SPR 03-22-22

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Since 1939, Serving The South Pittsburgh Neighborhoods of • Allentown • Arlington • Beltzhoover • Bon Air • Carrick • Knoxville • Mount Oliver • Mount Washington • South Side Vol. 82 No. 18

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PWSA building Reporter green stormwater Beltzhoover infrastructure in park Inside This Week’s South • Pittsburgh

A free picnic style lunch reception and Meet the Candidates meeting will take place on Saturday, March 26 at the Beulah Baptist Church, 201 Chalfont Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210.

By Margaret L. Smykla, Contributing Writer The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA) has two new board members following election at the organization’s annual meeting via Zoom on March 8: Andrew Fetzko and Marc Bowman.

Reelected board members were Cara Jette, Gavin Robb, Lucia Sanchez-Madrigal, and Jami Szalla.

The retiring board members are Brian Oswald and DeSee Page 2 nise Fillip. Trees will be planted in their honor at South Pittsburgh Side Park, said President Blake McLaren, who was reThe City of Pittsburgh’s elected president.

Department of Public Two openings for board positions remain. Those interestWorks (DPW) is accept- ed in joining the board or a committee, should contact info@ ing applications for the southsideslopes.org, or call Mr. McLaren at 412-721-1725. fourth year of its City Cuts The meeting kicked off with a listing of the various ways lawn-cutting program. to contact the organization.

See Page 2 Mr. McLaren cited http://www.southsideslopes. org; info@southsideslopes.org; or 412-376-7373. The SSSSouth Side The South Side Com- NA can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

He also said the meeting was being recorded, and would munity Council will hold its March General Meet- be available on YouTube.

The first presentation was on stormwater management by ing on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA).

Stormwater matters because when it rains, excess waThe planned agenda will ter overflows rivers and homes are flooded. With better include: stormwater management, pollution and water into rivers See Page 3 can be reduced.

Carrick Too much stormwater plus sewer water equals pollution Love Carrick and Vetin our rivers. It does not take much to overflow the system erans’ dinner will be as it can happen with an inch or less of rainfall. held throughout 2022 at Rebecca Zito, senior manager, Public Affairs, said there Concord Presbyterian has been a 71 percent increase since the 1950s in severe Church, 1907 Brownsville storm events in Allegheny County. Those events bring thunRoad. der, hail, tornadoes, and more.

See Page 3 Today, Pittsburgh averages 38 inches of rain per year. SeHilltop vere, highly-localized storms frequently overrun the sewer The Hilltop Alliance has system and treatment capacity. released its 2021 Year in Our system was not built for this volume of stormwater.

Review outlining the work Compounding the stormwater problem is that we have more the umbrella organization pavements and hard surfaces than a century ago. of 10 Hilltop neighborThe rain “needs somewhere to go,” she said. hoods has accomplished To report basement backups and flooding, call PWSA’s throughout the neighbor- emergency dispatch at 412-255-2423; call 311; or report it hoods. using the myburgh app: pittsburghpa.gov/311/myburgh .

See Pages 4-5 To tackle all of these challenges, PWSA is building an innovative green stormwater infrastructure that will transClassified Ads.............. Page 7 form stormwater management as it is designed to capture Or check them out at: and hold excess runoff before it goes to the river.

There are 17 such projects throughout Pittsburgh. www.sopghreporter.com Continued on Page 3

Enforcement issues have prevented the expansion of the South Side Parking Enhancement District (PED) to include Sundays. The South Side PED currently uses parking meter revenue collected after 6 p.m. for safe, clean and green programs in the district including the Clean Team keeping the sidewalks clear of trash and removing stickers and graffiti.

Delayed PED expansion hampers adding members to Clean Team

By Margaret L. Smykla Contributing Writer The February report of the Parking Enhancement District (PED) kicked off the March meeting of the South Side Planning Forum.

The PED, or the enforcement of South Side Flats parking meters from 6 p.m. to midnight, is in effect on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

PED funds must be invested back in the neighborhood for public safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure improvements. For the St. Patrick’s celebration on March 12, the PED paid for portable toilets placed in three Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA) lots.

Nighttime economy manager Allison Harnden delivered the report.

February PED revenue totaled $12,132.51.

The enforcement costs were $2,441.85. The 2022 PED revenue to date is $23,141.88.

The total revenue since the PED began in April, 2017, is $855,763.64.

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Regarding the Clean Team, or Block by Block which maintains the E. Carson St. corridor, the initiatives for February include preparing for spring: spray cleaning of trash receptacles, sweeping under cars, finish sweeping curblines, and graffiti removal.

Ms. Harnden said trash removal for February totaled 7,747 pounds.

The Clean Team removes trash and graffiti/stickers, lends hospitality assistance, and more.

Barbara Rudiak, president of the South Side Community Council (SSCC), commented she walked to S. 13 th St. one morning, and East Carson St. was already very clean, so it is money well spent.

City Councilman Bruce Kraus said he and Ms. Harnden met with a Block by Block official to discuss the Clean Team and the St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 12.

The plan was to bring in more staff on the Sunday following the event to “polish and shine,” Mr. Kraus said, after Public Works completes their work. The focus was to be Continued on Page 2

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Delayed PED expansion hampers adding members to Clean Team Continued from Page 1 on side streets.

Also discussed was adding another Clean Team member in May. Unfortunately, the idea of Sunday enforcement is showing no movement.

Mr. Kraus said he wanted to use the additional revenue to help finance a third person for the Clean Team.

He said he will be meeting with city officials on this issue as each weekend that goes by equates to a loss of about $1300, or projected Sunday enforcement revenue.

Updating the PennDOT Carson St. safety improvement project, Mr. Kraus said signals are being installed.

Once the bump outs and signals are in, the street will be milled and a new road surface and signage will be installed.

The contract has been awarded for the 18 th St. signals upgrade project for pedestrian safety. The plan is to begin construction in the spring while Carson St. is still under construction.

“In the long run it’s going to be great,” Mr. Kraus said of the signals upgrades.

He also reported the old 18th and Mary streets police station is under construction.

The police will be able to use the Zone 3 substation space for breaks, paperwork, and to respond more efficiently to calls.

The Clean Team is already utilizing its break room, and as a place to keep warm in cold weather.

Next, Mike Clark, of the SSCC, asked about cigarette

waste containers. Ms. Harnden said she just received a grant from “Keep America Beautiful,” and is working with Environmental Services on this.

She was also able to ask for wall-mounted cigarette dispensers, but it will take months to put them up. She said she will reach out to the business district managers to learn how many they want.

Candice Gonzalez, executive director of the South Side Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber had a supply of cigarette ash receptacles that were being held pending the completion of the East Carson St. construction work.

However, they were completely destroyed in the fire of the Chamber’s headquarters and welcome center.

Mr. Clark next asked about PED parking enforcement.

Mr. Kraus said the problem is being unable to get police escorts on many weekends.

As PPA agents are frequently accosted, the plan was for police officers to accompany them. Officers are not signing up to do so which would be in addition to their regular shifts.

The end result is that while agents are on the scene, paid from PED funds, tickets are not being given out.

State Rep. Jessica Benham said she explored whether tickets may be mailed, and state law states that is fine.

To a question from Mr. Kraus of whether the state differentiates between a po-

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lice ticket and a Parking Authority ticket, she said there is no distinction in state law, so it can be done.

To a question if the PED is recouping funds for lack of enforcement, Mr. Kraus said it has been discussed all along.

To a question from Mr. Clark about scooters parking, Mr. Kraus said the forum should bring in a company official to explain the regulations. He added the user’s account will be terminated if they park a scooter in a prohibited area: it cannot be left on lawns or sidewalks.

Ms. Harnden said she will ask an official to come to an upcoming forum meeting.

Next, in the SSCC report of the Development Activities Meeting (DAM), Ms. Rudiak said at the February 17 DAM there were three presentations, with all of the proposed projects to go before the Historic Review Commission (HRC).

A DAM provides an opportunity for citizens, property owners, business owners, and stakeholders to learn about the proposals that affect them and to resolve concerns at an early stage of the application process.

The properties were 601, 603, and 605 East Carson St., 1500 Bingham St.; and the Urban Tap façade changes. The latter is about having two exits at the request of the Dept. of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI).

In March month, the DAM reviewed one project that will be going before the HRC: minimal façade work on 2303-2315 East Carson St. The proposal is to change the building from offices to apartments.

In her DAM report of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association (SSSNA), Cara Jette said one will be scheduled for art in South Side Park on a date yet to be determined.

She next reported the annual meeting of the SSSNA would be held that evening with board member elections. A proposed by-law change is broadening eligibility for joining the board to include attendance at other

events, such as DAM meetings and cleanups, and not just the general meetings.

In her report, Ms. Gonzalez said that during the last week of February the Chamber hand delivered 250 copies of a Chamber letter to South Side businesses to remind them that they are responsible to keep their properties clean of litter, ice, and snow.

The letter included the city’s municipal code provision that specifies these responsibilities and invited businesses and proper-

ty owners to encourage other businesses and neighbors nearby to keep their blocks clean and welcoming.

In the report of the SSCC, Ms. Rudiak said a general meeting will be held on March 29.

The meeting concluded with Rep. Benham reporting that a blood drive at the IBEW building on South Side on March 2 drew 25 donors, which could save up to 75 lives.

She also reported PennDot expects work to begin in April on the Fern Hollow

Bridge which collapsed in January. It is expected to be completed in a year or a year-and-a-half.

In related news, Mayor Gainey announced he is having 22 city bridges double checked that are in poor condition.

The final information from Rep. Benham was that a senior fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 6 in the Brentwood Civic Center parking lot.

The next Planning Forum Zoom meeting will be on April 12.

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is accepting applications for the fourth year of its City Cuts lawn-cutting program.

This program is free for those who do not have the financial or social means to assist with lawn care. Individuals must also be a veteran, over the age of 62, or have a disability.

While the program was unable to operate in 2021, it is set to return this summer. City Cuts began in 2018 through legislation introduced by Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith and to date has assisted more than 2,000 Pittsburgh seniors and those with disabilities with lawn cutting services.

“I am grateful to Mayor Gainey and his administration for continuing this worthwhile program that has multiple benefits. In addition to helping senior citizens, veterans, and people with differing abilities, it beautifies the neighborhood, reduces unnecessary calls to 311 (which helps to minimize the backlog of complaints), and it helps local small landscaping businesses succeed,” Councilwoman Kail-Smith said.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. This year, the city has the budget and capacity to serve 650 neighbors with twice monthly cuts from May through October. Applicants must own their own home and live within City of

Pittsburgh boundaries.

There are four ways for residents to apply: • Visit the City Cuts website, https://pittsburghpa. gov/citycuts/, and select ‘Click to Apply Online’ • Visit one of 18 Carnegie Library branches to fill out an application and mail it directly to the city • Visit one of 13 CitiPark’s Healthy Active Living Centers to fill out an application and mail it to the city • Call the 311 Response Line at 311 or 412-255-2621 “We are thrilled to have

the program operating again this year and are looking forward to building on the success we’ve had in previous years serving our residents.,” said Department of Public Works Acting Director Chris Hornstein.

Contractors interested in applying should go to the City’s procurement website for full details about the application process. Visit https://pittsburghpa.gov/ beacon and click on the Bid Opportunities tab and look for the project titled ‘PQ List for 2022 City Cuts’.

A free picnic style lunch reception and Meet the Candidates meeting will take place on Saturday, March 26 at the Beulah Baptist Church, 201 Chalfont Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210.

Hosted by the Greater Beltzhoover Inter Agency Network, candidates for the PA 12th Congressional District and PA House of Representatives District 19, along with updates and announcements.

Candidates for the 12th Congressional District attending include: Bhavini Patel, Jerry Dickerson, Steve Irwin and Summer Lee. Candidates for the District 19 House of Repre-

sentatives’ seat attending include: Aerion Andrew Abney and Rev. Glenn Grayson. There will be two elections for the District 19 seat: An April 5 Special Election for the remainder of former Rep. Jake Wheatley’s term (8-9 months) and the Primary Election on May 17 for a two-year term, 2023-2024.

Also speaking will be Larry Anderson concerning the South Hills High School Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame along with Erin Tobin and Ross Chapman from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

A free picnic style lunch reception will be served at 2 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 3 p.m.

City accepting applications for the City Cuts free lawn-cutting program

Free picnic lunch and meet the candidates

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PAGE THREE

PWSA building green stormwater infrastructure in S.S. park Continued from Page 1 For more information, visit: www.pgh2ostormwater.com In an update on the South Side Park stormwater project, Ms. Zito said it is awaiting a joint permit application from the state Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Construction will begin upon receipt of the permit on the upper portion of the project.

Among the activities in the park in preparation for the improvements will be for PWSA to relocate two 30-inch water mains under the Mission Street Bridge in Fall, 2022.

Besides changing how it manages stormwater, PWSA changed how it bills for stormwater beginning this year.

Even if a parcel has no water meter, it will be eligible for payment of a stormwater bill to PWSA. Ms. Zito said it is more fair and equitable than billing by meter usage.

By changing how PWSA charges for stormwater, improvements in the stormwa-

ter process, over time, can be made. The payoff should be fewer basement backups and less pollution.

For more fee information, visit: www.pgh2o.com/ stormwater-fee .

Next, Sarah Viszneki, of PWSA, discussed customer assistance programs and federal assistance to help pay one’s water bills.

The Energy Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created to help renters during COVID. There is also the new Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund for utilities and mortgage payments.

For information on the lead service line replacement reimbursement program, contact 412-255-8987, or email leadhelp@pgh2o. com .

There is also a customer usage portal to help all customers track their real-time water usage.

For any questions, email Ms. Viszneki at sviszneki@ pgh2o.com .

In her update, state Rep. Jessica Benham,

36th District, said the area is nearing $4 million in state grants. The SSSNA should contact her if it wants to apply for a grant.

A blood drive at the IBEW building on South Side on March 2 drew 25 donors, which could save up to 75 lives.

She also reported that a meeting on speakeasies, or establishments which sell alcohol without a license, was held in February. The panel included Liquor Control Enforcement, Pittsburgh police, and others.

A video of the event is available; please contact her office.

PennDot expects work to begin in May on the Fern Hollow Bridge which collapsed in January. It is expected to be completed in a year to a year-and-a-half.

Rep. Benham also reported a senior fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 6 in the Brentwood Civic Center parking lot.

Forty vendors have already signed on.

Next, city Council-

South Side Community Council March general meeting will be next Tuesday The South Side Community Council will hold its March General Meeting on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The planned agenda will include: • Public Safety Director

• City Council Update Lee Schmidt, Police Chief Scott Schubert, Assistant Bruce Kraus • State Update - State RepChief of Operations Linda Barone and Zone 3 Com- resentative Jessica Benham • SSCC Updates - Barbamander John Fisher • Stormwater Program ra Rudiak Those interested in atUpdate - Mike Clark tending, should email info@ southsidecommunitycouncil@gmail.com. When the meeting link has been created, it will be emailed to those There will be state re- wanting to attend. sources on hand with information pertaining to seniors as well as dozens of vendors from local and national organizations. For more information, or assistance with any state-related matConcord Presbyterian ters, call her office at 412- Church will hold an Easter 881-4208 Pancake Breakfast and Ven-

man Bruce Kraus said the PennDOT Carson St. safety improvement project is moving along with signals being installed. Most bump-outs are finished.

Once the bump-outs and signals are in, the remainder of the sidewalks will be installed and road surfaces redone from Station Square to the Frank Fuhrer company.

He also reported the contract has been awarded for the 18th St. signals upgrade project. The plan is to begin construction in the spring and be completed in a year.

The intersections will be redesigned at Sarah St., Jane St., Mary St., Josephine St., Mission St., Arlington Ave., and Amanda St. The traffic signal upgrades include: gloss black signal poles; audible countdown pedestrian signals; and more.

Kitty Vagley, of the Friends of South Side Park, highlighted the group’s major pursuits, such as a bike pump track, or a one-way track that goes up and down and around and does not require pedaling as riders pump with their bodies.

The first grant was received for $17,500 from the PNC Charitable Trust for

the ADA trail to run near the Bandi Schaum Community Garden.

TreeVitalize will be donating 20 large trees to plant on April 30.

No date has been set yet for Goatfest. Vendors are sought. The purpose of the goats is to eat invasive species and vines.

For more information on South Side Park, email FriendsofSouthSideParkPgh@gmail.com .

Next, Mr. McLaren reported there will be discussion at the May 10 SSSNA meeting on a proposed by-laws change that would broaden eligibility for joining the board.

As it stands now, voting members must have attended two public meetings in

the past year. The change would enlarge that to include two public meetings, events, or activities in the last year.

Mr. McLaren it is in response to the shift which has occurred in how we interact as the pandemic changed how people choose to spend their time.

In committee updates, StepTrek planning will begin in June.

The annual non-competitive, self-guided walking tour of the Slopes will be in-person.

At 6 p.m. on the last Thursday in April a cleanup will take place in the Bandi Schaum parking lot.

The next public meeting of the SSSNA will be in-person on May 10. A site has yet to be determined.

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Rep. Jessica Benham hosting a drive through senior fair State Rep. Jessica Benham’s office will host a “Drive Through Senior Fair” at the Brentwood Civic Center Parking Lot, located behind the Brentwood Library and Volunteer Fire Department, on Wednesday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Easter pancake breakfast at Concord Church

Love Carrick releases dates for free community dinners Love Carrick and Veterans’ dinner will be held throughout 2022 at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1907 Brownsville Road.

The free Love Carrick dinners will be held on Tuesdays: March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8 and

December 13.

The free Veterans’ Dinners will be on Wednesdays: March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, and December 21.

There is no charge for any of the dinners. RSVP to Peg at 412-628-1566.

Street cleaning enforcement will return in the City of Pittsburgh beginning April 1.

The Pittsburgh Parking Authority is urging resi-

dents to pay attention to the posted signs for the scheduled street sweeping in each neighborhood to avoid receiving a parking ticket.

Street cleaning returns April 1

dor Fair on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost for the breakfast is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 6 years old. Proceeds benefit holiday food baskets for those in need.

Vendor tables are available for $15. Vendors must RSVP by March 25 by calling 412-882-1141.

The event will take place in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 1907 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. All unvaccinated people must wear masks and be socially distant. Hall capacity is 75 people including vendors, workers, diners and shoppers, per covid guidelines.

The UPMC Living-at-Home Program is a geriatric care management program that provides peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.

• Comprehensive in-home assessment • Free to eligible seniors 70 or older who live in one of 23 surrounding Pittsburgh neighborhoods For more information, call 412-723-6200 or visit UPMC.com/livingathome.

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PAGE FOUR

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TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022

A YEAR OF PRESERVATION AND GROWTH: Hilltop Alliance 2021 Review

Allentown Business District Fresh The Allentown business district remained resilient in 2021.

Seven new businesses opened in Allentown during 2021, creating approximately 13 new jobs.

In addition, multiple businesses began the process of opening up or expanding operations in 2021, with project end dates in 2022.

This includes a tap room by Inner Groove Brewing Company, and the development of the Storyville Lounge and Inspired by Spirits Distillery from the owners of Dr. Tumbelty’s. The district-wide storefront vacancy rate now sits below 5%, with only a handful of empty storefronts.

2021 saw the return of events in Allentown, bringing visitors and the community together on the main street once more.

In October, Hilltop Alliance worked with local retailer, The Weeping Glass, to host the largest Allentown Night Market yet, welcoming over 50 vendors across three markets. Over 1,000 people came out for the Allentown Night Market in October, representing at least 7 states, 9 Pennsylvania counties and every zip code in Allegheny County.

From May through September, we welcomed local, homebased businesses to the Lunch-

time Lot at 819 E. Warrington Avenue each Saturday for the Side Lot Side Hustle Vendor Series. Throughout the course of the summer, over 30 vendors sold their wares during the event.

In addition, the Hilltop Urban Farm hosted three farmers markets in the space, showcasing produce from their incubator farmers.

In November, outdoor seating was placed in the space and a wooden platform was constructed in the back of the lot, to be utilized for future performances and live music.

The Lunchtime Lot renovation provides an accessible outdoor space for vending and events, as well as year-round outdoor seating for eating takeout from local eateries.

Hilltop Alliance also coordinated marketing and promotional campaigns for small businesses, including business district passport programs (Spring 2021 and November/December 2021) and a video campaign highlighting three small businesses (Winter 2021).

We also worked closely with the Allentown CDC to create and maintain a stronger online social media presence.

Fridays on the Hilltop and Food Access

Providing food access remained a top organizational priority in 2021. Responding to the needs of the communities we serve, 2021 marked the first year in which we offered the Fresh Fridays on the Hilltop food distribution year-round, over 12 consecutive months.

Since June of 2020, Fresh Fridays has operated under a Grab-N-Go model, as a pandemic precaution to limit points of contact among those distributing and attending.

In total, approximately 3,700 Hilltop households received fresh produce, dairy and dry goods through our Fresh Friday distri-

butions in 2021.

In addition, our staff also connected senior citizens to a monthly food box delivery program, resulting in 384 deliveries in 2021.

Managing Through COVID-19

The economic and social effects of COVID-19 continued to cast a shadow over 2021. As we did in 2020, Hilltop Alliance continued to assist our community residents and business owners in weathering this storm.

Throughout 2021, Hilltop Alliance worked alongside the Hilltop Pharmacy and Allegheny County Health Department, to provide outreach to Hilltop residents regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and help register for appointments. Through this ef-

fort, over 500 vaccines have been administered. Additionally, throughout the year, Hilltop Alliance shared ongoing resources regarding vaccine clinics and testing centers in the community, through all of our communications channels.

Hilltop Alliance also worked to connect small business owners to services such as grants and loans to help them continue to operate and thrive during the pandemic.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022

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PAGE FIVE

A YEAR OF PRESERVATION AND GROWTH: Hilltop Alliance 2021 Review

Mt. Oliver Business District In the second half of 2021, Hilltop Alliance built on our ongoing partnership with Mt. Oliver Borough and the Hilltop Economic Development Corporation by expanding the business district revitalization program to encompass the Brownsville Road Corridor in Mt. Oliver Borough and the City’s Knoxville neighborhood.

The Director of Economic Development, Meg O’Brien, has been working to connect new and existing business owners to grant and technical assistance resources.

From the beginning of 2021 to February of 2022, the occupancy rate in the business district rose from 50% to 67%.

Additionally, Hilltop Alliance has provided marketing and com-

Property Support

7

New businesses opened on E. Warrington Ave.

480 Property maintainence issues resolved or in-progress munications assistance, including the inaugural Mt. Oliver Passport Program. For more information about work in Mt. Oliver, visit mtoliver.com.

Stabilization and Services Program

It was a busy year for the Property Stabilization Program (PSP) team.

The team worked with homeowners across the Hilltop, helping to provide access to grants for home repairs, and working to clean up property-related issues such as dumping and overgrowth, in coordination with City departments, local magistrates, and neighbors.

In 2021, 514 residential properties across our service area of 11 neighborhoods received some form of property stabilization assistance from the Hilltop Alliance.

This included 34 home repair projects (Emergency Stabilization Grants, Homeowner Assistance Program projects, and Home Accessibility Program for Independence projects).

480 properties received minor maintenance assistance, and 350 were in connection to our Knoxville clean-ups.

Hilltop Alliance is the Hilltop’s program administrator for

2021

BY THE NUMBERS

the City of Pittsburgh Housing Opportunity Fund’s Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP).

This program manages up to $30,000 per home for priority home repairs that ensure safety, code compliance and prevent displacement.

Applications are submitted to the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, who then review and assign projects to the Hilltop Alliance.

The Hilltop Alliance completed a total of 13 Homeowner Assistance Program projects in 2021.

Above and beyond Property Stabilization, our PSP team was able to provide 97 human services referrals, 87 of which were related to issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

These referrals connected Hilltop residents to specific resources such as child care assistance, utility assistance and more.

34 Special events were held in the Allentown Business District

3,700 Households received fresh produce, dairy and dry goods through the Fresh Friday program

40

Loans or grants provided to local small businesses

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@hilltopalliance on Instagram @HilltopAlliance on Facebook and Twitter

PAGE SIX

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TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022

Native South Sider will release her City Theatre announces details debut novel at South Side Library of 2022-23 season of new works

South Side native Kathy Kasunich is releasing her eagerly anticipated novel, Always Remembering.

The publication of Ms. Kasunich’s fictional romance set in South Side during WWII will be marked with a launch event on Saturday, April 9, 2-4 p.m. at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh South Side Branch.

Ms. Kasunich spins a captivating and compelling story set during WWII that delves into the emotions and unseen consequences caused by conflict. Always Remembering, described as “Capra-esque,” is “both inspiring and poignant as it portrays the resilience of the human spirit and the power of sentimental memories.”

“Helen has only one dream in her life: to marry Mike. What happens when World War II erupts, and the new lovers are forced to separate and endure a new normal of uncertainty, loneliness, heartache, and misunderstandings? How do they contend with Helen’s dom-

ineering mother who forces her to accept an engagement ring from another man and cancels wedding plans?

How can they deal with meddling relatives who question Mike’s intentions? What is the antidote for all the poisons infiltrating their world?

Nostalgic memories and unceasing correspondence.

They must learn to adapt and remember the person who stole their heart.”

The historical romantic fiction novel is an engrossing read that seems to have been snatched from the pages of histo-

ry books. Always Remembering takes the reader on a sentimental journey back in time, immersing them in the emotions and events of two ordinary individuals during an extraordinary time that would forever and profoundly impact and touch their lives.

Ms. Kasunich’s debut novel, Always Remembering, will be released on Amazon and Barnes and Noble on April 9.

A native of the South Side of Pittsburgh, Kathy Kasunich now resides in Williamsburg, Virginia.

City Theatre Company has announced the details of the theatre’s 48th season of bold, new works, beginning in September 2022. City Theatre’s second season postpandemic shutdown will feature five plays with first-time and returning artists, plus special events.

“The 2022-23 season marks the first time the three of us have officially announced a line up as Co-Artistic Directors,” shared co-artistic directors Clare Drobot, Marc Masterson, and Monteze Freeland.

“In crafting City Theatre’s journey for the next year, we investigated, in collaboration with our colleagues, the stories Pittsburgh was eager for and the voices often missing from both local and national conversations.

“These plays represent our collective vision for a vibrant year of theatre that welcomes back Lynn Nottage and Anna Ziegler’s words to our stages and introduces Pittsburgh

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audiences to Karen Zacarias and Kareem Fahmy. Each of these plays delve into different aspects of intergenerational relationships and community and that spirit will inform the ways in which we produce and live out our company’s values on stage and off.”

City Theatre will launch its 2022-2023 subscription season by welcoming back two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Intimate Apparel, City Theatre 2007) with her new play Clyde’s.

Following Clyde’s successful run on Broadway, critics praised Nottage’s “genius for bringing politically charged themes to life by embodying them in ordinary characters living ordinary lives.” (The Wall Street Journal).

To close out the calendar year, Anna Ziegler (The Last Match, City Theatre 2016) returns to City Theatre with The Wanderers. This mysterious new drama, exploring the complications of love and what it really means to be happy, was the recipient of the 2018 San Diego Critic’s Circle Award for Outstanding New Play and has been called a “perfect piece of theater...it’s magnificent” (DC Theatre Scene).

Kicking off after the 2023 new year will be Heidi Schreck’s “endearingly funny and deeply affecting” (The Washington Post) play What the Constitution Means to Me, which played an extended sold-out run on Broadway in 2019 and has just completed a criticallyacclaimed national tour. City Theatre has received some of the first rights issued to selfproduce the play.

The 48th season continues with the flower-filled Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías, just in time to welcome the spring of 2023. Focusing on a neighborly property line disagreement that turns into an all-out border dispute, Karen Zacarías delivers a “skillful comedy...bright, witty, and clever” (Cincinnatti.com).

City Theatre completes its season with Kareem Fahmy’s American Fast, a new

play about college basketball superstar Khady that questions family, faith, and what it means to win at all costs.

“On the two-year anniversary of Covid’s shutdown of the theater industry, we are excited to announce this new season, our 48th overall,” said Managing Director James McNeel. “I am proud of our local and national cultural colleagues, staff, and artists for their tireless efforts to overcome the many pandemic hurdles thrown our way during this long recovery.

“And now, with geo-political tremors bringing even new layers of disruption and uncertainty to our world, we remain committed to the belief that art can be a critical balm that heals, as well as an opportunity to rediscover and rebuild community. We look forward to sharing this outstanding and very ‘City Theatre-like’ season—filled with joy, heart, and thoughtfulness—with Pittsburgh audiences, new and old.”

Kicking off City Theatre’s new season will be the return of the hottest block party of the year. On September 10, the South Side will again host its signature fundraiser The BASH, which saw 479 attendees in 2019. The street will be filled with a food truck tour of Pittsburgh classics, live performances, sidewalk games, craft cocktails, and more.

One “City Event” performance run is ready to be announced as, midway through the season, Kimberly Richards returns as the unforgettable ‘Sister’ in ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 by Maripat Donovan. Since 2005, Ms. Richards has raised nearly $370,000 for Catholic motherhouses through the Late Nite Catechism series.

This installment, taking place during the Valentine’s Day season, will include a zany version of the Newlywed Game full of jokes, audience participation, and counseling that will have you laughing until your sides – and your wallet – split open.

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In the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: GD-22-1819. In re: Petition of Sadie Freund, for change of name to Sadie Price. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for. Louis J. Kroeck, IV, 1200 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, Ph: 412-712-7605, Attorney for Petitioner.

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The Board of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association is proposing a change to the bylaws of the association.

This change to the bylaws regards the eligibility to be considered for board membership. It would more accurately reflect how we engage with our community and broaden the pool of potential board members.

Here is how Article IV: Members, Section 1. b. currently reads: “Voting Members: those members eighteen (18) years or older who attended at least two public meetings in the past year.”

We propose that this sentence of the bylaw be revised to read: “Voting members: those members eighteen (18) years or older who attended at least two public meetings, events, or activities convened by the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association in the past year.”

We, like many other for- and not-for-profit organizations, have experienced a shift in the way that we interact with our members - and the way that they interact with us. It’s clear that the pandemic has fundamentally changed how people are choosing to spend their time outside of family, work, and other obligations.

It’s important for us to understand and respond to these shifts. Expanding the pool of potential Board Members to more accurately reflect how the organization engages with the community - now, and going forward - will put us in a better position to achieve our goals. We see the challenge of attracting and retaining board members as a long term one - and this is the appropriate opportunity to make this small, but impactful change.

This proposed change will be published in The South Pittsburgh Reporter and on our website. We will have a discussion before a formal vote at our May 10th general meeting. This vote will be open to all board members and general members in good standing. If you have any thoughts on the topic in the meantime, please reach out to any of our Board Members in the meantime and let’s chat!

Thank you, Blake M. McLaren President of the Board - SSSNA

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