The Northside Chronicle
APRIL 2018 Est. 1985
Your Community Newspaper
Volume 34 Issue 4 - FREE -
How the aviary got its ‘national’ groove, page 10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Newsletters – Page 3 AGH Cancer Center – Page 4 Garden Theater Block – Page 5 Badamo’s Pizza – Page 6 Community Briefs – Pages 9 & 14 National Aviary – Page 10 YINZBURGH! Comics - Page 13 Riverview Park – Page 14 Homebuyers Guide– Page 15 Garden Cleanup Q&A– Page 20 Real Stats– Page 26 St. Paddy’s Day – Page 28
Photo courtesy of the National Aviary
Guests visit the Pittsburgh Aviary, now known as the National Aviary, circa the 1950s
By Atiya Irvin-Mitchell Sometimes no matter how much pet owners love their animals, they lack the resources to give pets what they need. That was the case for Kris Wilkes. She adored her pets and took care of them as best she could, but sometimes timing and finances got in the way – at least until a friend recommended Ani-
Pet care program provides affordable vet services mal Friends for Life to her. “I didn’t have an income and there were a lot of [feral] cats outside and they helped,” Wilkes said. “With my dog, I couldn’t take her to a vet so Kaley brought the veterinarian here and she got her shots, gave her a check-up, and fed her meals. I really appreciated it.”
Coordinated by the aforementioned Kaley Kaczynski, Animal Friends for Life is a community outreach program with one goal: helping pet owners care for the animals they love. The 26-year-old’s journey to the program began after college while working as the manager of Petsmart. Despite having studied
ceramics art as a student, the idea of in working animal welfare appealed to her. She began her career at what was once Pets for Life, scheduling spay and neuter appointments for low-income families and worked her way up from Continued Pets, Page 7
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THE NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE
922 Middle St. • Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Managing Editor, Neil Strebig editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com Advertising Manager, Lauren Stauffer advertising@thenorthsidechronicle.com www.thenorthsidechronicle.com Phone 412-321-3919 • Fax 412-321-1447 Mail Subscriptions are available at a rate of $45.00 per year. Distribution: 8,000 copies
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Support Northside’s one and only free, local newspaper by becoming an advertiser or sponsor of a monthly guide. Specialty Editions January Year In Review February Celebration Guide March Summer Youth Guide April Homebuyers Guide May Health + Wellness Guide June Outside Guide July Culture Guide August Back-to-School Guide September Fall Map + Guide October Harvest Guide November Shop Small Guide December Holiday Guide DISCLAIMER:
The viewpoints and opinions of the writers and contributors that appear in the Northside Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints, opinions, beliefs or positions of the Northside Chronicle’s publishers, editors, staff and/ or affiliates. The Northside Chronicle is not affiliated with any formal political, social, religious, educational or philosophical organization or party of any kind. The materials comprising the Northside Chronicle are provided by various organizations, community groups, advertisers, entities, writers and contributors and are provided as a service to the readers of the Northside Chronicle on an “as-is” basis for informational purposes only. The Northside Chronicle assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, errors or omissions in these materials and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the correctness, accuracy, completeness, timeliness and reliability of the information provided. The Northside Chronicle is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance upon such information. Reference herein to any commercial product, process or service does not constitute or imply endorsement or favoring by the Northside Chronicle. © The Northside Chronicle 2018
Community Meetings
After Jail & Prison Ministry Support Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Allegheny Center Alliance Church 412.321.4333 ext. 127 801 Union Place, first floor Allegheny West Civic Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7:30 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church 412.323.8884 Brighton Heights Citizens Federation 2nd Thursday, bi-monthly, 7 p.m. Morrow Elementary School 412.734.0233 Brightwood Civic Group 1st Tuesday, monthly,6 p.m. Pressley Ridge, 2611 Stayton St. 412.732.8152 Brightwood Community Emergency Response Shelter 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m. 3219 Central Ave. California-Kirkbride Blockwatch 3rd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor California-Kirkbride Neighbors 2nd Thursday, monthly, 7 p.m. 1601 Brighton Rd., 3rd floor 412.758.3898 Central Northside Neighborhood Council 2nd Monday, monthly, 7 p.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy 412.231.7742 Charles Street Area Council 1st Monday, monthly, call for times Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St. 412.321.5567 Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Fuhrer Building of St. Michael’s Church 412.228.0376 Deutschtown New Hope Council 3rd Thursday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. Community Center, 623 Suismon St. East Allegheny Community Council 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Arnold’s Tea 412.321.1204 Fineview Citizens Council 4th Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. 1629 Sandusky Ct. 412.231.0330 Mexican War Streets Society 3rd Monday, bi-monthly, 6:30-7 p.m. 1400 Buena Vista St. 412.323.9030
April 2018
Manchester Citizens Corporation Quarterly meetings, call for times MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.323.1743 Manchester Public Safety Meeting Quarterly meetings, call for times Northside Leadership Conference 412.323.1743 Northside Rotary Club Every Friday, noon Cardello Building, 2nd Floor NS Coalition for Fair Housing Board 2nd Monday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5527 NS Coalition for Fair Housing Members Monthly, call for times 1821 Brighton Rd. 412.321.5521 Northside Leadership Conference Call to confirm 1st Wednesday, monthly, 6 p.m. MCC Center, 1319 Allegheny Ave. 412.231.4714 North Side Lions Club 2nd and 4th Tuesday, monthly, noon Max’s Allegheny Tavern North Side Public Safety Council 1st Thursday, monthly, 5:30 p.m. 1319 Allegheny Ave. 1st floor meeting room 412.231.4714 ext. 201 Northside Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thursdays, monthly, 6:30pm Carnegie Library, 1230 Federal St. 412-204-6018 Observatory Hill, Inc. 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Byzantine Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave. 412.231.2887 Perry Hilltop Citizens’ Council 2nd Tuesday, bi-monthly, 6 p.m. The Pittsburgh Project perryhilltop@gmail.com 412.223.7144 The Promise Group Every other Tuesday, 6 p.m. Western Pa. Humane Society 412.321.1019 Troy Hill Citizens Council March 8, June 6th, Sept. 12, Dec. 12. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 5, May 7, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 6 p.m, Spring Hill Elementary School auditorium, contact@shcl.org Summer Hill Citizens Committee 3rd Tuesday, monthly, 6:30 p.m. WPXI Television Station community room
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April 2018
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Northside Public Safety Newsletter
With the changing of the seasons, a majority of residents will be out enjoying and appreciating the pleasures and beauties that spring offers us. The Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) would like to remind residents that everyone should remain aware of their surroundings, especially when using technology. Be mindful where you are walking with a cellphone in hand and do not increase the volume on your mobile devices to a dangerous level where hearing nearby traffic could become problematic. The NSPSC would like to encourage families to stay
alert and remind children to avoid desolate areas or exploring outdoor areas alone and without parental supervision. If anyone suspects illegal activity or feels endangered, the NSPSC would like to remind residents to keep cellular phones charged and call 911 for emergencies or 311 for neighborhood concerns. Public Safety meetings are the first Thursday of every month and are held at Manchester Citizens Corporation (MCC) on 1319 Allegheny Avenue.
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David Stacy, President of the NSPSC Contact at 412-321-0295 or email at zone1psc@gmail.com
March Newsletter from Councilwoman Darlene Harris April showers bring May flowers! I hope the start of this beautiful season wasn’t too troubling for anyone on the Northside, and I’m glad that the snow is finally gone! I also hope that everyone had a beautiful Easter. As the weather gets nicer, there are going to be plenty of outdoor events for everyone to enjoy. I’d like to mention, as well, that baseball season has officially started. Though we all love the Pirates, we do not all love the traffic that comes from their games. Please keep in mind that people from out
of town will be visiting our city more frequently as spring progresses, and it’s important for everyone to follow the rules of the road. Please be especially careful near playgrounds, schools, and parks this season, as more children and pets will be out to play. Also, if you’re
looking for some after-school activities on the Northside, I encourage you to check out the Warhol and Artists Image Resource for exciting and creative weekly activities! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov or call at 412-255-2135. Darlene M. Harris Councilwoman, District 1
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AGH breaks ground on new Cancer Institute Academic Center By Neil Strebig
Photo courtesy of IKM Architecture
On Wednesday, March 7 representatives from Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Highmark Health held a ceremonial groundbreaking and announced plans for the first phase of construction for the AHN Cancer Institute Academic Center at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH). The $80 million Cancer Institute is part of a $255 million investment in cancer care and research AHN and Highmark have made in the Greater Pittsburgh area. “Our significant investment in the AHN Cancer Institute will not only greatly enhance our patients’ and members’ access to care, but also transform it through the extraordinary work of our caregivers and the advanced capabilities of the facilities we’re developing,” said David Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark
Health in a press release. The new 90,000-squarefoot center will provide 30 new positions for healthcare professionals. It will also be one of the first of five locations in the nation to utilize MR-Iinac treatment. A new method combining an MRI scanner with a linear accelerator to help doctors and physicians quickly locate tumors and potentially developing areas of cancerous tissue. In addition, the center will feature two stateof-the-art treatment methods: GammaPod and Gamma Knife. The GammaPod utilizes stronger and precise doses of radiation to help reduce the total number of radiation and chemotherapy treatments needed for an early-stage breast cancer patient; the average patient undergoes 16 radiation doses, the GammaPod can be effective within one to
five doses. Similarly, the Gamma Knife uses precision to provide a non-invasive solution for brain cancers. A network of 201 beams applies focused amounts of radiation to malignant and non-malignant tumors without damaging healthy tissue near the applied area. During the ceremony, Mayor William Peduto referred to local hospitals as the “factories of the 21st Century.” “Just like the steel mills a hundred years ago, it is symbolic of the transformation of the city,” said Mayor Peduto in regards to the medical advancements and healthcare growth within Pittsburgh. The institute is expected to open in 2019.
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ACCA votes in favor of demolition on 3 W. North Ave buildings By Neil Strebig The first phase of what is expected to be a long, public process was initiated on Monday, March 12 in Alphabet City. As first reported by the Post-Gazette, Central Northside’s primary community group Allegheny City Central Association (ACCA) had a majority vote in favor of the demolition and removal of three buildings on the Garden Theater Block: 4, 6 and 8 W. North Avenue. “The process has been going on for 10 years now. These buildings have not seen development and create eye sores for the rest of the block,” said ACCA president Patrick Dexter in a phone interview. Currently, the buildings in question along with the city-owned Garden Theater are fenced off to pedestrian traffic. And according to Dexter, the buildings have structural damaged and two of the three have “gutted interiors.” While Dexter admitted the ACCA voted in favor of demolition in order to “see faster movement on these buildings,” he was quick to address that the ACCA is just one part of the conversation. They act as a consulting party with the Urban Redevelopment Association (URA) and the City of Pittsburgh. And the majority vote is merely
Garden Theater on W. North Avenue. Building 4, 6 and 8 are located to the right of the theater.
the start of a series of public forums in addressing potential outcomes for the block. “This is not the end-all, be-all of this. We’re one part of this and [the] start of the public process,” said Dexter. When asked about a recent change.org petition created after Monday’s voting in favor of preserving and restoring the buildings, Dexter acknowledged again that the vote isn’t a definitive
Photo by Neil Strebig
decision; it is just the first step in a long series of procedures. Dexter added that the ACCA has supported preservation in the past citing their work and support to help restore the nearby Bradberry Building and Masonic Temple.
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April 2018
Badamo’s Pizza finds a new home on Federal Street
By Atiya Irvin-Mitchell For most people, pizza is just a Friday night dinner option. For 35-year-old Anthony Badamo pizza is a way of life. Nearly a decade ago he left the security of a job in sales and turned what was once a part-time passion into the popular Mt. Lebanon-based Badamo’s Pizza. Over the years the laid back New York-style pizzeria has established itself as a Pittsburgh favorite, finding a place on a number of “Best Pizza” lists. After building a loyal customer base and city-wide recognition, Badamo’s Pizza headed to Federal Street. The birth of the new Northside location started on a drive. One day while going to pick up his grandfather, a Fineview resident, Badamo noticed a “for rent” sign in the window of what was once Pasta Too. “I was familiar with the space that was there before and I knew the family that owned it. I told them in the past that whenever it [Pasta
Too] went down I wanted a crack at it,” said Badamo. “My dad’s side of the family is from here so we’re familiar with the Northside.” After six months of negotiations and an additional year of construction, Badamo finally opened his new Northside location in December of last year. Badomo’s Pizza seems to pride itself on being a place that turns their customers into friends and sometimes friends into employees. That was the case for Elaina Taube, who was a longtime customer before she saw herself operating behind the counter, selling pizzas rather than ordering them. “I really liked all the people who worked there. I liked going there after school when I was a kid and I loved the food. I just loved hanging out there and talking to everyone there,” the 21-year-old Taube said. Like Badamo, Taube is a South Hills native but made the move to
Photo by Atiya Irvin-Mitchell
the Northside to be closer to the business. For her, the best part of the job is the people.
“I like seeing people’s response to it. Feeding a lot of people and making a lot of people happy. People Continued Pizza, Page 8
April 2018
From Pets, Page 1
there. Since 2014, the nonprofit’s approach is simple. Kaczynski will literally meet pet owners where they live and find out their needs on an individual level. Sometimes that means helping pet owners get their animals spayed and neutered. Other times, that can mean providing transportation to pet owners like Wilkes where they would otherwise be unable to find it. “We know that having a pet is very expensive,” Kaczynski said. “The love of your pet is not shown through your financial income. So if we can extend those services and resources to pet owners then they have a better chance of being able to keep their pet.” In its infancy, the program started by serving Homewood and Wilkinsburg, before shifting their focus on the Northside, specifically within Perry Hilltop and Observatory Hill neighborhoods, two years ago. The program’s services include
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Animal Friends for Life, helps pet owners keep companions healthy spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and veterinary services. Dr. Theo Nelson serves as the primary vet for Northside clients with additional assistance from Dr. Emily deCardenas at Animal Friends’ main office in the North Hills. According to Kaczynski, Animal Friends for Life works to eliminate the existing barriers between pet owners and the care they may need. “A lot of our clients might have a disability where they’re not able to drive or they just don’t have a car, which is understandable,” Kaczynski said. “So we offer transportation. We’ll pick up the animal early in the morning, bring them in for their spay [or]neuter and vaccination package and then we’ll bring them home to them later that day.” While most Northisde residents have welcomed Animal Friends for Life, Kaczynski understands some residents might be wary. Establishing trust between clients is a major focus of their outreach.
“If I myself had someone knock on my door and say we offer free services for pets, I probably wouldn’t trust them at first because that’s my baby,” said Kaczynski. “Everybody thinks there’s a catch, but there is no catch. We just wanna help people and their pets get what they deserve.” Many of Animal Friends for Life’s clients come to them through recommendations from friends. For Northside resident Kim Marrow, the program was brought to her doorstep when one of her cats walked in the car Kaczynski and her staff was using that day during a neighborhood outreach session. “We set up an appointment and they took my other cat and neutered him. They kept him in recovery and then they physically brought him back,” Marrow said. After a heart attack left her on disability, the 53-year-old found herself using their services for her cat as well as other pets. It turned
out to be exactly what she, and the other animals she would unexpectedly take in, needed. “At first I felt bad for using it as many times as I did, but she [Kaley] told me that, that was what the program was for,” said Marrow. “They’ve been wonderful to my pets.” With roughly 1,500 pets served, the program has earned the gratitude of many a Northside pet owner and Kaczynski and her staff plan to continue their work for the foreseeable future. “Helping animals can be hard,” Kaczynski admitted. “Seeing somebody care about their pet and not have the ability to get them what they want is hard, but being able to help people give them what they can’t afford or physically get...it makes you feel great.”
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From Pizza, Page 6
see us as friends who also sell them pizza,” said Taube. Mt. Lebanon branch manager, Herbie Tubbs also had an unusual path into the Badamo’s Pizza famiglia. Tubbs met Badamo in a record shop when they were teenagers and the two established a kinship for records and pizza. “I’ve made pizza my whole life and I got to realize pizza was my passion,” said Tubbs. The pair had fallen out of touch and reconnected in 2010 at the Mt. Lebanon location. “When I opened the pizza shop I had like one or two other employees and I hadn’t had a night off in a while,” recalled Badamo. “I ran into him [Tubbs] and I was like, ‘Tell me you’re still making pizza.’” Tubbs had worked for a number of pizza shops over the years prior, but he’s been with Badamo ever since. He’s enjoyed watching both locations grow and credits the pizzeria’s
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April 2018
Mt. Lebanon-based pizzeria with Northside roots opens second location
popularity to the staff’s genuine love of pizza. He may be right as so far the pizzeria has been able to win over pizza enthusiast and New Jersey native Christine Asprea. “Finding a good New York-style pizza was crucial when I moved out to the ‘Burgh last summer. Unfortunately, I hadn’t found what I was looking for until Badamo’s opened up,” Asprea said.” Their pizza is insanely good, with quality, fresh ingredients. A true crispy New York-style pizza … I’ve eaten here more times than I’d like to admit since the opening, but they are just that good. They are pretty much my new obsession.” The fresh quality of food is something Badamo’s Pizza prides itself on. Anthony Badamo reported that many of their “top of the line” ingredients come from Italy. Their homemade calzones and ranch dressing are one of many aspects of the pizzeria that stands out to customers. With so many businesses in
the area, what Anthony Badamo feels the new location has going for it is familiarity, affordability, and its high quality of food and service. “We’re that familiar spot, that corner spot. The doors are always open and we’re here to serve the community. That’s what it’s all about for us,” said Badamo.
Badamo’s Pizza is located at 1106 Federal Street and is open Tuesday thru Thursday at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. Photo by Atiya Irvin-Mitchell to midnight, and Elaina Taube helps serve guests at Sunday at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Badamo’s Pizza on Federal Street. Badamo’s is pick-up and dine-in only, call at (412) 231-1001.
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Federal Galley outdoor patio opens Who doesn’t love sunshine and 90s TV-inspired cocktails? Federal Galley in Nova Place will be holding their outdoor patio launch party on Saturday, April 7 at 7 p.m., co-sponsored by URBANIST. The new outdoor, dogfriendly patio will be able to accommodate 100 guests, 70 in the front entrance and 30 more near the back entrance of the food hall. Patrons can expect a patio-exclusive beverage list featuring “pouched” cock-
tails inspired by the “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” like the “Kimberly Hart” (aka the Pink Ranger) with rosé vodka, Aperol, grapefruit, vanilla, and Peychaud’s bitters or the “Billy Cranston” (aka the Blue Ranger) with cachaça, blue curacao, banana, coconut, orange, and angostura bitters. Guests will still be able to order from the 30tap beer menu and food from any of the four restaurant concepts inside: El Lugar, Provision PGH, Michigan &
Photo courtesy of MCG
Trumbull, or Supper. In addition to being dog-friendly, the patio will also feature live music every Thursday night along with game day deals before every Pittsburgh Pirates home game.
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild founder Bill Strickland was lauded as an honorary member of the National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts (NCECA) on Friday, March 16 during the NCECA 2018 Conference downtown. Strickland, along with Clayton Bailey, Edward Eberle, Jo Lauria, were honored for their exemplary individual works, contributions towards ceramic art education and their positive influences on pottery culture.
Pittsburgh Project hires new director On Monday, March 26 the Pittsburgh Project board of directors officially announced Wayne Younger as executive director. Younger has over two decades in the social service field, most recently working with Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE). Younger will help oversee
the various outreach programs the Pittsburgh Project provides, including after-school and summer programs, youth camps and home services for the elderly. “He is gifted at building bridges between races, ethnicities, and communities of differing educational, economic, and faith backgrounds. He is an
inspiring communicator and compelling leader,” said executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, Saleem Ghubril. A public reception for the announcement will be held on Tuesday, May 8 during the Sowing Seeds to Harvest Greater Rewards spring fundraiser.
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April 2018
Flashback: How the National Aviary survived
By Nick Eustis
Without a doubt, Pittsburgh has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Parts of the city now considered up-and-coming sat in different, drearier states just a generation ago, even one of Pittsburgh’s oldest parks. Originally founded in 1867, today Allegheny Commons is popular for its outdoor green spaces and childfriendly cultural institutions like the Children’s Museum. This is a far cry from the late 1980s and early 1990s, which saw the region as a subject of great residential concern. A 1988 article in The Northside Chronicle by Tami Lacousiere, called the surrounding Federal St. and North Ave. corridor “blighted and crime-ridden.” Another article from the Northside Chronicle in 1991 stated that, without intervention, all trees in Allegheny Commons “could be dead within the next five [years].” Dirt lots in the park became popular spots for garbage dumping. It was against this bleak backdrop
that one of the city’s greatest attractions would fight just to keep its doors open. Once known as the Pittsburgh Aviary, The National Aviary is the only indoor independent nonprofit aviary in the United States. And is the only such conservatory to have honorary “national” status. This year marks 25 years since this designation was signed by then-President Bill Clinton in 1993. But this “national” status is not merely symbolic. That single word is a large piece of the story of an aviary that almost did not make it this far. And in some regards, with the success of the aviary came the revitalization of Allegheny Commons. The Pittsburgh Aviary-Conservatory opened to the public on August 10, 1952. The Aviary was built by the City of Pittsburgh and sits on the site of a botanical conservatory created by Henry Phipps. That building had laid in ruins after being damaged by a natural gas
explosion in 1927. According to Trisha O’Neill, the Aviary’s director of education, the city had several options for what could replace the ruined conservatory, including an aquarium. “They went through a process of elimination and decided they were going to build a conservatory-aviary,” O’Neill said. “It goes with the history of the site and [does] something new.” The first director of the Aviary was Roland Hawkins, an ornithologist with mold-breaking ideas on animal exhibitions. “[Hawkins] loved the fact that people could walk through the Aviary with no barriers or screens,” O’Neill said. “He felt like there was a deeper connection that could happen there.” Hawkins also oversaw the Aviary’s first major expansion in 1969: the addition of the glass-enclosed wetland exhibit, the largest such enclosure at the time. This expansion would become home to guest
favorites like flamingos, spoonbills, and pelicans. “This room was larger than the rest of the original aviary,” said O’Neill. The Aviary continued to operate smoothly through the 1970s before Hawkins’ retirement. According to regional proceedings from the Association of American Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA), in 1981, Lindsay Clack was hired as an aviculturist for the Aviary, albeit without the director title, Clark would become a leading figure in the Aviary’s leadership after Hawkins departure. It would be under his tenure that the Pittsburgh Aviary would gain a reputation for its breeding program. “Lindsay was a brilliant bird breeder. He bred rare birds like nobody else did,” said Frank Moone, former fundraising director for the Aviary. Despite these successes, the Aviary came under financial stress. Continued Aviary Page 30
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YINGZBURGH! COMICS By Nils Hanczar
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Fundraiser for Ob. Hill landslide victim
Observatory Hill Inc. is putting on a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for resident Cessy Portuguez, who lost her home on Semicir Street due to a landslide last month. Portuguez and her 12-year-old son have been without a permanent residence since. The dinner is part of a $10,000 GoFundMe the OBI has set-up on the family’s behalf, according to
OBI treasurer, Leslee Schaffer. “She [Portuguez] didn’t want to do it. I twisted her arm about it,” said Schaffer. The fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 21 at Riverview Presbyterian Church. Admission for the dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children. A number of landslides have hit and affected homes and residents like the Portuguez family. In
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February, residencies on Goehring St., Dianna St., Kenzing Ave., and Ives Way in Spring Hill were evacuated. Currently, City of Pittsburgh Public Works Department is waiting for the results of geotesting in both Observatory Hill and Spring Hill locations to isolate the cause(s) of the landslides. Test results can take up to 12 weeks.
PWSA holds public meeting for Riverview Park project The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) will be hosting a public forum for input on the Mairdale Ave. Green Infrastructure Project. Riverview Park has been subject to a number of issues with stormwater runoff and retention within the park. Poor drainage has not only affected the terrain
of the park in some areas but also has had potentially damaging effects within the O-27 Woods Run Watershed. Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc. (CEC) has prepared three proposals that will solve a number of issues including improved stormwater capture and retention, preservation of the park’s green
A rendering of one of the entrance plans near Mairdale Avenue.
infrastructure and the removal of sediment on current flow systems. All three proposals will be announced and attendees will have a chance to comment on each plan. The forum will be held Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at Perry Traditional Academy.
Photo courtesy of CEC Inc.
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Homebuyer & Home Improvements Guide 2018
April 2018
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Homebuyer & Home Improvements Guide 2018
Dining Room in Observatory Hill House Tour, 2017.
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Photo by Neil Strebig
Photo by Lauren Stauffer
Second floor living room with outdoor patio in Allegheny West House Tour, 2017.
Homebuying Advice for 2018 Market By Christa Ross RE/MAX Select Realty
Kitchen in Brithgon Heights House Tour, 2017.
Photo by Neil Strebig
The 2018 spring market is off to a strong start but continuing low inventory means there are fewer homes to look at, and those that are in good condition and priced right are selling fast. Multiple offers are becoming common and sellers are getting the opportunity to get higher prices than in the past few years. The other news of 2018 is rising interest rates; however it is important for buyers to keep in mind that we are still enjoying historically low rates, right now around 4 percent for buyers with good credit. There is no reason to let a small increase stop you from buying this year, although it may encourage you to move faster, as they will likely continue to inch up. So if now is the time for you to purchase a home, then you should start by finding an experienced real estate agent to work with. Agents can help you find a good lender, guide you on what questions to ask, help you define your criteria for the right home, and set up a search direct from the multi-list to make sure you are the first one to know when homes come on the market. An experienced agent is also valuable at pointing out things to be concerned about when looking at homes and when to get expert advice on certain issues. Having a person that has been through hundreds of transac-
tions as your guide will give you confidence in your decision making. You also need to do your financial homework. Once you start looking you don’t want any delays in making an offer if your dream home pops up. That means knowing how much you can afford, what a lender is willing to loan you and having your pre-approval in hand. Loans come in many different types: conventional loans with a range of down payment amounts, VA loans for vets, loans for doctors, teachers and other occupations, FHA loans that let you bring minimal cash to closing, rehab loans for houses that need work and loans specifically for certain communities or buyers of certain income levels. The type of loan you get will be a result of the amount of money you have for a down payment, your desired monthly payment and the type of home you are buying. Finally, it is time for the fun part – finding your home. By working with an experienced agent and a good lender you will be set up to make an offer as soon as you walk into the perfect home for you. If you’re considering buying a home, or selling, and want to talk further you can find more information on my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com or contact me directly at 724-779-1437.
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April 2018
Ask An Attorney By Matthew D. Gailey Gailey Law Group A large majority of individuals in this country live in individual homes. Occasionally, I am asked about defects related to homes. This month’s article will focus on problems with hidden defects with homes at the time of sale. Generally speaking, when purchasing homes in Pennsylvania, the common law mandates that the buyer must beware. Essentially, a buyer buys a house “as is,� including with any faults in the home. This is why it is always good practice to insure that a quality home inspector thoroughly inspects the home prior to the home being purchased so that flaws in the home can be discovered. However, the general rule that the buyer must beware is not unlimited. In Pennsylvania, it is against the law for a seller to fail to
disclose in writing to prospective buyers about defects known to the seller at the time of the sale. A seller can be found liable if they fail to disclose about a known defect, for instance an open pit on the portion of the property. There are also different types of actions that can be brought in these matters. A buyer who can demonstrate that the seller actively hid a defect from the buyer can sue the seller for fraud. A seller can also be sued for negligent misrepresentation if the seller should have known the defect existed or had not been repaired. In any case, it is important for new homeowners to thoroughly document any problems with their new homes so that it can aid in the future should litigation become necessary. If you have any questions about these complex contractual disputes, please feel free to give my office a call.
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Q&A with horticulturist, Rich Liberto
In part of a new home and garden series, local landscape designer and Northside resident Rich Liberto shares his advice on spring cleanup and how to best dispose of debris and compost. NS Chronicle: With warm weather around the corner, when is the best time to start thinking about a spring cleaning? Should the weather be fair for a few days or is it OK to cram everything into one day? Rich Liberto: The spring cleanup can most definitely commence now. Spring bulbs have begun to break ground as have some early blooming perennials. Now is the time to remove the fall leaves from your (or neighboring) trees and any other debris (plant or otherwise) that may have accumulated. Also, it’s the ideal time in which to cut down ornamental grasses that bloomed last fall.
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NSC: When clearing a garden, is there any sort of underbrush that can be re-used? RL: Yes and no. It’s mostly safe to “repurpose,” as compost, the leaves that may have accumulated in your plantings from the fall. Beyond that, it’s best to discard any other debris as it may contain harmful fungal spores from the previous years’ season and/or harbor harmful insect eggs. NSC: What invasive plants should be avoided this season? RL: ANY plant that is remotely considered to be – or is unequivocally defined as – invasive should be avoided. Sadly many invasive (introduced) species are displacing
Photo courtesy of Rich Liberto
the native or beneficial plants that support wildlife, especially the pollinators. Plants to avoid are: Rose of Sharon, Japanese Honeysuckle, most bamboos, Boston Ivy, Japanese Barberry, Silvergrass (miscanthus grass) and Purple Loosestrife,
to name a few. NSC: Is there specific type of plant or fertilizer that is more successful in Pittsburgh’s rigid climate, one that can help keep Continued Garden, Page 21
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From Garden, Page 20
Landscape & garden advice from Rich Liberto one’s garden fresh in the summer and healthy throughout the fall/winter months? RL: I strongly urge that homeowners take soil samples from their gardens in order to get an exact reading of the pH balance and any potential nutrient deficiencies. A “soil test kit” can be ordered online from Penn State Cooperative Extension (https://extension. psu.edu/soil-testing) or from a local garden center that sells them. As an all-purpose garden fertilizer, use one labeled as a 10-10-10 garden fertilizer that can be used on all gardens including trees, shrubs, and perennials. As always, follow the instructions on the bag. Another all-purpose fertilizer is Osmocote (14-14-14) which is a slow-release fertilizer with a longer residual. It too may be used on all gardens and landscape plants. NSC: When starting a vegetable garden especially within the city, what should be the three most important factors to look at, aside from space?
Photos by Lauren Stauffer
Ecclectic styles showcased in Troy Hill’s first annual House Tour, 2017.
RL: In order of importance: sun orientation. It’s always best to maximize the amount of sunlight for veggie gardens approximately 6 to 8 hours a day.
Secondly, a location that is easily accessible either from the garage (or shed) for carrying all your supplies; or close proximity to the kitchen door if you are growing a lot of culinary herbs! Lastly, be realistic about the amount of time that you’ll need to devote towards maintenance. We are all revved up in the spring after a long winter and eager for digging in the dirt and eating fresh, organic veggies! However, one can be overzealous, only to realize the time restrictions that come along with gardening. I’ve seen many gardens go by the wayside when a homeowner feels overwhelmed by lack of sufficient time to maintain the garden. NSC: After the debris and dead leaves/trees are removed from a garden/property is there any place to dispose of them within Pittsburgh? Are there any organic reuses? RL: First off, everyone who gardens ought to have a compost
pile in a designated location! I recall my grandparents referring to compost as “black gold” and utilizing it, once decomposed, in all their flower and vegetable gardens. If space is limited for a compost pile, there is a drop-off center*: AgRecyle Compost Center (412-242-7645) located in Point Breeze or the City of Pittsburgh has public locations open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. One on the East End is located at East End Drop-Off Center 6814 Hamilton Ave, 412-665-3609 and a West End Dropoff Center is located at 1330 Hassler St., 412-937-3054. Public Works drop-off locations will accept brush, grass, leaves and branches (4’’ diameter or less). *Drop-off locations may charge a small fee. Rich Liberto is a horticulturist, consultant and designer and owner of Liberto Landscape Design. He can be reached at: radesign11@gmail.com.
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Allegheny City Central Capital Homes LLC to Jared Scott Beers and Livia Margarite Vissat at 1602 Brighton Road for $199,500. William Coombs Jr. to Wells Fargo Bank NA trustee at 1685 Perrysville Ave. for $17,420 by sheriff’s deed. Norman Gregory Humphries to Thomas Fairchild at 706 Jacksonia St. for $226,000. Willie Murchison to Barrgrove Ventures LLC at 402 Alpine Ave. for $100,000. Brighton Heights Peter Mahoney to Gary Miller at 814 Benton Ave. for $63,500. Deborah Johnson to JLA Properties L.P. at 3466 Shadeland Ave. for $45,201 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $73,986) by sheriff’s deed. Derrick Hardy to Dieon Hardy at 3524 Gerber Ave. for $155,000. Jeffrey Reim Jr. to Lucas Tisshaw and Sarah Visconti at 3624 Harbison Ave. for $164,900. Deliarose Moeller to Patrick O’Brien at 1912 Marmaduke St. for $124,900. Eugene Mahofski to Gethsemane Place LLC at 3426 Shadeland Ave. for $70,000. Brightwood Matthew Scrabis to Robert Joseph McAfee at 1102 Woodland Ave. for $66,000. New Colonist LLC to Aaron Anderson at 1247 Dickson St. for $24,900. Michael Perez to Jennifer Nuttall at 96 Lecky Ave. for $10,000. Central Penn Capital Management LLC to Grover Alexander at 3834 McClure Ave. for $143,500.
Califorinia-Kirkbride Vickie Beck to Deutsch & Assoc. LLC at 1239 Success St. for $25,000. Charles St. Valley Jimy Lincoln to Northside Properties R&S LLC at Josh Gibson Drive for $6,000. Dina Caruso to Sarah Johnson at 624 Danbury St. for $110,000. East Deutschtown John McGrath et al. to Joseph Allbaugh at 823 Concord St. for $294,900. Old Allegheny Investments LLC to Adam Ford at 908 Peralta St. for $250,000. Historic Deutschtown Bruce McIlrath et al. to Schenley Capital Partners LLC at 541 E. Ohio St. for $313,000. Donna Muschar et al. to Harry Muschar at 626 Suismon St. for $26,667. Manchester New Destiny Christian Methodist Episcopa to Resaca Assoc. LLC at 1081 Bidwell St. for $375,000. Charles Ponds to Jacquelyn Gnazzo at 1337 Page St. for $215,000. .
$23,940 Michelle Bish to Deutsch & Assoc. LLC at 232 Bonvue St. for $20,000. Miranda L Schmidt Gula to Brian Faust at 428 Dunlap St. for $149,900. Steven Negri to JSSC RE LLC at 3032 Viola St. for $15,000. Perry Hilltop Sara Phillips to US BankTrust NA trustee at 2402 Osgood St. for $2,362 by sheriff’s deed. Charles Epps to Charles and Lisa Epps at 2439 Lyzell St. for $125,000. Edward Nassan to Nicholas Martin at 352-353 Marshall Ave. for $174,000. Kevin Jost to Stanley Saxton and Ikuma Ojok at 425 Marshall Ave. for $20,000. Board Public Education Pittsburgh School to Parents Against Violence Inc. at Hazelton St. for $235,000 Spring Garden Pittsburgh City to Paula Octavi at 1129 Voskamp St. for $200 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,156). Spring Hill Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to Shane Johnston at 1700 High St. for $17,000. Gabe Mazefsky to Street Contracting LLC at 1206 Iten St. for $28,000. Wayne Thompson to Dennis Hill at 2609 Spring Garden Ave. for $5,000 Mary Louise Bocka to Randal Miller Jr. at 1018 Yetta Ave. for $63,500.
Observatory Hill Jenifer Oberg to Delia Fojo at 3424 Delaware St. for $100,000. CN 110 Enterprises LLC to Rising Tide Vinceton 3922 LLC at 3922 Vinceton St. for $19,900. Penn Pioneer Enterprises LLC to Kyle and Elyssa Kerrigan at 3942 Vinceton St. for $40,000. Bryan Mahoney to Courtney Lewis and Nicholas Bigatel at 261 Bascom Ave. for $120,000 Pittsburgh City to Lisa Schuster at Summer Hill 3907 Menlo St. for $400 (state deed Melody Miller to William Bricker transfer stamps indicate a value of at 273 Morrisey St. for $125,000.
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Troy Hill Donna Moser to Micah Tozer at 2116 Straubs Lane for $25,000. Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority to Washington’s Landing Marina L.P. at 1200 Waterfront Drive for $285,000. Symmetry Estates LLC to Jacey Grant and Julian Dave at 1134 Goettman St. for $195,000. Donald Yoho to Amir and Tamar Belson trustee at 1612 Hatteras St. for $5,500.
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St. Paddy’s Day on the Northside
The Northside Chronicle
Photos by Jeff Geissler
Duke Zack (left), from the Mexican War Streets, and Bobby Kinslow, from Troy Hill, walk along East Ohio St. during St. Paddy’s Day.
Ross Township residents (left to right) Marcy Schaffer, Amy Beeber and (bottom) Kelly Kerr tip a glass at Max’s Allegheny Tavern in Historic Deutschtown.
Some home-baked shamrock sugar cookies and beer at Allegheny City Brewing.
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From Aviary, Page 10 1991 would present the Aviary with its greatest challenge to date, one that threatened its very existence. The early 1990s brought hard financial times to Pittsburgh, and a diminished tax base meant that the city, under the direction of Mayor Sophie Masloff, had to reduce spending. “[The city] had operated the Aviary as an asset for a long, long time, and as they were trying to make hard decisions, the Aviary came up for discussion,” said O’Neill. Ultimately, the Aviary was given mere months to find a new source of funding, or close permanently. Many Northside residents were outraged at the impending closure of the Aviary. One of the few familyfriendly cultural institutions in the Northside would be lost. Allegheny Commons, already in a decline at the time, would have the added challenge of a vacant building. In addition, businesses in the area would potentially suffer from a loss of traffic brought by Aviary visitors. “There was a campaign that was started [to save the Aviary] by some of the volunteers that had been at the Aviary ... they were upset that this was happening,” said Mark Masterson, one of the founding members of Save the Aviary, Inc. “There were a lot of community members and neighborhood organizations on the North-
The Northside Chronicle
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Built in 1952, grassroots effort in 90s saved the Aviary going to be a lot harder for the foundations to turn us down.” With the help of Congressman Bill Coyne and after months of negotiation, a bill finally reached the desk of President Bill Clinton on November Cathy Schlott feeds Valentino, a Linnaeus’s Photo by Neil Strebig 8, 1993, awarding the Two-toed Sloth during a media presenatation of Pittsburgh Aviary honor“Amazing Amazon” show on March 7. ary “National” status. This declaration gave the Aviary side that were ticked off that the title of executive directhe credibility it needed to this was happening.” tor). It was also through receive funding from local So Masterson and a likeBarbara Baker that Frank nonprofits, which kept the minded group of concerned Moone would also become Aviary afloat. citizens formed Save the involved. After applying This was not enough to fund Aviary, Inc., a grassroots to work in fundraising for coalition – comprised of a the Pittsburgh Zoo, Barbara all of the Aviary’s operanumber of former aviary Baker would pass his infor- tions, however. The creation of the 1996 Regional Asset staff – determined to keep mation on to her husband District (RAD) was necesthe Aviary open. Save the Dayton, who offered him sary to provide the Aviary Aviary Inc., would go on who offered him a marketwith a permanent, stable to purchase the aviary from ing and development a job source of funding. the City of Pittsburgh under with the Aviary. The pair “The civic community came a long-term, 99-year lease would be instrumental in together and passed a one for $1 annually. the aviary’s evolution and percent local option sales Save the Aviary Inc., faced resurgence. tax at the county level. Half a number of challenges “I didn’t have a lot of exof that went to fund the Alkeeping the Aviary open. perience fundraising then, legheny Regional Asset DisThe area surrounding the and he didn’t have a lot of destination was suffermoney, so we were a perfect trict, which in turn was used to fund ... special facilities, ing from lack of upkeep. match,” Moone said on beFinancial resources were half of his work partnership regional parks, regional libraries,” said Jim Turner, extremely limited, and it with Dayton Baker. the chief administrative ofwas difficult to pay key staff After failing to get funding ficer for the city at the time. with specialized training. from nonprofit organizaWith a national accreditaAnd time to find a new tions in the city, it was tion and the RAD in place, funding source was just as Moone who came up with Save the Aviary, Inc. had limited, with no clear path the idea to have the Pittsfulfilled its namesake. But it to achieve it. burgh Aviary declared the was the tireless work of volWith the help of Pittsburgh National Aviary. unteers that truly made the Zoo director Barbara Baker, “It came to me to contact difference, many of them Save the Aviary Inc., would my friend who worked for Northside residents who find a new executive direc[then-Congressman] Bill tor, Barbara’s husband, Coyne and ask, ‘What about saw how valuable the AviDayton Baker (Baker a National Aviary,’” Moone ary was to the community. “From my perspective, that succeeded Clark in terms said. “My thinking was if is how it survived: because of leadership, however, we can get some kind of of the talented, incredibly Clark never officially held national designation, it is
hard-working people who said they would do everything in their power to keep it open. People who sacrificed to make it happen,” said Dayton Baker. Since this transition from public to private nonprofit, the National Aviary is doing better than ever. With over $7 million in support and over 100 contributing donors and foundations (per the aviary’s 2017 annual report), the National Aviary has become less dependent on the RAD over time, allowing for innovations like the $17.5 million Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone Theater expansion. The theater hosts shows and informative demonstrations about behaviors and adaptations of various bird species. Despite the changes over the years, the National Aviary has remained firm in its mission since the days of Roland Hawkins: to inspire connection with nature through a love of birds. It is through this connection, according to Trisha O’Neill, that inspires the Aviary’s drive to conserve nature, the same drive that inspired the community to rally and save the Aviary. “It was really through people who loved the Aviary who said, ‘We do not want this asset to close,’” said O’Neill. “It’s really a story of grassroots efforts ... and rallying around something they really care about and helping to prompt change.”
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