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Tuesday, July 19, 2022 to Aug. 8, 2022 •
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Public Safety officials questioned about progress in South Side
By Margaret L. Smykla Contributing Writer Mt. Oliver The ongoing concerns A community meeting about public safety on East to discuss the future of the Carson St., such as violence, Clocktower Plaza in Mt. Oliver Borough will take disruptive behavior, criminal place on Wednesday, July activity, and more, and its overflow into the residential 27 from 6-8 p.m. neighborhood, was the main See Page 2 topic of the July 12 meeting South Side of the South Side Planning The South Side Com- Forum. munity Council (SSCC) Members of the office of will host a Development Mayor Ed Gainey, and othA c t i v i t i e s M e e t i n g er public safety and city offi(DAM) on Thursday, July cials, provided input and an21, 6 p.m. to review two swered residents’ and busidevelopment projects. ness owners’ questions. See Page 2 Most problematic is the six-block area of 13 th to Mt. Oliver A free vaccine clin- 1 8 t h s t r e e t s w h i c h , o n ic for dogs and cats will weekend evenings, has take place on Friday, Aug. been marked by shootings, 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unruly crowds in streets, at 150 Brownsville Road. open consumption of drugs Enter through Middle and alcohol, fights, loitering, public intoxication, underage Street/Goldbach Way. See Page 3 teens, excessive littering, and more. Carrick Mayor Gainey, who headThe Love Carrick lined a June 14 town hall on V e t e r a n s’ D i n n e r o n the issue, has expressed his Wednesday, July 20 support for a three-pronged will be from 4:00 – 6:00 approach to the problem inp.m. at the Concord volving law enforcement, Presbyterian Church, code enforcement, and fire 1907 Brownsville Road. enforcement. See Page 4 At the July 12 Planning St. Clair Forum meeting attendees The South Pittsburgh pointed out other troubleCoalition for Peace is some areas in the South calling the community Side Flats requiring police together for an evening attention. of prayer and music on “It’s a wild west. Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. “We need a plan,” a resiat the Lighthouse Cathe- dent said. dral, 810 Fisher Street. The meeting began with See Page 4 an update on PennDOT’s Classified Ads.............. Page 2 $17.54 million ongoing East Zoning Board................ Online Carson St. safety improvement project. Or check them out at: It includes milling and rewww.sopghreporter.com surfacing, signal and signal
upgrades, ADA ramps, pedestrian enhancement accommodations, and more along the 2.5-mile stretch of East Carson St. between the Smithfield St. Bridge and 33rd St. City Councilman Bruce Kraus said the hope is for fall completion. Also occurring at this time is the $4-6 million 18th St. signals upgrade project for pedestrian safety, with work planned into 2023. The intersections will be redesigned at Sarah St., Jane St., Mary St., Josephine St., Mission St., Arlington Ave., and Amanda St. The traffic signal upgrades include: gloss black signal poles; audible countdown pedestrian signals; and more. There is a big push to have the painted crosswalks done when school starts, Mr. Kraus has stated previously. “We’re in for a little bit of inconvenience,” he said of both projects’ lane restrictions and other delays. Next, Zone 3 Commander John Fisher delivered data for June and July, to date, for 10th to 18th streets, side streets, and parking lots. He said there were 140 calls for service; 8 arrests; 66 parking citations; and 22 summary citations. The latter includes citations for disorderly conduct, intoxication, open containers, and marijuana use. Ten firearms were seized, including an AR-15 in a vehicle. The commander said most shootings occur, with arrests made, from 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. To a question of whether these numbers are going up
or down, Commander Fisher said the numbers “are consistent.” Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said officials continue to review each weekend the reports, and what is working and is not. Cameras, lighting, and parking is also being looked into. “We believe a strong police presence has helped,” he said. To a question if a Zone 3 substation at 18th and Mary streets will reopen, Mr. Schmidt said its feasibility is being reviewed, as is what makes most sense. It currently contains old cells and equipment. To a question of any walking patrols on weekends, Commander Fisher said he leaves that up to the discretion of the supervisor as sometimes there are calls during the evening requiring officers in vehicles. But about 1:30 a.m. all officers are on foot, he said, to move people along and show a force of law and order. Next, a resident complained about Ormsby pool troubles. She said there are no video cameras on the recreation center, and no lights in the evening. Mr. Schmidt said he will talk to the parks director about lights, and that the city budget is looking to update the camera system. In the meantime, there is a plan to station a guard at the pool soon. A business owner and resident said her car was shot Sunday morning. In addition to the expense to repair her car, the area viContinued on Page 3
The flagpole at Mountain and Wagner streets, welcoming people to the Hilltop, is back up and lighted after being destroyed by a stolen car in 2019,
Flagpole up and lighted, but sign is still lacking Once again, the American flag with proper lighting is flying at Mountain and Wagner. The Welcome Sign, including the flag pole and attending lighting, were completely destroyed in July 2019. This was as the result of an individual driving a stolen vehicle, crashing onto the site with such force that the protective boulders moved. No one came forth to bear responsibility. The community received no reimbursement and the Mt. Oliver City/St. Clair Community Group (MOCSTCG) searched for funds. The Hilltop Alliance and the Pittsburgh company
Casper Colosimo & Son, Inc. (“CCSI”) were able to help with funding to repair the flagpole and lighting. The Hilltop Alliance provided money for a new flagpole. This was placed in February 2021. CCSI donated the cost of lighting. Allegheny City Electric installed the necessary fixtures in May 2022. CCSI recently performed work in the neighborhood and this is its goodwill contribution to the community. The MOCSTCG noted CCSI foreman Bob Rust and Theresa in CCSI’s office were instrumental in helping the group with the repairs.
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Mt. Oliver veterans can have their images displayed on light poles along Brownsville The Mt. Oliver Veterans’ Banner Program is moving forward with several applications for banners already received. Borough Manager Rick Hopkinson said they are encouraged by the reception of the program and expect more requests after highlighting the program in the borough newsletter. Service members who are currently Mt. Oliver residents or an immediate relative to a current resident of the borough are eligible for the Military Banner Program. Proof of service and documentation of residency is required to participate.
Applications will be available at the Borough Building, 150 Brownsville Road. Information needed includes: Proof of residency; Proof of service; Branch; Rank; A 600 dpi scan of an original photograph saved as a jpeg file with the service member›s name. If needed, the photo may be scanned at the Borough Building, by appointment only. Additional information is required on the application along with a $25 check made out to: Mt. Oliver Borough. Banners will be displayed in the 300 to 500 blocks of Brownsville Road. No specific
Input wanted on future of M.O. Clocktower Plaza Area residents are encouraged to bring ideas on what they would like to see as a permanent fixture in the plaza. The Clocktower Plaza is at the intersection of Brownsville Road and Hays Avenue in Mt. Oliver. In the event of rain, the meeting will be moved to the Municipal Building, 150 Brownsville Road.
A community meeting to discuss the future of the Clocktower Plaza in Mt. Oliver Borough will take place on Wednesday, July 27 from 6-8 p.m. The meeting is being held by Mt. Oliver Borough in conjunction with Allegheny Together and the Hilltop Alliance to gather feedback on what residents would like to see in the future in the Clocktower Plaza space.
Concord Presbyterian flea markets thru Oct.
a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting Spots are available for $10 and tables for $15 up to two weeks before each Flea Market. For more information, contact the church at 412882-1141.
Concord Presbyterian Church, 1907 Brownsville Road, is planning a series of Flea Markets through October 2022. The Flea Markets, on August 13, September 10 and October 8, will be held indoors and outside from 9
Next Print Edition of The South Pittsburgh Reporter is Tuesday, August 9
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location is guaranteed for any placement. The banners will be displayed from Memorial Day to Veteran’s Day for three years. During the times when the banners are not displayed, they will be stored by the Borough. At the end of the three-year period, individual banners will be returned to the applicant. Should an individual banner be damaged, it will be removed and returned
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The South Side Community Council (SSCC) will host a Development Activities Meeting (DAM) on Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. to review two development projects. The projects to be reviewed are: A review of proposed changes for 1403 and 1405 Sarah Street and 24 S.18th Street, The Stepping Stone Pathways proposed conversion of first and second floors into nine two-bedroom apartments with one bath and proposed conversion of the basement into a childcare facility that will be open to the public. Due to COVID-19, inperson meeting restrictions, the meeting will be held via Zoom, under the guidance of Pittsburgh City Planning. The Zoom link will be posted on July 20 on the
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City Planning DAM website, https://pittsburghpa. gov/dev-activities-meeting, under Upcoming Development Activities Meetings. If you do not have access to a computer and/ or internet access, contact SSCC at 412-467-6735 for assistance. A Development Activities Meeting provides an opportunity for citizens, property owners, business owners and stakeholders to learn about the proposals affecting them and to resolve concerns at an early stage of the application process. Meetings must be held at least 30 days prior to the applicant presenting to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Art Commission or Historic Review Commission.
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PAGE THREE
Public Safety officials questioned about progress in South Side Continued from Page 1 olence has led to low business, and her son being unable to go to the pool. She is also upset about the lack of citations for problem bars. “I’m really scared about losing this neighborhood,” she said. As a follow-up to the Mayor’s three-pronged approach to combatting violence, Sarah Kinter, director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), said the agency will enforce licenses and building maintenance; identify fire hazards; conduct safety inspections; and more. All of PLI’s active inspections can be viewed online. The city’s nighttime economy manager, Allison Harnden, said officials are looking at several strategies, such as: de-escalation training as patrons leaving bars are often agitated; posting “no loitering” signs to clear areas; network ID scanners to inform other businesses about a troublesome patron; fake ID detectors; and more. “These are first steps that we can take,” she said. To a question about shootings and arrests, Commander Fisher said in the majority of shootings, an arrest was made. To a question about stationing police outside problems bars, he said it is occurring, although there are only 15 officers on site. Last year, there were 30 officers, but there has since been a decrease in manpower. Next, a resident complained about the chaos from 10th and Carson streets on. Cars gather at the gas station, fires are started, and drag racing up to 100 mph takes place. Another resident said the parking lot on 10th St. is in front of her home, and she cannot sleep nights with the noise. While the gas station is private, the owner must secure the lot. Ms. Kinter said the parking lot needs a cer-
Vaccine clinic for dogs, cats
A free vaccine clinic for dogs and cats will take place on Friday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 150 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Enter through Middle Street/Goldbach Way. The Animal Friends’ clinic will provide rabies and distemper vaccines for the first 250 dogs and cats on a first come, first served basis. Pet owners should bring proof of past vaccinations. The clinic is sponsored by Fragaso Financial Advisors.
tificate of occupancy, so the city can move on that. The Hookah bar on 10th St. stays open until 3 a.m., the first resident said. He has also heard a woman’s terrified screams, for which he called 911. He asked for a plan for 1 to 4 a.m. away from 15th to 19th streets. Commander Fisher said to call 911 for screams and fires. But this was the first he heard of the drag racing. Another resident said there are issues off East Carson St. as revelers roll through the residential neighborhood. What is the plan? she asked. Mr. Schmidt said the plan is to keep utilizing officers and the disruptive property ordinance. The 15 officers on weekends will not be lessened. A resident questioned why state police are not patrolling East Carson St. as it is a state road. Commander Fisher said the state police have helped out in the past, but they have staffing issues also, and cannot come every weekend. (See Page 4 for more on the State Police) Regarding the city police budget, Mr. Kraus said city council faced laying off 600 public safety personnel due to COVID in 2020. But federal money was obtained and no layoffs occurred. The lifetime cost of one police officer, including retirement, is $1.5 million. So, it costs over $900 million for a force, he said. A business owner called for a curfew as his business is down 60 to 70 percent. Why are 16-17 year-olds on Carson St. at midnight? he asked. Mr. Schmidt said his office is working with the Law Department on how to enforce as a curfew is on the books. Next, an attendee said she heard that no parking tickets were written in June. Why won’t enforcement officers come here? she asked. Mr. Kraus said it is the first he is hearing about this with residential permit parking, and he will look into it. But some Parking Authority agents have been assaulted, and so they want a police officer with them. But it is difficult to secure the latter due to the police shortage. Next, in the meeting agenda items, Barbara Rudiak, president of the South Side Community Council (SSCC), said the South Side is comprised solely of volunteers as there is no paid staff as in, say, Lawrenceville.
“We need a neighborhood plan,” she said, of where the neighborhood wants to be over the next 10 years. The work to develop such a plan will take about two years. For more information, email: info@southsidecommunitycouncil.org . Next, Ms. Harden delivered the May and June reports of the Parking Enhancement District (PED), or the enforcement of South Side Flats parking meters from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. PED funds must be invested back in the neighborhood for public safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure improvements. May PED revenue totaled $19,635.44. June PED revenue totaled $17,439.22. The 2022 revenue to date is $92,655.56. The total revenue since the PED began in April, 2017, is $925,276.41. The two-person Clean Team, or Block by Block, which is funded by PED funds, maintains the E. Carson St. corridor. A third person was added for the summer. The Clean Team removes trash and graffiti/stickers, lends hospitality assistance, and more. Clean Team trash removal for June totaled 16,485 pounds. The Clean Team also collected 227 alcohol containers. Mr. Kraus said he cannot imagine what the streets would look like without the Clean Team. He said every
weekend a clientele is invited here who then leave a mess. How can we garner resources to plan for success? he asked. That should be the focus instead of police, he said. The past weekend a bar invited underage people for an event. They come to energy created by establishments and make the public space their nightclub, Mr. Kraus said, and that must change. To a question about problem bars, he said there are so many facets to that including the police, district attorney, LCB, and others. It is hard to shut down a bar unless an act of violence occurs. “We cannot find commonality on the direction we want to take,” Mr. Kraus said of the safety concerns. In old business, the SSCC will host a Development Activities Meeting (DAM) Zoom at 6 p.m. on July 21. A DAM provides an opportunity for citizens, property owners, business owners, and stakeholders to learn about the proposals that affect them and to resolve concerns at an early stage of the application process. The July 21 DAM will review proposed changes from the June DAM regarding 1403 and 1405 Sarah St. involving demolition of one of the houses. The other proposal will be to 24 S. 18 th St.: the Stepping Stone Pathways – conversion of the first and second floor into nine twobedroom apartments with
one bath. The basement would be converted into a childcare facility open to the public. No DAMs are scheduled at the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA). In organization reports, Ms. Rudiak said the SSCC Garden Tour held on July 10 had more attendees than in 2019. Goatfest, featuring vendors, entertainment, and more, will be held on July 30 at the Arlington ball field.
The purpose of the goats is to eat invasive species and vines. Next, Candice Gonzalez, of the South Side Chamber of Commerce, reported the annual South Side Golf Classic will be held on Aug. 1 at South Hills Country Club in Whitehall. A Holiday Mingle is planned for Dec. 7. The Chamber is also planning a 2023 Soup Contest. The next Planning Forum Zoom meeting will be on Aug. 9.
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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022
Mon Incline to close for 4 months Rep. Benham gets answers about State Police on E. Carson Street A four-month rehabilitation project at the Monongahela Incline will modernize the mechanical controls and electrical systems and upgrade the interiors of the upper and lower stations, among other updates. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and its contractors will begin mobilizing this month. The incline will be out
of service from August 1 through mid-November. The $8.2 million project includes updating the incline’s mechanical, control, and electrical systems, and painting the bridge structure. Contractors will be working up to seven days a week in different areas of the incline on alternating shifts. Depending on the task,
Free veterans’ dinner is on Wednesday, July 20 The Love Carrick Veterans’ Dinner on Wednesday, July 20 will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Concord Presbyterian Church, 1907 Brownsville Road. The dinner will consist of: Kielbasa, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, carrots, beverages and dump cake for dessert.
RSVP to Peg at 412-6281566 for the dinner. This month’s Carrick Veterans Dinner is in honor of Jack Phillips, owner of Phillips Heating and Cooling. Mr. Phillips was the biggest individual financial supporter of the Carrick Veterans’ Dinner. His financial support helped the dinner weather the storm of COVID-19.
weather, and coordination, some interior work may occur overnight. Shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes for the duration of the project to provide access between the upper and lower incline stations. On weekdays and Saturdays, the first trip will leave the upper station at 5:30 a.m. and the last trip will leave Station Square at 12:30 a.m. On Sundays, the first trip will leave the upper station at 8:30 a.m. and the last trip will leave Station Square at midnight. Service frequency depends on operator availability. PRT has added trips to the 40-Mount Washington to provide additional service. Updates will be posted at www.PortAuthority.org/InclineRehab.
In response to a question from a South Side resident at the July South Side Planning Forum meeting concerning E. Carson Street safety, State Representative Jessica Benham stated in an email she had an opportunity to speak with a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) liaison. “From his report to me, the state police are experiencing some labor shortages, just like the Pittsburgh police are, while at the same time their responsibilities have increased as rural municipalities disband their police forces and rely solely on the state police for patrol and criminal investigation. Roughly 2/3rds of municipalities in Pennsylvania (covering 82% of PA’s landmass, primarily in rural ar-
eas) have defunded and disbanded their local police,” she wrote. “To address these issues, the state police have a new Academy planned, which has not yet begun instruction. On the legislative side, I will note that we are seeking ways to more sustainably fund the State Police, given the demands that are being placed on them. There is also currently a statutory cap on the number of state police officers, which I favor raising in order to allow the state police more operational flexibility to respond
to requests like those from the Pittsburgh police.” Rep. Benham concluded, “Because ECS is the jurisdiction of Pittsburgh police, state police can only assist following an official request from the Chief to the PSP Commissioner. As (Zone 3) Commander Fisher noted, the PSP has generally been willing to supplement Pittsburgh police upon request, though as my liaison there noted, the ability to continue to do so is impacted by operational flexibility and their other commitments across the state.”
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alition for Peace is calling the community together for an evening of prayer and music on Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. at the Lighthouse Cathedral, 810 Fisher Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. Community members from South Pittsburgh neighborhoods, East Car-
son Street, youth, families of gun violence, law makers, law makers and elected officials are welcome, along with police and street outreach workers. The event will take place outdoors. In event of rain, it will be moved indoor and masks will be required.
South Side Park’s 5th annual free Goat Fest takes place on Saturday, July 30 at the Arlington Baseball Field behind the Arlington Fire Station. Parking is at 21st and Josephine streets with a shuttle running from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to the entrance off Arlington Avenue. Live music, food trucks, a giant slide for kids, a petting zoo, a wide selection of crafters/artisans and a new game “Escape Goat” plus lots more are all waiting for you.
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