REPORTER •
Since 1939, Serving The South Pittsburgh Neighborhoods of • Allentown • Arlington • Beltzhoover • Bon Air • Carrick • Knoxville • Mount Oliver • Mount Washington • South Side Vol. 82 No. 24
Inside This Week’s South • Pittsburgh
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Tuesday, June 21, 2022 to July 4, 2022 •
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Residents pack Market House over Carson St. safety
Mayor says change will Reporter take time and will take Allentown The Allentown Senior the whole community Center will distribute Farmers’ Market Vouchers on Thursday, June 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
By Margaret L. Smykla Contributing Writer Additional police officers, See Page 3 and city tools like occupancy checks and building code Knoxville A Knoxville Junior enforcement and the disrupHigh all-year reunion for tive properties program, will students and teachers will be utilized to combat viobe held on Saturday, July lence on weekends in a six9 at the American Serbian block stretch in the South Club, 2524 Sarah Street, Side Flats. So said Mayor Ed Gainey Pgh., PA 15203. before a packed house at the See Page 3 South Side Market House Mt. Oliver on June 14 to discuss pubThe Mt. Oliver Sumlic safety on East Carson St. mer Events on Main mu“We can’t have the disrupsic series has returned to tive balance that has erupted Brownsville Road on The on the South Side,” he said, Deck in Mt. Oliver, 150 noting the culture there has Brownsville Road. been growing for 20 years. See Page 3 The town hall meeting South Side was called to address the City Theatre is rec- six-block area of 13 th to ognizing the legacy of 1 8 t h s t r e e t s w h i c h , o n a w a r d - w i n n i n g e d u - weekend evenings, has cator, artist, advocate, been marked by shootings, and Kuntu Repertory unruly crowds in streets, Theatre founder and open consumption of drugs a r t i s t i c d i r e c t o r D r . and alcohol, fights, loitering, Vernell Audrey Watson public intoxication, underage Lillie by re-naming its teens, excessive littering, 102-seat studio theatre in and more. her honor. The presence of 26 es@ www.sopghreporter.com tablishments with liquor licenses in the area increases South Park Throughout July, Penn- the volatility, officials have sylvania Resource Council stated. To “restore order” is the will collect electronics for goal, said city Councilman recycling on designated Bruce Kraus, who repreweekdays in South Park. sents the area, to kick off the @ www.sopghreporter.com meeting. Solutions proposed at the Classified Ads.............. Page 2 meeting by residents and Letters to the Editor..... Page 2 business owners include adOr check them out at: ditional police, a curfew for www.sopghreporter.com minors, more lighting, ride
sharing, stop-and-frisk, making the South Side a gun-free zone, enforcement of laws on the books, putting safety ahead of politics, and to stop handcuffing the police, the latter denied by the mayor. “We can fix this or chase it to another neighborhood,” said Mr. Kraus. “This is our golden opportunity right here, once and for all, to fix this for all time. “We are two decades into this, and yet we still struggle with a way to try to fix this.” Then, quoting the infamous line from the 1975 film classic Network, Mr. Kraus said, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.” The surge in violence has led the Fudge Farm to close its doors permanently at 1503 East Carson St. The decision followed an exchange of gunfire outside the store, leading the owner to say it was not safe for teens to work there. Last weekend, the mayor walked the area twice, including after midnight to see firsthand what goes on, especially as the bars close and patrons descend on an already crowded street. At prior community gatherings Mr. Kraus has stated there is an estimated 1200 to 1500 people on the street, many with handguns, and 2000 in the bars. When the latter are forced onto the street at closing at 2 a.m., the total rises to 4,000. He has also stated “every-
Mayor Ed Gainey, along with Zone 3 Commander John Fisher, Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt and other officials, addressed a crowd of 200 at the South Side Market House and a like number on a Zoom call concerning safety concerns along E. Carson Street. thing is on the table” as offi- tentially explosive outcome. said there are 16 communiIn his remarks, Zone 3 ties in the zone, resulting in cials are willing to do whatContinued on Page 4 Commander John Fisher ever is needed to avoid a po-
18th Street Signals project started, changes being made to intersections
The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has begun work on the South Side Signals Project to improve the safety of pedestrians and vehicles at six intersections in the South Sides Flats, Slopes, and Mount Oliver. Upgraded traffic infrastructure includes higher visibility signals with back plates, controllers, communication hardware, and detection-using radar. Pedestrian accommodations include pedestrian countdown signals, audible push buttons, curb extensions, and ADA ramps. The project also includes new sidewalk at select loca-
tions, new pavement markings and signage, and upgraded streetlights. Signal upgrades are planned for the following intersections: • 18 th Street and Sara Street • 18 th Street and Jane Street • 18th Street and Mission Street • 18th Street and Arlington Ave • Brownsville Road and Bausman Street An additional signal will be added at: 18th Street and Josephine Street DOMI is contracting with S.E.T., Inc. with physical work already underway.
The project is expected to be completed by May 2023. The project is budgeted to cost $5.2M, with full funding coming from a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant. Construction will occur during the day with no night work anticipated. All vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained through the work zone with no major detours. Nor will there will be significant impacts to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes along 18th Street. Additional information can be found at: https:// engage.pittsburghpa.gov/ south-side-signals-project.
#pghreads Dive into a good book to prevent the summer slide! This summer, we’re asking the community to band together to ensure that all Pittsburgh youth read five.
Summer Reading runs through August, 2022! Scan or Sign up today at carnegielibrary.org/summer
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Free small business growth series continues in Mt. Oliver in June
Road from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. The Small Business Growth Series is presented by Fragasso Financial Advisors in cooperation with the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation and the Hilltop Alliance.
A Mt Oliver Small Business Growth Series continues on Thursday, June 30 with a presentation concerning Marketing, Public Relations, Promotions and Events. The classes will take place at the Mt Oliver Fire House, 150 Brownsville
Letters to the Editor
Volunteers helped I would like to extend thanks to all the Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops and their scoutmaster and family members and all the volunteers who came out to help put flags on veterans’ grave at the South Side Cemetery on Saturday, May 28. I also want to
thank Concord Church and their tireless volunteers who helped by providing breakfast, lunch and water for all the cemetery volunteers. We hope to see you all again next year. Curtis “Snuffy” Schmitt, American Legion Post 725
Reporter Classifieds RICH’S CONSTRUCTION
“General Home Improvements”
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RICHARD LESIKIEWICZ, JR. 412-481-2334 • Help Wanted
• Help Wanted
HILLTOP ALLIANCE OUTREACH COORDINATOR The Hilltop Alliance’s Property Stabilization Program (PSP) works directly with home owners to help them access available resources to fix property-related problems before fines, public safety risks, and/or property maintenance issues threaten displacement. This is a salary position responsible for making first contact with residents, understanding their personal situation, completing the HA intake form and sharing that information with the PSP team. The PSP team then determines who will be working with them, to complete applications and access in-house or third-party agency resources. Additionally, this position provides basic, minor maintenance services including but not limited to: clearing trash and dumping, overgrowth and debris removal, painting, and securing vacant properties. This position is highly visible, shares information about available assistance and resources, and serves as a constant ambassador for the Hilltop Alliance. Full position description and requirements are available at: https://adobe.ly/38NUiik Salary range is $40,000 – $50,000, DOQ. Benefits include health, vision, dental, short-term, and long-term disability insurances, simple IRA plan with up to 3% employer match, and paid time off and holidays. With the subject title “Outreach Coordinator position”, please email a resume and cover letter to aaron@ pghhilltopalliance.org. All applications are due by Wednesday, June 22. Hilltop Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reporter S outh • Pittsburgh
A Neighborhood Publications, Inc. Newspaper Serving The South Pittsburgh Communities of • Allentown • Arlington • Beltzhoover • Bon Air • Carrick • Knoxville • Mount Oliver • Mount Washington • South Side Since 1939
TOM SMITH Managing Editor tsmith@sopghreporter.com
Office Hours By Appointment MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 4285, PGH. 15203 E Mail: news@sopghreporter.com
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ALL CLEAN UP — And trash removal. Old building materials, furniture, appliances, concrete, debris, etc. Fast, reliable, reasonable. Also demolition work. Call Walt, 412-687-6928, 412-773-0599. tfn HAULING — Grass & shrubs cut. Junk removal. Old appliances. Free estimates. Call Joe, 412-884-0743. tfn
SUV — 2002 Nisan Amada, Inspect, transmission issue, 5.6LV8, $1650. Replaced both catalytic converters, good tires, CD/back up camera. If voice, • Help Wanted leave message, 445-232-5032. LOOKING FOR A HELPER 7/19 — Doing rental property maintenance; painting; general • Misc. For Sale clean-up; general labor, some physical. 3 days a week, 6-8 hrs. USED BOOKS FOR SALE — a day, flexible. $15 hr., paid daily. Used book store opened at 1126 412-417-2433. 7/5 Brownsville Rd Pittsburgh, Pa 15210. Opened Monday thru Friday 9 Am to 3 PM. Wide Variety-Great Prices. 7/26
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022
No semi-automatic rifles For what reason do we need semi-automatic and automatic rifles? These are military style weapons used to destroy the most people in the least amount of time and effort.
Letters to the Editor may be submitted by: • Email to tsmith@sopghreporter.com • Mail to PO Box 4285, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 • By Fax at 412-488-8011 The South Pittsburgh Reporter reserves the right to edit letters for length and accuracy. Submitting a Letter to the Editor does not guarantee publication. Individuals may only have one letter published in a four week period. Unsigned letters will not be published. All letters must include a contact telephone number. Due to the length of letters recently, The South Pittsburgh Reporter reserves the right to limit letters length. Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the writers and not necessarily those of The South Pittsburgh Reporter.
WE OFFER THESE SPECIAL HOMES: 2006 GREGORY ST. — Duplex .......................... $119,900. 343&½ HAYS — 2 Bedrm Brick Half Double. Good Rental. .............................................................................. $29,900. HOMES & APARTMENTS RENTALS SOUTH SIDE 1 BR, 2BR &3BR Homes & Apts. $675 to $1,600 Many Rentals @ realtycounseling.com
REALTY 412-381-1166 COUNSELING CO.
REST AREA ATTENDANT — We are currently seeking to fill multiple Seasonal Rest Area Attendant positions in Bridgeville, PA area (Allegheny County). You must have your own reliable transportation and be able to work as scheduled. Must follow directives and work as a team. Shift is from 8:00AM to 4:00PM at $13.50/hr. Season runs through September 30th. Duties will include: o cleaning restrooms and stocking paper products o trash removal from indoor/outdoor receptacles o floor care, litter removal from picnic and parking areas and access ramp o general cleaning of the building Paid training, uniforms, paid breaks, holiday pay (if applicable), biweekly pay with direct deposit. Preference in hiring individuals with disabilities and veterans. Apply online at: www. keystoneblind.org. Application required for consideration. Call Gary at 724-813-1672 for more details EOE/D/V/M/F 6/21
• Remodeling, Repair INTERIOR EXTERIOR PAINTING — Drywall, plaster repair; doors; windows; kitchens; bathrooms. Fully insured. Free estimates. Rick, 412-401-4877. 8/30
WINDOW/GUTTER CLEANING — Residential, Commercial, average home outside $25, free estimates, references. Fully insured. 412461-6268, cell 412-606-1697. 8/30
• Announcements
ATTENTION — If you worked at BOILER TUBE COMPANY OF AMERICA, McKees Rocks, PA between 1965-1975, please contact Asbestos Investigator Sherry Day at (231) 625-2734 or sherry@SLDinvestigations. com. We are looking for people who worked with our deceased client. 7/12
1012 EAST CARSON ST. PGH., PA 15203
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• Cleaning Services CHRISTIAN CLEANING SERVICES — Wall washing, house cleaning, venetian blind cleaning, furniture cleaning & polishing, painting. 412-7815989. 8/30
With these weapons we are treating people as absentmindedly as a computer game. George Anderson Carrick
Note: South Pittsburgh Reporter is now publishing twice monthly
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Farmers’ market vouchers for seniors will be available beginning on June 23 The Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will again be administering the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program this summer. This program helps eligible older adults to supplement their diets with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables by providing a set of four checks for a total of $24. Checks will be distributed on Thursday, June 23 by the AAA senior center network
To be eligible, you must be an Allegheny County resident age 60 or older before December 31, 2022, not live in a residential facility providing meals, and meet income requirements ($25,142 annual gross income for a one-person household and $33,874 for a two-person household). To access distribution sites, proxy forms, locations of farmers markets and other information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, visit https:// bit.ly/3MRlPNE . Information is also available by callthe center for people pick- ing the SeniorLine at 412ing up vouchers for others. 350-5460. Proxy forms must be completed by the individual receiving the vouchers. A Knoxville Junior High The Allentown Senior all-year reunion for students Center is at 631 Warrington and teachers will be held on Avenue in Allentown. For Saturday, July 9 at the Amermore information, call Mi- ican Serbian Club, 2524 Sachelle Silliman at 412-481- rah Street, Pgh., PA 15203. 5484. The event, from 6:30 p.m.COVID 19 protocols will midnight, will feature Scorbe followed. Masks must be pions Pgh All White Parworn to enter the center. ty with Hubbs Groove, DJ Mike the Punisher. Tick-
on a first come, first served basis. The checks may be used through November 30th to purchase Pennsylvania grown produce from participating vendors at farmers’ markets throughout Allegheny County. Those who are eligible but unable to get to a senior center may designate a proxy to pick up and redeem the checks. There is a limit of four proxy forms per person.
Allentown Senior Center will issue farmers’ market vouchers The Allentown Senior Center will distribute Farmers’ Market Vouchers on Thursday, June 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Seniors residing in Allegheny County, who are turning 60 years of age in the year 2022 are eligible if they meet the income guidelines. Income guidelines are $25,142 for a oneperson household, $33,874 for a two-person household. Proxy forms are available at
A recent meeting of the 29 Sylvania Place Tenant Council provided updated information pertinent to all residents. Pictured (from left) Ruth Davis, Tony Nelson, Joe Montgomery and Service Coordinator Karen Brown. Ms. Brown provided the food for the council. The group is looking forward to emerging from months of inactivity to planning for an active summer season.
Knoxville Jr. High all-year reunion MT. OLIVER DENTAL PAVILION 145 Brownsville Road, Pgh., PA 15210
Free music series in Mt. Oliver on The Deck through August The Mt. Oliver Summer Events on Main music series has returned to Brownsville Road on The Deck in Mt. Oliver, 150 Brownsville Road. Live bands are featured on Friday or Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The schedule of bands includes: June 24, Caleb & the Cronies, country band; July 9, The Red Barn Band, 60s and 70s rock, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; July 15, Azucar, Latin dance, salsa; July 22, Street Sneaker Band, R&B, funk, classic rock; July 29, Hunter Briggs,
country; August 5, Singer-Songwriter Night; August 12, Balcony Big Band, modern jazz ensemble; August 20, Byron Nash (full band), funk, rock, blues, soul; and, August 26, Singer-Songwriter Night. The Mt. Oliver Summer Events on Main music series is sponsored by: GRB Law; Pennsylvania American Water; Duncan Financial Group; Gateway Engineers; NiSource Charitable Foundation; Columbia Gas and Trailblaze Creative.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has relaunched Allegheny County Analytics, https://analytics.alleghenycounty.us, an information hub to better understand issues affecting Allegheny County residents. The site, maintained by DHS’s Office of Analytics, Technology and Planning, is designed to provide
data, analysis and research products to policy makers, community leaders and the general public. The website includes research reports, infographics, interactive dashboards and other tools in topics such as housing and basic needs, substance use and mental health, criminal justice, and the child welfare system. It is mobile friendly and searchable, allowing anyone looking for data on homelessness, for example, to pull up the newest point-in-time count or the most recent trend reports and statistics.
County DHS relaunches its information hub website
ets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and are available at Eventbrite and Dorsey’s, 412-292-1753, 412721-6007 or 412-586-4550. Cash only, cash bar. Doors open at 8 p.m., line dancing with Roland Ford from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and complimentary picnic style buffet from 6-8 p.m.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022
District 3 councilman Bruce Kraus told the crowd at the Market House, “I’m mad Many in the crowd of 200 at the Market House told Mayor Ed Gainey about peras Hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” concerning the out of control atmo- sonal experiences that have made them fearful in South Side and offered suggestions on how to make the area safer. sphere on E. Carson Street.
Residents pack Market House over Carson St. safety concerns Continued from Page 1 the zone having the highest call volume. “So that stretches us,” he said. Besides wanting to assign 15 officers to the area, who would continue patrolling the parking lots and alleys, he would like to see signs posted stating “You’re being videotaped” and that open containers make one subject to arrest. Bringing back last summer’s one-way traffic flow on East Carson St. is also a possibility. Commander Fisher also wants city agencies to conduct business inspections,
occupancy limit checks, and code enforcement. Next, Sarah Kinter, Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), said the agency will enforce licenses and building maintenance; cite electrical, building, and zoning violations; identify fire hazards through routine inspections; conduct safety inspections; and more. She also said PLI will work with the Dept. of Mobility and Infrastructure, or DOMI, in these efforts. In the comment period, a resident said elected officials need to stop playing politics with public safety. “We are one family wheth-
er we are in church, a bar, or restaurant, or a neighbor living on the street. “We have in Pittsburgh the very best police, the very best firemen,” he said. A woman who has spent 17 years in the service industry on the South Side said a triple shooting by a 17-yearold last year started an eightweek nightmare. “It actually destroyed our summer. “Business is down just like last year, and it feels like our third pandemic,” she said, calling for more police officers and a curfew. A 15 th St. resident said revelers scale a six-foot gate
ALL EVENTS @ THE DECK
150 BROWNSVILLE RD • 6 - 9 PM (unless noted) FRI
6/3
No Joe Band
FRI
Byron Nash
FRI
Pixelated
FRI
8/5
Caleb & the Cronies
FRI
8/12
The Red Barn Band
SAT
8/20
Azucar
FRI
8/26
7/22
Classic Rock FRI
6/10
7/29
Funk, Rock, Blues, Soul SAT
6/18 6/24
Country SAT
7/9 7/15
Latin Dance, Salsa
Singer-Songwriter Night Balcony Big Band
Modern Jazz Ensemble
60s & 70s Rock (6:30-9:30 PM)
FRI
Hunter Briggs
Country
90s Alternative FRI
Street Sneaker Band
R&B, Funk, Classic Rock
Byron Nash
(full band) Funk, Rock, Blues, Soul
Singer-Songwriter Night
Scan for the latest schedule updated on Facebook.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
into his yard. Another resident asked if bartenders can be held personally accountable when they serve patrons past a certain limit. He concluded that he does not want to live in South Side any longer. “It is unsafe, and an unwelcoming environment for people and businesses,” said a woman who was born and raised in South Side. “I’m not asking for anything more than the law to be enforced,” she said. The windows of her shop have been damaged, and her tenants feel threatened as they cannot enter or exit without people hanging out by the doors and along the front of the building. She called the areas between 14th and 17th streets a major problem. She said the college students are always manageable, but the young throngs
there now are not. In searching for an evening and overnight caregiver for her 92-year-old mother she was told by an agency that no one would come to the South Side due to safety issues. She had no choice but to put her mother in a personal care home, she said. A business owner said “there is a misconception that the bar owners only care about themselves, but, in reality, they want the residents to feel safe.” A woman said that revelers feel free to party on streets with open containers, and when businesses call for help, nothing is done. A business owner said the front glass of his restaurant was destroyed in a drive-by shooting, with an employee shot in the leg. A resident said that within four weeks there were three
shootings around his house. He can view drug dealing in parking lots and elsewhere. “It is scary to be down there right now,” he said. Another resident said the biggest problem is underagers, calling for stop-andfrisk. “Make their parents come down and pick them up,” he said. The meeting concluded with Mayor Gainey. “There are some things we all want to beef up. “I will continue to fight to change the gun culture,” he said. The mayor acknowledged the problems in South Side built over two decades and wouldn’t be solved easily or overnight. He said change in the neighborhood would come about through the cooperation of businesses, bars, community and government.