Councilman Bobby Wilson's Newsletter: October 2025 Edition

City of Pittsburgh sent this bulletin at 10/03/2025 11:49 AM EDT

A message from Councilman Bobby Wilson

Welcome to our October newsletter! I hope everyone had a restful summer. After City Council’s summer recess, my team and I are back in full swing. There are many important discussions and policy decisions happening right now, and we want to keep you informed every step of the way. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest news, events, and opportunities in District 1!

Legislative Initiative

Vape Shop Ordinance (Bill 2025-2250)

On Tuesday, September 16, I introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the growing number of vape shops popping up in our neighborhoods, especially those that are targeting young people. I’m proud to be working on this effort alongside Council President R. Daniel Lavelle (District 6), Councilperson Erika Strassburger (District 8), and Councilperson Bob Charland (District 3). Together, we’re proposing changes to the City of Pittsburgh’s Zoning Code to better regulate where and how these businesses can operate. More information about the bill can be found in our press release.

Reel Q Film Festival Proclamation

On Tuesday, September 30th, I had the honor of presenting a City Proclamation to Reel Q in celebration of 40 years of showcasing LGBTQ+ film in Pittsburgh.

Fineview Step Challenge Proclamation

Also on Tuesday, September 30th, I had the pleasure of presenting a City Proclamation to the Fineview Citizens Council in celebration of their 30th Annual Fineview Step Challenge.

Annual Fleet Investment and Efficiency Report

In July, I passed legislation to create an Annual Fleet Investment and Efficiency Report, which was delivered to Council on September 1. The report highlights the City’s fleet of about 1,300 vehicles and equipment, finding that 29 vehicles already exceed the 30% repair threshold for FY24. It also points to five critical units in urgent need of replacement, along with an additional 287 units projected for replacement within the next one or two years.

City Council will hold a Cablecast Post Agenda on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM to review the report and discuss next steps. The session will provide Council and the public with clear information about fleet condition, readiness, and replacement needs.

Read full report

Watch the Post Agenda

District 1 Projects

Honoring Gus & Yiayia

On Thursday July 24th, nearly one year after the death of beloved Northside owner Gus Kalaris, myself along with Mayor Ed Gainey celebrated his impact in our community with an honorary street naming at the corner of West Ohio Street and Brighton Road. For over 90 years, Gus and YiaYia’s has served shaved ice, peanuts, and popcorn to people from all over the city and the country.

Press Release for Gus & Yia Yia

Broken & Fixable

In recent months my office has received over a dozen calls pertaining to the inefficiency of the City's 311 system. We were informed of problems ranging from lost ticket numbers to closed cases without providing proper reasons as to why. Many residents that I have spoken with said that they feel the current system is lacking in many ways.

That is why when Council was asked to renew our 311 contract with Accenture, I held the bill for weeks until they elaborated on how they would improve its operating system. After weeks of deliberating and making sure that the company would seek out more ways to provide better services for the city, Council passed the resolution. The resolution, bill 2025-2058, would allow for 311 to expand its services and provide better quality care to residents who call in. The City's approved amount of $30,000, totaling the overall allocation to $1,125,755.33 over three years will support 311 as it updates its services to fit the needs of everyone.

Bill 2025-2058

City Departments & Authorities

Pittsburgh Water

Operating as its own entity, Pittsburgh Water (PGH20) is responsible for water treatment and delivery systems in the city of Pittsburgh, as well as the city's sewer system.

2025 Projects

Northside Water System

Department of Public Works

Public Works is dedicated to providing creative, customer-friendly service while preserving the City's infrastructure by maintaining City streets, preserving park facilities and rehabilitating public facilities. The department also meets the environmental needs of The City of Pittsburgh by collecting residential refuse and recyclables in addition to our Anti-Litter Division and monitoring of illegal dumpsites.

DPW

Department of Mobility & Infrastructure

The Department is responsible for the transportation of people and goods throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and for managing the operation of and access to the public right-of-way (the sidewalks, curbs, streets, and bridges that make up our network).

DOMI

Department of Permits & Licenses

The Department is responsible for reviewing and inspecting building permits, managing property maintenance, and administering business licenses, with duties including plan review, permit issuance, and responding to complaints regarding abandoned properties.

PLI

OneStop PGH

Agency Counter

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

PRT is responsible for providing safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation throughout Allegheny County. This transportation system operates, maintain and support bus, light rail, incline and paratransit services.

PRT Bus Schedules

PRT Services

Pittsburgh Housing Authority

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is a municipal corporation charged with providing decent, affordable housing for low-income persons. The Authority is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors which establishes goals, approves policy and budgets, and provides general direction to the HACP Executive Staff.

HACP Services

The Urban Redevelopment Authority

The URA is the City of Pittsburgh’s economic development enterprise.
The URA helps to bridge public and private interests to invest in meaningful equitable developments that promote housing affordability, economic mobility, entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization.

URA Services

Pittsburgh Parking Authority

PPA is responsible for providing and maintaining affordable, safe and clean public parking throughout the City of Pittsburgh by enforcing parking ordinances and laws of the City of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Residential Parking Program

PPA Contact

Each month, Councilman Bobby Wilson shares a column in the Northside Chronicle, highlighting important updates and changes in our city and community to keep District 1 residents informed. Click below to read the latest article!

Northside Chronicle

Neighborhood Updates

Strip District Mobility Project

I know that there is a lot of fear about the plans to change Penn Avenue and what it will mean to the nature of the Strip. I want to emphasize that this project will reduce Penn Ave from 2 inbound lanes from 31st to 22nd to one inbound lane. Penn Ave is already a single-lane inbound road above 31st Street.

On Tuesday morning, I took a walk down Penn Avenue with the city's traffic engineer to talk through the updated plans for the corridor. I was concerned about the initial plan due to the narrowness of the driving lane and its impact on public safety vehicles, especially our firetrucks.

The new plan widens the driving lane to 15 feet which will accommodate the large firetrucks and their necessary equipment to utilize aerial ladders. I also had concerns about the loading areas for many of the businesses along this portion of Penn that rely on large trailer deliveries for their operations. DOMI showed me where the new loading zones will be installed based on their feedback and conversations with impacted businesses.

When the 31st Street traffic light changed, I witnessed a pack of 4-5 cars continue onto Penn as well as a few bikers. And then there was a long gap between the next pack, up to a minute of there being no traffic on the street. I did witness congestion, but only at 22nd Street entering the main "heart" of the Strip. The project ends at 22nd.

I do believe we need to make our city streets safer for everyone; motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, those who use wheelchairs, strollers, etc. The Strip District is growing as a residential neighborhood and we have to make sure that public safety access is taken into consideration in any project.

I've done several projects with DOMI, similar to this one that incorporate a road diet, that have been successful. I'm looking forward to seeing increased safety for residents and visitors—whether they travel by car, bike, foot, or other method. There may be a few loading areas that still need to be hashed out and I will make sure that DOMI is part of those conversation. I look forward to seeing this project move forward.

I encourage everyone to review the updated plan on the Engage Page, https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/penn-ave-rightsizing, and to reach out to my office with any questions.

Pittsburgh Water Company Update (Brighton Heights)

After meeting with Pittsburgh Water, I want to share an update on the ongoing service issues in Brighton Heights. PGH20 has acknowledged the frequent outages and low pressure are unacceptable, and I fully agree.

They’ve committed to addressing the root causes and improving communication with residents. I’ll continue pushing for the reliable service our community deserves. My office has released a press release that shares more from my discussion with Pittsburgh Water.

D1 Press Release

Service Line Protection Programs

I wanted to take a moment to share some helpful news for homeowners.

PGH20, in partnership with Oncourse Home Solutions, has launched a new program aimed at helping homeowners avoid expensive plumbing repairs. It’s called the Service Line Protection Plan, and it’s available to all residential customers as an optional service. The service line and plumbing programs available to customers are: water line repairs, sewer line repairs, water & sewer line combo repairs, and in-home plumbing.

A lot of people don’t realize that we, as homeowners, are actually responsible for the water and sewer lines that run from our homes to the public mains. If something goes wrong with those lines, or even with in-home plumbing, it can lead to major headaches and unexpected bills. These repairs can cost thousands, and they’re not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance.

For a small monthly fee, you can get coverage for repairs to these critical systems. The plan is completely separate from your Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority bill and you’ll sign up directly through Oncourse. Any charges will go to the payment method you provide at enrollment.

If you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind when it comes to your plumbing, I would recommend that you to check it out the new program. It’s one more way we can stay ahead of costly surprises and protect our homes.

More information

Want to make your voice heard?

Individuals wishing to provide public comment and receive up to three (3) minutes to speak at City Council Regular Meetings, Standing Committee Meetings, or Public Hearings must register in advance in accordance with Council procedures.

Written statements may also be submitted via the City Clerk’s email.

Sign up here

Interested in learning more about development in the city?

The Department of City Planning (DCP) facilitates a number of Boards, Commissions, Panels, and Development Activities Meetings (DAMs) which review zoning variances and elements of development, design, public art, and historic preservation. The board meets regularly to review zoning variances and elements of development, design, public art, historic preservation, and legislation related to the Zoning Code and Historic Preservation.

City Planning Meeting Calendar

Public Notices

Upcoming neighborhood events

Fineview's 30th Annual Step Challenge- Saturday October 4th at Fineview Overlook on Catoma Street (see flyer for times)

Brighton Heights Halloween House Tour- Saturday October 4th at Legion Park (corner of Brighton Road and Davis Avenue) from 11am - 4pm

Riverview Park Day- Sunday October 5th at 142 Riverview Avenue (Riverview Park Activities Building) from noon-4pm

RiverBOO! Park 5k- Friday October 10th at 142 Riverview Avenue (Riverview Park Activities Building) from 6pm-8pm

Brighton Heights's Halloween Parade- Saturday October 25th at Legion Park from 1pm-4pm

Pittsburgh 311

Please contact 311 for any non-emergency concerns or questions (abandoned vehicles, traffic calming requests, street light repairs, etc) . Requests can be sent anonymously if you do not require a response. Please keep in mind that the more detailed information you can provide, the better.

Submit 311