read more about the event here.

SNAP Benefits at Farmer’s Markets

Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program is expanding into District 7!  The program is designed to expand SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as Food Stamps) to include fresh foods at participating Farmer’s Markets.  In collaboration with neighborhood organizations such as the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation SNAP benefits will be accepted via the Just Harvest’s Fresh Access kiosk at the Bloomfield Saturday Market (5050 Liberty Avenue, Saturdays, 9am – 1pm) and the Lawrenceville Farmer’s Market (Goodwill Parking Lot, 118 52^nd Street, Saturdays 12:30pm – 4pm).

Bottom Dollar Opens in Bloomfield/Garfield!

The first grocery store in Garfield since 1987 opened its doors on June 5^th!  Bottom Dollar is now officially open on Penn Avenue.  The store estimates it will provide the area with 50 local jobs and is conveniently located just half a block from the bus line at 5200 Penn.  You can read more about it here.

Arsenal Park Wants to Hear Your Thoughts!

The Arsenal Park Project Team has opened up an online forum to hear residents’ thoughts and ideas about the park.  Join in on the discussion about this historic park’s future here.

HAVE YOU HERD? Goats Are Invading Pittsburgh…

On July 8^th, Tree Pittsburgh will be hosting a learning session on Eco-Goats!  Join Councilwoman Gross to learn the potential of goats as an ideal alternative to machines and herbicides for clearing unwanted vegetation.  The workshop is from 10am – 12pm.  Register for the event here.

Photographers Wanted!

The District 7 office wants to display more of the wonderfulness of the communities and neighborhoods making up the district.  In an effort to do so we will be changing our Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to reflect the splendor of our neighborhoods and showcase the great people living and working in them.  Landscape, architecture, celebrations, community meetings…anything!  We want to share images representing the district and will be changing the pictures on a bi-weekly basis.  If interested in seeing your picture displayed send them to brenton.weinert@pittsburghpa.gov.

OVERHEARD IN THE DISTRICT

Friends of Arsenal Park and the 52^nd Street Market were honored for their continued efforts toward improving the social fabric of Lawrenceville at the Lawrenceville Corporation’s Community Catalyst Celebration on June 19^th.  Congratulations!

Keep up to date with the office through Facebook and Twitter @PghDistrict7

DID YOU KNOW?

The Pittsburgh area hosts over 135 farmer’s markets during the summer months! These markets provide a variety of goods including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other offerings such as flowers and small gifts.  The markets in District 7 are listed below or find the one nearest you here.

District 7 Farmers Markets:

Bloomfield; St. Maria Goretti School, Cedarville Street & Friendship Avenue

Thursdays, 3:30pm – 7:30pm

Bloomfield; 5050 Liberty Avenue, Between South Winebiddle Street & Gross Street

Saturdays, 9am – 1pm

Lawrenceville; Goodwill Parking Lot, 118 52^nd Street

Saturdays, 12:30pm – 4pm

Strip District; Farmers @ Firehouse, 2216 Penn Avenue

Saturdays, 9am – 1pm

Strip District; 2100 Smallman Street

Fridays, 10am – 4pm; Saturdays, 9am – 5pm; Sundays, 10am – 4pm

 

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS

Morningside Area Community Council

July 2^nd, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

VFW in Morningside, 1820 Morningside Avenue

Lawrenceville United Block Watch: 10^th Ward

July 8^th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Door of Hope Community Church, 5225 Holmes Street

Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation Public Safety Task Force

July 9^th, 4:00pm – 5:00pm

BGC Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Avenue

Bloomfield Citizens Council

July 9^th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Immaculate Conception Social Hall, 300 Edmond Street

Baum Center Initiative

July 15^th, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

First United Methodist Church, 5401 Centre Avenue

Lawrenceville United Block Watch: 9^th Ward

July 15^th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

St. Mary’s Lyceum, 330 45^th Street

Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association

July 16^th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Sunnyside Elementary School, 4801 Stanton Avenue

Highland Park Community Council

July 17^th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton Street

Lawrenceville United Block Watch: Main/Fisk/40^th

July 22^nd, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Stephen Foster Community Center, 286 Main Street

Lawrenceville United Block Watch: 6^th Ward

July 28^th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Pastitsio's, 3716 Butler Street

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

Independence Day Celebration

July 5^th, 11:00am – 10:00pm

Arsenal Park

A day full of fun outdoor activities for all-ages.  The celebration ends with a fireworks display!

Zone 5 Public Safety Council

July 8^th, 6:00pm

The Kingsley Association

6435 Frankstown Avenue

Public outreach meeting to discuss what neighborhoods and communities would like to see in the new police chief for the City of Pittsburgh.  Mayor Peduto and newly appointed Public Safety Director, Stephen Bucar plan on being in attendance. 

Highland Park Public Art Tour & Picnic

July 11^th, 7pm – 8:30pm

Highland Park Entrance

Learn about the Guiseppe Moretti sculptures that flank the entrances to Highland Park. Then picnic with the Office of Public Art! Bring your picnic snacks. We will provide the dessert.  Reserve your spot here.

Doo Dah Days

July 12^th, 11:00am – 4:00pm

Allegheny Cemetery

The 2014 Stephen Foster Music and Heritage Festival will have performances by folk bands, educational tours of the cemetery, costumed re-enactments, food vendors, and other outdoor activities.  The event celebrates the life and music of one of America’s most influential songwriters. 

Coffee with Council

July 15^th, 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Constellation Coffee, 4059 Penn Avenue

Councilwoman Gross's staff are breaking free from the Downtown office! Come express your concerns, thoughts, and ideas about your community, neighborhood, and district. 

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Festival

July 19^th, 12:00pm

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

3058 Bereton Street

A neighborhood tradition for more than 80 years!  The day begins with a polka mass and then heads into the streets for a day of festivities.  Find more info here.

The Polish Hill Arts Festival

July 20^th, 12pm – 9pm

Intersection of Bereton and Dobson Streets

The 8^th annual celebration of arts, music, and food is the biggest civic event in the neighborhood and attracts local residents as well as those from across the City of Pittsburgh.  Find more info here.