January 2018 Est. 1985 Your Community Newspapper
The Northside Chronicle
Volume 34 Issue 1 - FREE -
$17.5 Million Comfort Inn coming to E. Deustchtown Page 4 The Northside is getting a new food hall. Read more about Federal Galley in Nova Place on page 6.
Photo by Neil Strebig
Happy New Year! A look back at the biggest stories from 2017
By Neil Strebig
I was a bit undecided about a year in review. Don’t get me wrong I like the idea of having a list to read through – a convenient flashback of the last 12 months. My reservation came from my adopted ideals. I’m a Pittsburgh transplant (born in New Jersey) and I’ve lived here in Deutschtown for four years now. Since I’ve lived on the Northside I’ve noticed how distorted the view of our 18 communities are from across the Allegheny. At times it feels like non-Northsiders just don’t understand our neighborhoods and rightfully so,the Northside has been recovering for quite some time. Yesteryear’s Millionaire’s Row and the Federal Street Trolley are long gone and after the Allegheny Mall came in, history reminds us how much it gutted the Northside from downtown. There’s a certain level of angst in the Northside and it isn’t because the residents and communities here are not supportive of one another. Rather the communal vibe that comes with being a Northsider, is the realization you’re a part of something. Northside’s resentment, that chip on your shoulder mentality many natives have built up, is because they’ve seen the rise and fall of our great communities. And it’s been a long time since Pittsburgh welcomed the Northside into its arms the same way
Northsiders do once they cross one of the Sister Bridges. And that’s why I wasn’t completely on board with the idea of a year in review. I didn’t want to continue to highlight the past. I’m more inclined to look forward and discuss the brighter future ahead. However, as I began to look back through our archives, I noticed something. The Northside saw 14 new businesses arrive last year, East Deutschtown just completed a $17.5 million investment, 5 new community murals were built (one of which won a ‘Best Block Award’, see page 9), the Deutschtown Music Festival celebrated its fifth year in lieu of city-wide acclaim. And as I read through past posts I began to notice something – 2017 was a very good year for the Northside. Sure, it wasn’t all roses (we’ll miss you James Street and Casellula), yet for what feels like the first time in a long time – and first, since I’ve lived here – it isn’t just Northsiders telling one another how great our communities are. It seems like more and more Pittsburghers are starting to cross that bridge and are beginning to see what we’ve all already known – Northside is on the come up.
Cont. Year in Review, Pages 14-17
Over 800 properties sold & $166 million in property transfer sales. Read the full 2017 report, Pages 23-24
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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 $35.00 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 2017
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
January 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 8th, June 7th, Sept 13th, Dec 13th. 1515 Tinsbury St. 412.321.2852 Spring Hill Civic League March 6, May 8, Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6. 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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January 2018
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NSPSC January Newsletter & Northside has 5 of the worst winter weather advisories intersections in the county With winter in full effect, the Northside Public Safety Council (NSPSC) would like to encourage residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their households against severe weather conditions. First and foremost, with frigid temperatures becoming the norm remember to dress in layers and protect yourself from both the cold and severe winds. We’ve already experienced the first snowfall of the year and the NSPCS would like to remind residents to properly clear and salt their driveways and walkways. Elderly or disabled residents who need assistance removing snow should call 311. In addition, the NSPCS would like to advise that on nights below 20 degrees residents should leave water lines slightly open to prevent water pipes from freezing and potentially bursting. In response to a citywide ordinance, any domestic pets (cats,
dogs, etc.) cannot be left outside any longer than 30 minutes when the outside temperature is below freezing regardless of whatever kind of outdoor shelter they have. Pet owners are encouraged to buy warm-weather gear for their pets as the cold weather becomes more severe. If wandering or lost animals are spotted, NSPSC would like to advise residents to call 311 or Animal Control at 412-2552036. For interested parties, both the Student Police Academy (SPA) and Citizen Police Academy (CPA) application windows are now opened. The 10-week SPA course starts on March 14, 2018, and will be on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Pittsburgh Community Day School (6424 Forward Ave). Deadline for submissions to the SPA will be on Friday, March 9. The 15-week CPA course starts Tuesday, February 6 and will be held Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at
the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill. Deadline for submissions is on Friday, February 2. Both applications can be found online at www.thenorthsidechronicle.com under the Public Safety menu tab. For additional information on either academy contact John Tokarski, Dept. of Public Safety at 412-255-2117 or john.tokarski@pittsburgh.gov. For more information or to report public concerns on the Northside please contact NSPSC president, David Stacy at zone1psc@gmail. com or call at 412321-0295.
Northside has five of the most dangerous intersections in Allegheny County according to a recent study by Dallas W. Hartman P.C. Law Firm. The intersections of Rt. 65 offramp and the West End Bridge along with the Madison Avenue and E. Ohio Street intersection have a Crash Risk Index (CRI) of 92 and 79, respectively making them the fourth and fifth worst intersections in the county according to the law firms study, which was compiled by the data analysis group, 1Point21 Interactive. “Dallas Hartman approached us at 1Point21 Interactive and wanted to look into road safety issues in Pittsburgh. They help victims of motor vehicle accidents on a daily basis, so the idea of potentially helping prevent accidents from ever occurring was very interesting to them,” said 1Point21 Interactive representative Daryl Blank in an e-mail interview. “Often times, municipali-
ties do their own road and intersection safety studies and never release the findings. So, we decided to take it upon ourselves and do one on our own.” According to the study, Allegheny County has the greatest density of traffic collisions in the state, tallying 10 percent of all collisions statewide. 1Point21 Interactive used geospatial processing to identify nearly 41 percent of all vehicular crashes in the county happened at 787 intersections within the City of Pittsburgh. The data was gathered via reports from the PA Department of Transportation between the years 2014 to 2016. The Rt. 65 and West End Bridge intersection recorded 42 crashes, 16 injuries
during that time frame. The intersection of Madison Ave and E. Ohio St. reported 26, crashes and 15 injuries, neither intersection recorded any fatalities during that time span. Out of the 50 intersections highlighted in the report, Northside had five including the aforementioned two, the intersections of General Robinson St. and Sandusky St., General Robinson St. and Anderson St. and East St. and Madison Avenue, with CRI ratings of 62, 53, and 46 respectively. The CRI is a composite score, based on an intersection’s collision frequency and severity of vehicular crashes. Read the full report online at www.nschronicle.com.
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$17.5 million deal bringsa Comfort Inn to East Deutschtown
The Northside Chronicle
Photo courtesy of JMAC Architects.
The Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) and October Development will officially closed on a be a proposed plan to build a Comfort Inn and Suites on E. Ohio Street, on December 15, 2017. The new hotel will replace the vacant Workingmen’s Square Hotel in East Deutschtown and will be operated by The Priory Hospitality Group. The adjacent Workingmen’s Bank Building, formerly known as the Arc House, will be the site of a new restaurant and banquet facility also operated by The Priory Hospitality Group. Financing for the restaurant project is still being finalized. According to October Development owner John Elash, the hotel project will take 51
weeks to complete and will be administered by Rycon Construction. Residents should expect a December 2018 completion date at the earliest. “It’s only the start of what we’re doing for East Ohio and the Northside,” Elash said in a phone interview. “It’s going to change everything.” Elash believes the site will be a “lynchpin” for progress in regards to the rehabilitation of the East Ohio Business District and will act as an “entrance” to the Northside due to the site’s proximity to the Route 28 and Interstate 279 exits. The 96-room hotel will accommodate guests on six floors, including a rooftop lounge and garden area. “The transformation of this site reflects what is
happening throughout the Northside,” NSLC Executive Director Mark Fatla in a press release. The $17.5 million project was funded by a host of contributing parties, including Dollar Bank, Slovak Savings Bank, Community Savings Bank, Riverview Bank, Standard Bank, Bridgeway Capital and The Northside Community Development Fund, who provided the initial pre-development financing, along with Northwest Savings.
January 2018
January 2018
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AIR, a creative conduit for beginners and professional artists alike By Nick Eustis The upstairs artist studio is filled with creativeminded Pittsburghers looking for a fun night with their friends. Holiday classics flow, welcoming each new guest into the room. In the next room, the attendees put the finishing touches on their creations, writing personal messages with ink stamp letters. All the while bottles of Yuengling and plates of decorative cookies collect at tables around the room— beer and sugar fuel the creative energy. Event organizer Lauren Bailey demonstrated screen printing with a small mesh screen and paint. Fitting for the season, Bailey taught participants how to make holiday cards and wrapping paper with the aforementioned printing method. Using a squeegee, paint pressed itself through a design screen and dripped onto a piece of paper, leaving the imprinted designs of snowflakes, bows, even the Pittsburgh skyline on the designated paper. By the end of the night, everyone from veteran screen printers to first-timers walked out with two handmade holiday cards and a personalized sheet of wrapping paper. After all, some of the best gifts are the ones with a personal touch. Located just off Foreland Street, Artist’s Image
A look inside one of the galleries at Artist Image Resource on 518 Foreland Street.
Resource ( AIR) is a nonprofit community art center, focused primarily on screen printing. The studio offers the equipment for a wide variety of traditional and digital printmaking techniques, from newsprint to Warholian silkscreens. AIR is firmly rooted in the Northside. The idea for the studio came about in 1994 when the
Photo by Nick Eustis
Mattress Factory began to work with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh on their project to redevelop the corner block of Federal St. and North Ave., where the Garden Theater and City of Asylum bookstore currently sit. Continued AIR, Page 7
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Owners of Smallman Galley launch Federal Galley in Nova Place
January 2018
By Neil Strebig The Northside added a new face at Nova Place as Federal Galley officially opened their doors to the public on December 5, 2017. “You can tell something is happening around here [on the Northside],” said co-owner Ben Mantica. “We’re excited to be a part of it.” Federal Galley is part of the Galley Group, a restaurant group co-owned by Mantica and Tyler Benson. They opened the popular Strip District destination, Smallman Galley in December of 2015. Like Smallman Galley, Federal Galley will be home to four restaurant concepts. Chef Stephen Eldridge who was part of Smallman’s first class of chefs, and will have two restaurant concepts in the new location: Provision PGH and El Lugar. Provision PGH will be overseen by Susan Cope and will focus on traditional American dishes including the return of Provision’s staple, “The Burger.” El Lugar will be orientated around an approachable take on authentic Mexican cuisine. Chefs, Kristin Calverley and Nate Peck will be operating Michigan & Trumbull, a Detroit-style pizza concept, and chef Vincent Perri’s Supper
The dining room of Federal Galley in Nova Place.
will be showcasing a gluten-free and veganinspired menu at the food hall. The craft bar menu was inspired by the Pittsburgh Filipinos Baseball Club – who played at nearby Exposition Park – and highlights a number of Filipino and vibrant Asian flavors like the ginger-lychee driven “Luya.” The bar will also be outfitted with a 30-tap craft beer list. Federal Galley will be able to accommodate 190
Photo by Neil Strebig
guests in total with an additional 100 seats outside. The food hall is located at 200 Children’s Way in Nova Place (in the promenade of Nova Place next to Radiant Hall)and will be open seven days a week; Mon. thru Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun.10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The bar will be open until 10 p.m. daily and 12 a.m. Fri.and Sat. Read our review of Federal Galley online at nschronicle.com.
January 2018
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From AIR, Page 5 “A number of the founders of Artists Image Resource were working for and with the Mattress Factory when Barbara Luderowski and the Mattress Factory got involved with the Federal North project,” said AIR co-founder Bob Beckman. According to Beckman, the directors of the project wanted a project-based studio that would allow aspiring artists to work alongside experienced artists in their field. Beckman’s own background in print strongly influenced the decision to focus the studio on printmaking. “Fundamentally, this is about supporting the aspiring artist,” Beckman said. “Not ‘I’ll support you if I can sell your stuff,’ or ‘I’ll support you if you can provide the content for my program.’” Since its beginnings, AIR has worked closely with Pittsburgh educational institutions, developing programs for students to be introduced to printmaking and the arts in general. These programs include informational walkthroughs, demonstrations, and all-day activity programs. Student groups come from museums like the Warhol and the Mattress Factory, as well as schools like Perry Traditional Academy and Obama Academy. “When you can bring kids through here, and when you can work projects with schools, that really lights kids up,” said Beckman. In addition to hosting educational workshops with institutions, AIR is also open to the community for local residents looking to involve themselves with the art world. For
a $20 fee, AIR provides space and materials for local artists to create with. This has attracted a variety of creative talents, from accomplished artists to Etsy merchants. Three years ago, Thomas Waters found himself unsatisfied with his artistic direction. Despite a background in photography and mixed media, he was left unfilled. During an inspirational trip to the Andy Warhol Museum Waters became fascinated by Warhol’s silkscreen works. It was the staff at the Warhol that directed Waters to AIR. After a short one-on-one with an AIR staff member, he was making silk screens all his own. Since, Waters has been taking advantage of AIR’s resources and even started his own T-shirt company, “Tag Diss,” which sells shirts with custom logos and Water’s own work printed on them. “From my perspective, AIR is a not well known enough treasure for the artistic community,” Waters said. “There’s a really diverse mix of people who come and work [together], and a great support system.” AIR will be hosting two public events in early January. On Tuesday, January 9 AIR will be hosting their next Drink and Ink event at 6 p.m. and on Thursday, January 11 an introductory class to photographic screen printing will be held at 6 p.m. AIR is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery and studio access is by appoitnment, call at 412-321-8664.
A photo of decorate greeting cards from Lauren Bailey’s holiday event in Decemeber.
Photo by Nick Eustis
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East St. Bridge re-opens, Tripoli St. Bridge closed till March 2018
On Wednesday, December 13 PennDOT District 11 announced the re-opening of the East St. Bridge and the closure of the Tripoli Street Bridge. The Tripoli St. Bridge will be closed for repairs as part of PennDOT’s $87.94 million I-279 Parkway North Improvement Project. The project will be renovating over 30 bridges on the parkway refurbishing a number of elements including the roadways, lighting, patching and guide
rails. The Tripoli St. Bridge is expected to be closed until March of next year. Both bridges are part of the I-279 overpass, connecting East St. with Madison Ave. The construction will be carried out by the Trumbull Corporation and Lindy Paving. The new detours will force motorists to make a long U-turn. Drivers approaching Madison Ave. looking to head into Historic Deutschtown and Allegheny City Central, should make the left
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towards the East St. Bridge and head southbound on East Street making a right on Tripoli St. or North Ave. Motorists looking to get to Tripoli St. in East Deutschtown should head southbound on East St.(perpendicular with I-279S) and make a left onto East Ohio Street and the following left on Madison Ave which will reconnect with Tripoli St. on the Northbound side of I-279.
Rivers Casino offers employees $2,000 in home assistance Earlier this month, Rivers Casino launched a new Homeownership Program that allows their team members access to two free workshops and an opportunity to qualify for $2,000 assistance toward their closing costs on a new home. “We’re excited to offer this benefit to team members,” said the director of community relations, Dr. Rahmon Hart. “It encourages team members to buy homes on the Northside” According to Hart, the program was created after discussions between Rivers Casino, NeighborWorks and
the Northside Leadership Conference. The Homeownership Program is open to all casino employees and requires them to participate in two workshops that will be instructed by NeighborWorks personnel. “Buying a new home is a very important process and we’re glad we can provide the information, education and financial assistance to make their goal of a new home a reality,” general manager Craig Clark said in a press release. After completion of the financial education and homebuyer education workshops,
participants will then be able to apply for monetary assistance. The $2,000 cap will be attributed to any home purchase within any of the Northside’s 18 neighborhoods. “[I’m] proud our company is making this type of investment in the Northside,” said Hart. While classes for this year are already finished, Hart acknowledged that the casino has workshops planned for the first quarter of 2018 that will run through February and March.
January 2018
January 2018
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PHCC honored as Unity Corner Wins ‘Best Block Award’
Left to right- Dwayne Barker, Ernest Rajakone, Zeba Ahmed, Betty Davis, Robin Alexander on behalf of the Perry Hilltop Citizens Council are awarded a $3,000 check for best block from Mayor Bill Peduto .
Photo courtesy of PHCC
Members of Fineview and Perry Hilltop Citizens Councils pose for a photo during Unity Corner’s ribbon cutting ceremony in August.
Photo by Neil Strebig
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January 2018
January 2018
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Observatory Hill Inc. celebrates inaugural Light Up Night
Children and their families line up to visit Santa during Observatory Hill’s first Light Up Night on Dec. 1, 2017
Photo by Chloe Jakiela
Five-year-old resident Nadia Maybee poses on Santa’s chair as she waits for his arrival at Observatory Hill’s inaugural Light Up Night.
Photo by Chloe Jakiela
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January 2018
January 2018
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From Year in Review, Page 1
2017: Year in Review
14 New Northside Business Allegheny City Central Alphabet City/City of Asylum Bookstore (January) Bridge and Tunnel Books* (January) Federal Galley *(December) *located in Nova Place
Allegheny West Bear Dog Bicycles (March) Bier’s Pub/War Streets Brewery (August) Pittsburgh Acupuncture and Massageworks (October) Brighton Heights California Coffee Bar (March) Chateau Get Hip Record Store (October)
January 2018
5 New Neighborhood Murals Corner of Hope (Perry Hilltop) Unity Corner (Fineview/Perry Hilltop) Rialto Street Mural (Troy Hill) Troy Hill welcome sign by Provident School (Troy Hill) The Deutschtown Sasquatch (Historic Deutschtown)
7 Notable Anniversaries Allegheny City Brewing celebrates 1 year Pear and the Pickle celebrates 1 year VegFest celebrates 3 years Deutschtown Music Festival celebrates 5 years 3E Studios celebrates 10 years Manchester Craftsman Guild turns 30 Mattress Factory celebrates 40 years
E. Desutchtown Kaffeehaus (June) Historic Deutschtown Wagsburgh (March) Em-Media (August) Spring Garden Threadbare Cider and Mead (October) Spring Hill Spring Hill Brewing (October)
The Rialto Street Mural in Troy Hill designed by Phil Seth in July
Photo by Bridget Fertal
January 2018
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January 2018
2017: Year in Review 15 Most Read Stories Online 15
New Northside record store jams on passion
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New Kaffeehaus Café is ‘Something for the Neighborhood’
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Threadbare Cider and Mead Opens in Spring Garden
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Casellula in Alphabet City set to close prior to the New Year
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Federal Galley is opening
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The Deutschtown Sasquatch is here
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From warehouse to neighborhood hub, Chateau Café finds success in menu variety
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Corner market stands the test of time
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Spring Hill, Mixing Past and Present for the Future
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Huszar hires Hungarian Master Chef to head kitchen
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$17.5 million deal set to bring a Comfort Inn to Northside
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From Allegheny West to Troy Hill meet the Northside Brewers
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Northside has 5 of the worst intersections in the county
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Op-Ed: Why isn’t anyone talking about the service industry the right way?
1
Three new trails will connect Brighton Heights Park with Riverview Park
Propel students collected over 100 sweaters for the 18th annual Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive
Photo courtesy of The Children’s Museum
January 2018
The Northside Chronicle
2017: Year in Review
Landmark Events
January CMU student, Daniel See creates Project Home(less) Huszar hires Hungarian chef, Peter Gurbacs February Ignite Northside 2.0 Launches April Chris Candies in Spring Garden sold to French company, CEMOI Group August Alloy 26 expands to North Shore after purchase of Burns White building Manchester Jaguars youth football returns after 50 years Neil Strebig replaces Alyse Horn as Managing Editor at NS Chronicle September Two-way bike lanes are added to Allegheny Circle Gov. Wolf announces Collaborative Workforce Initiative partnership with CCAC October NS Chronicle launches new website Hollow Oak Land Trust announces 3 new connection trails between Brighton Heights and Riverview Parks November AGH proposes Institutional Master Plan for new Cancer Center to City Council Andy Warhol Bridge re-opens, Rachel Carson Bridge set to close James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy closes doors December $17.5 million hotel deal in East Deutschtown is finalized Millcraft Industries announces plans for Ferris Wheel in Chateau Casellula closes after 11 months of business
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Attractions & Events February Randy Gilson crowned Mardi Gras King May Lincoln Exhibit opens at Photo Antiquities Chateau Café wins 6th annual Sandwich week with “Mother Clucker” June Open Streets PGH hits the Northside October Brightwood Pumpkinfest Deutschtown Pumpkinfest Doors Open visits the Northside for first time, featuring 69 locations Mattress Factory launches MF40: New Installations exhibit December National Aviary announces birth of two new African Penguin chicks Rangos Giant Cinema, largest cinema screen in state opens at Carnegie Science Center
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Allegheny City Central Ashley Catalano to James and Zarina Rowland at 1309 Liverpool St. for $297,500. Allegheny City Central Assn. to Daniel McNamara at 206 Carrington St. for $10,000. Andrea Fridley to Patrick Banus at 243 E. Jefferson St. for $240,000. Salvation Army to Douglas and Nancy Ostrow at 100 W. North Ave. for $480,000. Salvation Army to COA SUB Inc. at 104 W. North Ave. for $320,000. Monterey Street Project LLC to Brian Enterline at 1224 Monterey St. for $555,000. Blest Investment Group LLC to Susan Marriott and Jeffrey Allen Dee at 1423 Boyle St. for $343,400. Stuart Broberg to Jesus Hoyos at 206 E. Jefferson St. for $8,000. Stephen Beckjord to Anthony Rosello and Anupama Narayanan at 514 Jacksonia St. for $347,000. Allegheny West James Dorsey to Aaron Bryan and Sandra Allen at 841 Beech Ave. for $380,000. Brighton Heights James Feddes to Pho Real Estate at 3537 California Ave. for $40,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $141,474) by sheriff’s deed. Mary Antionette Rearick to Gregory Lou and Jiangyang Zhang at 1805 Fairlee St. for $41,450. Vernon Bebout to JLA Properties L.P. at 3305-3305. Fleming Ave. for $30,500. Estate of Mary Jane Ehrler to Michael McNamara at 3537 Fleming Ave. for $45,000. William English III to Catherine Orlando at 1156 Goe Ave. for $182,000. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. trustee to Victoria Johnson at 1832 Winhurst St. for $42,140. Michael Hoss to Walz Street Venture LLC at 3442 Corona St. for $54,000. Michele Cloonan et al. to Thomas Reiser III at 3846 McClure Ave. for $170,000. James Steven Founds et al. to James Damian Founds at 1625 Orchlee St. for $85,000. Carol Bowers to Brian Moser at 3710 Atkins St. for $15,000. Michael Hoss to Walz Street Venture LLC at 3442 Corona St. for $55,000. John Pusateri to East Crew Horizons LLC at 1249 Benton Ave. for $34,428. Kerry Huffman to Greg Manganas at 1265 Benton Ave. for $51,000. River Point Renovations LLC to Stephen McGaughey at 4011 California Ave. for
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$224,000. Estate of Judith Salamacha to Paula Matthews at 1107 Davis Ave. for $140,000. LSF9 Master Participation Trust to K&N Properties Inc. at 1441 Davis Ave. for $45,000. Estate of Mary Kraus to Altra Property Solutions LLC at 3621 Elmhurst Ave. for $130,000. Shoshana Bechor to Gregory Lou and Jiangyang Zhang at 3419 Fleming Ave. for $33,000. Joel Sanchez Palomino to James Damian and James Steven Founds at 1625 Orchlee St. for $85,000. Michael Laughlin to Yen Lun Lai and Chung Fei Shen at 1229 Termon Ave. for $105,000. Brightwood John Clovicko Jr. to Swey Properties LLC at 2620 California Ave. for $17,250. John Clovicko Jr. to Swey Properties LLC at 2622 California Ave. for $17,250. TUFF Properties LLC to Shawn Slie at 1258 Ingham St. for $128,000. Estate of Harry Golden Jr. to Alexis Demchenko at 2801 McDowell St. for $55,250. Pittsburgh Brighton FDS 713418 LLC to KMPP Brighton LLC at 3210 Brighton Road for $2,750,000. Landry Jr. & Assoc. LLC to Deutsch & Assoc. LLC at 175 Lecky Ave. for $7,000. Estate of Sharon Siebert to Marlex Properties LLC at 3226 California Ave. for $28,000 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $79,458) by sheriff’s deed. Christina Diane Zern to Equity Trust Co. Cust FBO #200251015 IRA at 49 Courtright St. for $13,000. Global Premier Asset Management LLC to James Jones at 2803 McDowell St. for $11,799. Melgranah USA Holdings LLC to Raoul Segarra at 3035 Shadeland Ave. for $91,000. Patricia Mielke to Peach Blossom Properties LLC at 1043 Smithton Ave. for $10,500. John Pusateri to East Crew Horizons LLC at 3139 Sorento St. for $36,000. Califorinia-Kirkbride Michael Latta to Anna Katunina Rodriguez at 1309 Sigel St. for $23,500. East Deutschtown DJP Property Source LLC to Paul Bench at 905 Constance St. for $76,000. Fineview Lydia White to Lydia White and Nicole Weigand at 58 Olive St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $6,213). Mehmet Sadi Bircan to Virginia McGrath at
1919 Warren St. for $12,000. Stephen Klein to Kevin Brozi at 1936 Letsche St. for $5,000. Historic Deutschtown Thomas Prendergast to Arete Property L.P. at 508 Avery St. for $95,000. Michael Senko et al. to Joseph and Glorita Cuiffi at 616 Foreland St. for $508,000. Richard Webb to Joshua Huber and Brian Honigman at 602 Lockhart St. Unit 7 for $93,500. Kim Hyde et al. to Keith and Michelle Grimm at 908 Moravian Way for $10,838. Manchester Edward Pinto to TS PIT LLC at 1417 Faulsey Way for $2,921. Columbus Square Assoc. Model Home 3 L.P. to James and Betty Robinson at 1252 Juniata St. for $385,000. Observatory Hill Robert Voci to Nicholas Trudeau at 252 Bascom Ave. for $109,000. Timothy Kotzman to James Weaver at 3911 Dewey Ave. for $135,000. Lucas Windisch to Thomas Kelly at 80 Semicir St. for $1 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $18,696). John Ciufi to Emma Clarke and Jason Huston at 118 Radium St. for $169,500. Pittsburgh City to John and Cherise Rossmiller at 49 Riverview Ave. for $200 (state deed transfer stamps indicate a value of $23,028). Michael Ann Cerniglia to Chase Sterling at 3024 Mt. Allister Road for $100,000. Estate of Tomas Gray to Eugene McCourt at 4131 Perrysville Ave. for $163,000. Lukuman Lawal to Oladele Baoku at 241 Watson Blvd. for $90,000. Observatory Hill Development Corp. to Stephanie Lauren Stauffer at 115 Bonvue St. for $165,000. John Smith to David Malter at 3728 East St. for $96,000. Vincent Graziani to Sreysor Rose Sam at 4160 Perrysville Ave. for $125,000. Perry Hilltop Bruce Berman to CN 110 Enterprises LLC at 2624 Norwood Ave. for $10,000. OGR Realty 3 L.P. to Isidoro Gatica Barrera at 2655 Ellis St. for $10,000. Blaine Edwards to Roger Montgomery at 222 Seabright St. for $83,000. Estate of Darlene Goodwine to MTGLQ Investors L.P. at 309 Kennedy Ave. for $2,851 by sheriff’s deed. John Pusateri to East Crew Horizons LLC at 445 Kennedy Ave. for $41,000. George Heinlein to Michael Vaughn II at 2539 Perrysville Ave. for $14,000
January 2018
Northview Heights Terry L Taylor Primar to Margaret Herman and Marcella Burkhardt at 226 Lamar St. for $35,000. Spring Garden Dorothy Knight to KJN Grant LLC at 1103 Spring Garden Ave. for $40,000.. Spring Hill William Madden to Kyle Winkler at 1643 Sophia St. for $82,500. Estate of George Francis Jelinek to Raymond and Georgia Wappes at 1206 Yetta Ave. for $42,000. Ilene Clokey Macey to Douglas Kocian at 46 Solar St. for $50,000. Plenty Properties LLC to Andre Tennant at 1122 Fabyan St. for $3,100. Estate of Ronald Fosnaught to Shaun Hegerty at 5 Nettie St. for $50,500. Summer Hill Matthew Barcus to Wilbur and Renee Christman at 4466 Rodenbaugh Ave. for $135,000. Richard Berry Jr. to Somsak Namsai at 145 Montville St. for $64,900. Marian Corcoran estate et al. to Jennifer Lentz at 4509 Cherryland St. for $125,000. Estate of Carl Hirce to Andrew Chulack at 4144 Evergreen Road for $97,000. Troy Hill Kristy Gregor to Kelly Lee DeAugustino and Ken Wessolek at 2111 Lautner St. for $40,000. Dennis Winghart to Cory and Lisa Mastalski at 1815 Eberhardt St. for $75,000. Estate of Walter Grabowski to Robert Fallon at 1825 Elbow St. for $25,000. Raymond Hubert to QGE Holdings LLC at 1525 Lowrie St. for $58,500. Joseph Giorgianni Jr. et al. to Joan Snyder trustee at 48 Waterfront Drive for $650,000. Christine Janczak to Ophelia M Gonzalez Nix at 1344 Lowrie St. for $85,500. Christine Lynne LLC to Brian Campbell at 1745 Cowley St. for $70,000. Signup for our weekly Thursday e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on real estate transactions on the Nortshide, or visit our website: www.thenorthsidechronicle.com
January 2018
Ask An Attorney
by Matthew D. Gailey
The Northside has long been home to many different kinds of workers. Workers in all settings, not just industrial areas, have been and will continue to be injured on the job. Pennsylvania law recognizes that workers will be hurt on the job and the legislature has put forward numerous laws through Pennsylvania’s Workers Compensation system to allow workers to recover for their injuries. This month’s submission will focus on that system. Worker’s Compensation laws originated for largely two fundamental reasons, 1) to allow worker’s a means to be compensated for the injuries that they sustain during the course of their employment and 2) to prevent employers from being sued directly for injuries that worker’s may suffer during their jobs. Essentially, these laws allow a means for recovery for injured workers while also allowing employers to mitigate
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some of the financial risks that they face by employing individuals. For an employee to recover for injuries under the system there must be an employment relationship, during which an injury arises in the course of employment and is related to the employment. An employee must also give notice of their injury to their employer within 120 days of the injury’s occurrence. Additionally, an employee has three years to file a claim for worker’s compensation as well. The types and amounts of benefits that a worker can receive vary a great deal based on the seriousness of the injury. An individual can receive benefits based on their average weekly wage, specific loss benefits, wage loss benefits and etc. There are numerous exceptions and technical issues that go into a proper examination of worker’s compensation case. For a more detailed answer to any specific worker’s compensation questions, please feel free to contact my office directly.
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January 2018
Cycling apparel manufacturer, Aero Tech Designs finds a new home in Chateau
By Neil Strebig When Aero Tech Designs started out in 2005, they did so with humble intentions – make quality products at affordable prices. Now over a decade later Aero Tech Designs has outgrown their Coraopolis roots and found a home in Chateau. “Our main goal is to provide comfort on the bicycle for all of our customers to help them ride longer and stronger, said the director of operations Ted Rogers. Rogers is the son of Aero Tech Designs founder, Cathy Schnaubelt Rogers who originally started the clothing manufacturing business in the early 90s because larger companies at that period of time were not offering cycling apparel for women. Since 2005, Aero Tech Designs has made a name for itself, becoming a staple in the cycling world. However, outside the biking community, Aero Tech Designs is not a household name, largely in part to a dedication towards online sales. And while Ted Rogers admits a large portion of the company’s sales is still through online transactions their new storefront in Chateau has been drawing in more and more business since their October opening.
According to Rogers the growth in Pittsburgh’s biking community has helped spurn the store’s “fantastic welcoming” and is a large reason for their sustained success as a company. “[In the] last 15 years the cycling culture has changed dramatically,” said Rogers. “It is way more acceptable now to ride your bike on the streets then it was 15 years ago.” Want to know more? View the full video feature on Aero Tech Designs and their contributions to Pittsburgh’s cycling culture online at thenorthsidechronicle.com. Aero Tech Designs Factory Store is located at 2345 Preble Ave. in Chateau. Hours of operation are Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wed. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call at 412262-3255 or visit their website at aerotechdesigns.com.
The lobby of Aero Tech Designs Factory Store in Chateau View the feature video on Aero Tech Designs online at thenorthsidechronicle.com
Photo by Neil Strebig
The Local Marketplace Section is supported by PNC Community Development Banking with funding from the PNC Foundation.
January 2018
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January 2018
CCAC partners with King Elementary on America Reads When America Reads was launched in 1996 the goal was to improve literacy rates among elementary school students. At the time nearly 40 percent of third-grade students were reading below proficiency levels. According to this year’s Report to the Community by A+ Schools, Pittsburgh King PreK-8 had 30 percent of their student’s grades 3 through 5 below a proficient PSSA reading level. Following a conversation with representatives from Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) it was brought to Kaitlyn Alves’ attention that a number of Northside schools had at least one similar program, however, King Elementary did not. With the need for an after-school literacy program and the proximity to CCAC’s campus, Alves saw this as a great opportunity to offer CCAC students a chance to earn monetary compensation while also giving back to the community.
“Along with the literacy teaching there is a mentoring component,” said Alves. “This is something the [CCAC] students can feel passionate about.” Alves who is an AmeriCorps VISTA member sponsored by the Pennsylvania Campus Compact (PACC) VISTA program, created the CCAC America Reads workstudy program for the Fall 2017 semester. The program takes six CCAC students and pairs them with 14 third graders in King’s After-School Program. Mon. thru Wed. they’ll work with the students at King Elementary. On Thursdays, CCAC tutors will meet with Alves for what she refers to as a “debrief” session 3:30 to 5:30 to discuss ways they can improve the study sessions with the students. The goal is not only to help improve the students’ literary comprehension rates but to also see a boost in student engagement and
attendance. A CCAC flyer for their new America Reads work-study program. Photo courtesy of CCAC. “They look up to those college students. I’m hoping that in the future it helps them want to go to college more,” said King Elementary English teacher Elizabeth FultonLasley. “It encourages them to be successful.” Fulton-Lasley, who oversees King’s after-school program and has been teaching in PPS for 19 years, has noticed a drastic improvement in the students reading of words per minute. Something that translates immediately to their comprehension abilities. “The more words they can read, the more words they know the stronger vocabulary they have, will help them be more successful on their test,” said Fulton-Lasley. However, as pleased as FultonLasley has been with the increase in student reading abilities she also
credits the program for being a huge triumph in the advancement of younger students’ social skills. She refers to the tutors as the students’ “buddies.” According to her, the students talk with the tutors on a personal level and through “one-on-one time” they establish a comfort level with the CCAC students that she believes is vital to not only the student’s education but their relationship to adults. “It’s really nice to have somebody they can talk to and look up to,” said Fulton Lasley. “They love it. They love having that special time with their buddy.” According to Alves, CCAC plans on expanding the program next year adding more tutors and possibly adding more programs at other schools or increasing their influence at King. For more information on the program or how to get involved visit www.ccac.edu or call CCAC student services at 412-237-3100.
Preservation Podcast helps students perpetuate history By Neil Strebig Preservation isn’t exactly a topic that will have students racing to class on time. But free breakfast might. Christian Hughes would wake up at 5 a.m. and start making pancakes and sausage for students in his broadcasting class at Perry Traditional Academy in Observatory Hill in hopes it would peak their attendance and engagement. Fortunately for Hughes, it worked. “A lot of it had to go from studentto-teacher to human-to-human,” said Hughes. “Once they felt like we weren’t just here to teach them something and that we also cared
about their well-being and we cared about the way in which they learned. That’s what really added to the attendance and engagement factor.” The delicious aid of flapjacks helped spurn the completion of The Preservation Podcast. The podcast is part of a Young Preservationists Association (YPA) program designed by Hughes and YPA executive director, Matthew Craig that helps demonstrate the value of preservation to younger generations. “We wanted to be more actively engaged in high school programming for preservation,” said Craig. The Preservation Podcast was built
from a partnership with the YPA, Perry Traditional Academy and Northside’s own Saturday Light Brigade (SLB). Additional funding for the program came courtesy of the Sprout Fund and Remake Learning. The combined partnership allowed Hughes and the YPA the chance to connect with high school students, not just through the importance of neighborhood preservation, but also through the introduction of a new style of communication with audio recording and podcasting. “I think they learned things they didn’t before,” said SLB executive director Larry Berger.
According to Berger, the SLB staff helped Hughes with the recording equipment and producing of the show. However, the script writing and style of Preservation Podcast was controlled by the students under Hughes’ direction. Hughes wanted to allow the students a chance to connect to both the show and the idea of preservation. To him, it was about “getting it to mean something to them.” “If this is the neighborhood I live in then what is that level of pride and responsibility through preservation that I can echo,” said Hughes. See Podcast, Page 23
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January 2018
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2017 Property Transfer Report
From Podcast, Page 22
By Lauren Stauffer & Neil Strebig
Photo courtesy of Young Preservationists Association
In addition to making a continental breakfast, Hughes found himself taking another unorthodox route to ensure the students were engaged and getting the most out of this experience. He integrated Snapchat into his curriculum. The plan was to first help the students understand “what they were going to do” with the podcast through an application they were already actively using before working with SLB and the new audio equipment. By utilizing Snapchat Hughes was able to have the students play back recordings of themselves to each other. With Snapchat, he realized he was able to speak and identify with students on their terms. In doing so, Hughes was able to effectively break down the formality of the class. “You have to find a way to make a connection,” Craig said. “[You] find a way to dignify who they
are.” Once that wall was dissolved, Hughes began to see students taking greater ownership of the program, the topics and the value of preservation. It’s something he admits wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t able to acutely “connect” with the class. Something Craig referred to as the “light bulb” effect where all the pieces of the program started to seamlessly work together and everyone involved began to see the class really take off. “You can’t draw water from an empty well. Part of our responsibility was to provide the information that the student would need to have an informed discussion,” said Craig. “Preservation means nothing if you can’t recognize your own worth in the experience.” Hughes and Craig noticed that after each class and each recording the students started to
realize more and more that preservation wasn’t just about the past. It was understanding the past and their role in the neighborhood’s future. Berger who worked primarily behind the scenes on the project noted that majority of the students demonstrated a positive response by the time the class recorded the series’ last episode. “[I] think it provides a sense of hope,” Berger said. “By understanding your history you can improve your future.”
On Tuesday, December 19 Pittsburgh City Council members voted 7-2 in favor of a .5 percent increase to the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT). The RTT increase will be effective February 1, 2018, and will be used to help supplement the $10 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which was approved in 2016 by the City Council. The RTT was a hotly debated subject over the last year, but despite the subtle tax increase residents in a number of Northside communities should see benefits once the AHTF begins to see significant funding allocated to it. The goal of the AHTF is helping improve both cost and quality of residential housing in low-income neighborhoods. The tax is split between the buyer and the seller of a property. With the increase to 4.5 percent, the split will be 2.25 percent between buyer and seller. That means if a property is sold for $100,000 the split is $2,225 between the buyer and the seller. This will initially tack on an additional sum to the purchase of a property but ultimately the additional funds (the RTT is divided up between the City of Pittsburgh, state and municipality/school district, buyers and sellers split the City of Pittsburgh’s 4.5 transfer tax) will be added into
the AHTF which has a $10 million cap. The additional sum will then be used to improve properties in the low-income neighborhoods throughout the city. With this passing, we decided to take a look at some of the property transfers within the Northside and see which neighborhoods were more active in the property transfer market than others. The statistics and graphs on the back page are a combination of both residential and commercial transfers and reflect a total of all properties transferred within the last year. With all of these properties being tallied one may notice that Troy Hill has the highest total value within the Northside which is in large part due to a $28 million transfer which is not cognitive of the overall real estate trends within the neighborhood. When factoring
Photo by Bridget Fertal
in the median real estate value of each neighborhood we removed any outliers such as this. In the case of Troy Hill, there were 10 outliers in total the aforementioned property along with another $1,290,750 sale and 8 other properties that were sold for less than $15,000. All ten of these outliers were well outside 10-15 percent of the next closest values. With the exclusion of North Shore and Allegheny Center/Nova Place the average property value in the Northside last year was $134,100. In comparison, the median sales price for a Pittsburgh home in 2017 was $170,000 according to real estate website, Trulia. Complete listing of 2017 Northside real estate transfer data on page 24.