squirrel hill update Gateway Project Update Councilman Corey O’Connor, SHUC President Ray Baum, Design Center Board President Ken Doyno and Gateway Committee chair Mardi Isler.
By Mardi Isler
You have probably seen it by now – the beautiful clock on Murray Avenue near Phillips designating “O’Connor’s Corner.” This is one of the enhancements that was proposed when the Squirrel Hill Urban coalition received a grant in 2008 from the Design Center and formed a committee to implement aesthetic improvements to provide a proper welcome to our neighborhood. We hoped that through improving the Squirrel Hill “Gateway” entrance, we could reflect Squirrel Hill’s image as a vibrant neighborhood for residents, shoppers and visitors. Achievements also included the adoption of the “Forgotten Garden,” establishing a colorful display at the Parkway Entrance/Exit with the help of the Western PA Conservancy and substantial annual contributions from Sestili’s Nursery. Streetlights and trees from Forward to Phillips were also part of this original initiative. In the spring of 2012, the potential for progress was stepped up with a second grant from the Design Center to focus on designs for the additional significant business district corners at Phillips, Beacon, and the Post Office Parklet. Funds were also provided to design and create construction drawings for the much needed “Welcome to Squirrel Hill” sign. A community meeting was held in April to review plans and to provide input on concept drawings. Construction will begin soon after the tunnel renovation is completed.
the way up Murray Avenue to meet those at Forbes, connecting the two main business corridors. This was made possible by funding from Councilman O’Connor and the commitment from City PublicWorks to help us reach our goals. Also look for work to begin on the Post Office Parklet and other Murray “corner” beautification efforts. In the fall the next phase is to consult with the merchants about planting trees from Phillips to Forbes in the spring of 2014. 9
As you walk the neighborhood this summer, you will see changes, including streetlights all Remembered Garden after weeding and planting. PAGE24 The Home & Garden Issue