Dear Scenic Pittsburgh Supporters,

  It is time to draw a line in the sand regarding how much of our city’s skyline and scenery we should surrender to commercial advertising. The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear testimony at a public hearing on May 12 at 10:10 at 200 Ross Street, to decide if Huntington Bank can erect an illuminated high-wall sign on the historic Grant Building. The Grant Building was designed in the classic Beaux Arts style by famed architect Henry Hornbostel, who spared no expense in creating the tallest and most elegant building in Pittsburgh at that time. Hornbostel designed more than 225 buildings, bridges, and monuments in the United States including the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial, Pittsburgh City-County Building, and Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts.

  There are several ways you can help:

1. Come to the ZBA hearing on Thursday and speak directly to the Board.
2. Email or call William Eiler, Vice President, Regional Public Relations at Huntington Bank. - Phone: 412-227-4858 - Email: William.Eiler@huntington.com
3. Email or call McKnight Reality, the owner of the Grant Building. Phone: 412-623-8200 - Email: asassoon@mcknightrp.com
4. Email the Mayor (askpgh@city.pittsburgh.pa.us ), Councilman Lavelle (daniel.lavelle@city.pittsburgh.pa.us ), the Tribune Review (opinion@tribweb.com - 200 words max) or the Post Gazette (letters@post-gazette.com – 250 words max).

  Tell them:

1. The proposed sign is blights and devalues Pittsburgh’s scenic skyline.
2. The proposed sign is an irresponsible waste of electricity that unnecessarily contributes to our nation’s energy problems.
3. The people of Pittsburgh should be free to view their city without the constant invasion of commercial messaging promoting corporate interests.
4. Huntington bank can best show its commitment to Pittsburgh by respecting and preserving our scenic views and historic buildings.

  Thank you for your support and for your commitment to preserving our beloved home and most-livable city.

Sincerely,

Dave Demko

412-488-4890 x234