In this Issue

News & Updates

Office News
Neighborhood News

Overheard It

Did you Know?

Upcoming Festivals and Special Events

Upcoming Community Meetings

News & Updates

Councilwoman Gross's Office News

RFP Released for Former Morningside Elementary School

Councilwoman Gross is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Proposal for the redevelopment of the former Morningside Elementary School. She shares in the sentiment outlined in the RFP that the redevelopment of the site should effectively link the residential and business components of the Morningside neighborhood, incorporate public and community space, and serve as a destination for both residents and visitors alike. The RFP was officially released on August 4^th and can be found here.

District 7 Celebrates Community and Safety

Residents across the city celebrated National Night Out on August 5^th. The event was designed to promote community and camaraderie among residents and to highlight the power of working together to make our communities stronger and safer. Councilwoman Gross and Chief of Staff, Nate Hanson, joined in and enjoyed festivities in both Lawrenceville and Morningside alongside other elected officials, city officials, community leaders, and residents.

Three Firms Hope to Redevelop the Produce Terminal

Councilwoman Gross and staff joined over 100 people to listen and learn about the potential project designs for the produce terminal on August 6^th. The meeting held at the Heinz History Center provided the Urban Redevelopment Authority an opportunity to explain the process as well as serving to give the three potential developers a chance to show their vision to the community. Read more about the projects and the meeting here.

Parking Permit Meeting in Lower Lawrenceville

On September 4^th, there will be an informational meeting regarding the Residential Parking Permit Program for a section of Lower Lawrenceville. The affected area can be found here. This is the first step in the lengthy resident-driven process. It will not be determining the final outcome, but is designed to provide information to residents regarding the program.

Community Development Block Grant Help

The Urban Redevelopment Authority and City Planning are offering an informational session on September 19^th to help those organizations that have recently been granted Community Development Block Grants. The meeting is designed to answer questions regarding contract requirements, budget preparation, requisition documentation, reporting requirements, and other basic aspects of the CDBG program and process. It is also helpful for any group that just wants a refresher on the process. We encourage any group in our District to attend! For more information contact Jerry Cafardi at 412-255-2162.

Cookies with the Commander

On August 20^th, Community Relations Coordinator, Brent Weinert and other residents in Police Zone 2 joined Commander Holmes and his squad to mark his 2^nd year on the job. Those who attended were given the opportunity to speak one on one with the Commander as well as learn about and see specialty unit vehicles with individual officers from the bomb squad and K9 units. Commander Holmes promised a more transparent police force and continues to follow through by holding events such as this and by attending public forums and block watches.

Voice Your Opinion on the Capital Budget!

The City of Pittsburgh announced two public hearings designed to give residents the opportunity to voice their opinion about the 2015 Capital Budget. The first hearing will occur at 6:00 pm on September 19^th at the Ammon Recreation Center, 2217 Bedford Avenue. The second hearing is scheduled for 6:00 pm on October 29^th at the Morningside Senior Center, 6944 President Way. City assets such as bridges, roads, parks, and buildings are built and renovated through funding provided by the Capital Budget. It also supports long-lasting programs to strengthen neighborhoods and improve resident quality of life. If you would like to give testimony at either of the meetings you can register ahead of time with Jennifer Sample Presutti at 412-255-2640 and jennifersample@pittsburghpa.gov, but registration at the meetings is also acceptable.

News from the Neighborhoods

Race for Veterans in Morningside

The 4^th Annual Morningside Mile will be taking place on September 13^th! The one-mile walk/run was created to honor individuals serving in the Armed Forces. Each year the race honors an individual from the Morningside area that has bravely served our country and citizens. Register and find more information about this year’s honoree here.

Pittsburgh Park(ing) Day

Spend a day this fall reimagining urban space in the City of Pittsburgh! The 7^th Annual Pittsburgh Park(ing) Day is happening on September 19^th. Each year individuals, community groups, organizations, and businesses set up displays in designated parking spots to showcase the power of “green” in otherwise “gray” areas. The goal is to showcase the possibilities for reducing pollution and highlight how land development is impacted by automobile use. Read about last year’s event here. A map of locations will be coming soon and can be accessed here.

LIVE! in Lawrenceville

The annual benefit for Lawrenceville United, Live! In Lawrenceville, is just around the corner! Enjoy live music, an auction, interactive games, dancing, and food from Butcher on Butler, Dive Bar & Grill, Hambones, and other Lawrenceville businesses. The event on September 20^th is your chance to celebrate and learn about the programs offered by Lawrenceville United. Purchase your ticket today!

Mark Your Calendar for the Friendship House Tour

Explore the homes and neighborhood of Friendship! The Friendship House Tour is taking place on Sunday, September 28^th between 11 am and 5 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Pittsburgh Glass Center the day of the event.

Ground Breaking at Three Crossings Coming Soon

One of the major redevelopment efforts slotted for the Strip District should begin in September. Three Crossings is designed to include a 299-unit apartment building with 250,000 square feet of office space next to a multimodal garage with 700 parking spaces. The project is envisioned as helping connect downtown to Lawrenceville. Read more about it here.

Sip and Support the Pittsburgh Zoo

Tickets are already sold out, but this year’s Zoo Brew is scheduled for September 12^th. The annual fundraiser allows patrons to sip on craft brews, enjoy a few sections of the Highland Park Zoo and Aquarium, and raise funds for the upcoming season. As a reminder, the zoo is open year round, but will begin closing at 5pm as part of the fall schedule.

ReLeaf Lawrenceville!

Join Tree Pittsburgh to learn about Pittsburgh’s first neighborhood level urban forest master plan. On September 17^th at St. Augustine’s, 225 37^th Street, between 6:30 and 8:00pm the organization will be unveiling the plan and discussing next steps. Enjoy light refreshments and participate in the effort to re-leafing Lawrenceville!

Polish Hill Market is Back in Business!

Alfred’s Deli & Market equipped with new sign, fresh paint, and polished hardwood floors has re-opened in Polish Hill on Brereton Street. The redesigned market will carry the basics (milk, butter, eggs, etc.), but also be full of local produce, organic and gluten-free items, Polish favorites, and household items. The store hopes to continue to carry on the tradition of being a small, local grocery store built to serve the neighborhood and be part of the community. Read more about it here.

Overheard It

Sentiment, feelings, and thoughts overheard by Councilwoman Gross’s staff during the last month while out and about in District 7.

“We are excited about the interest in the Strip District, but we also need to remain mindful of what makes the Strip District great…” – URA Meeting about the Produce Terminal

“Signage just like everything else is important. Our neighborhoods have character and everything about a new business reflects the character of our corridor…” –Baum Centre Initiative Meeting

“Preserving authenticity is equally as important as ensuring quality of new housing stock…” –Highland Park Community Council

Did you Know?

Besides holding public hearings regarding the capital budget as mentioned above, the City of Pittsburgh also holds public hearings concerning Community Development Block Grant allotment. These meetings offer citizens the opportunity to express thoughts and voice opinions to help guide local spending and the implementation of projects. These meetings are part of the Citizen Participation Plan used by the Department of City Planning to ensure citizens are offered the opportunity to participate in the process. The CPP can be found here.