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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!
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
District 1 Community Groups
Allegheny City Central Association
Allegheny West Civic Council
Brighton Heights Citizens Federation
Community Alliance of Spring Garden & East Deutschtown
East Allegheny Community Council
Friends of Riverview Park
Northside Public Safety Council
Observatory Hill, Inc
Perry Hilltop & Fineview Citizens Council
Spring Hill Civic League
Strip District Neighbors
Summer Hill Citizens Committee
Troy Hill Citizens
Have a question or need help with a city issue? My team and I are here for you.
(p) 412-255-2135
City County Building
414 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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