Pittsburgh's financial oversight board has hired an accountant to review all of the city’s open accounts. The analysis is in preparation for Pittsburgh joining Allegheny County’s computerized fiscal management system.
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority says Pittsburgh-based firm Gleason & Associates will work with city government to smooth the financial transition.
The firm will likely close out several inactive or empty accounts, and ICA Executive Director Henry Sciortino says Gleason may even find some extra money in old projects that went under-budget. The accounts range from those opened in the current administration to funds earmarked decades ago.
Sciortino says the firm will also examine both the capital budget and the operating budget to help the city understand its current standing.
But Sciortino says the real goal of the project is to make sure all of Pittsburgh’s finances are ready for the conversion by the end of the summer.
“In that conversion, we want the city to be able to go through all of its accounts, and then match up with the accounts in a way that they fit into the County system,” says Sciortino.
Gleason & Associates was hired in a $35,000 contract that was paid for by the ICA. Sciortino says the financial review will probably take four to six weeks to finish.
Showing posts with label City of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
ICA, City Prepare for Financial Conversion
Pittsburgh is getting money to convert its financial record-keeping system to a new, digital format that it will share with Allegheny County.
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which is appointed by the state to oversee the city's finances, will hire a financial consultant to "clean up" all of Pittsburgh's open accounts before the switch.
ICA Executive Director Henry Sciortino says that means looking back through decades worth of city-funded projects, to see if money is left over.
"There are enterprise funds, there are a variety of trust funds that exist that have been created over the years for special projects, for parks, for recreation services, for the purchase of specific equipment," says Sciortino. "All of those things have a separate life."
Sciortino says the end balance can't be in the red, because if a project had ended up short of cash, the city would have had to put more funding into it. But he says in the current system, there's no method for tracking unspent dollars.
The result will be a clearer picture of Pittsburgh's finances, which should help streamline budget talks in the future. Sciortino says the city, the county, and local authorities should all be running their finances by the state-recommended standard.
The executive director says closing out all of the city's stagnant accounts will take time, so he hopes to fast-track the process beginning this July. He says the ICA wants to bring together the city's administration, Council, Controller, Act 47, and the ICA consultant to discuss the conversion process in a few weeks.
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which is appointed by the state to oversee the city's finances, will hire a financial consultant to "clean up" all of Pittsburgh's open accounts before the switch.
ICA Executive Director Henry Sciortino says that means looking back through decades worth of city-funded projects, to see if money is left over.
"There are enterprise funds, there are a variety of trust funds that exist that have been created over the years for special projects, for parks, for recreation services, for the purchase of specific equipment," says Sciortino. "All of those things have a separate life."
Sciortino says the end balance can't be in the red, because if a project had ended up short of cash, the city would have had to put more funding into it. But he says in the current system, there's no method for tracking unspent dollars.
The result will be a clearer picture of Pittsburgh's finances, which should help streamline budget talks in the future. Sciortino says the city, the county, and local authorities should all be running their finances by the state-recommended standard.
The executive director says closing out all of the city's stagnant accounts will take time, so he hopes to fast-track the process beginning this July. He says the ICA wants to bring together the city's administration, Council, Controller, Act 47, and the ICA consultant to discuss the conversion process in a few weeks.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Major Upgrade for Mellon Square
Ground has been broken on an $8 million restoration project at Mellon Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Susan Rademacher, parks curator for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, says 55 years ago Mellon Square became the first modern garden plaza in the country built in conjunction with a parking garage....
"Cities like San Francisco had dug out underneath an old park and built a parking garage, but this (Mellon Square) was the first that was conceived of as one piece, one design, with a green roof garden for the public on top of levels of parking."
Rademacher says this was the precursor of the green roof movement and it was the first green space in downtown Pittsburgh even before Point State Park.
Today, the park is in a state of deterioration according to Rademacher because of a lack of regular maintenance. The Conservancy has reached a 30 year agreement with the city of Pittsburgh to provide day to day maintenance.
Phase 1 of the restoration project includes 2 signature pieces: the Cascade Fountain and a new terrace over the retail shops on Smithfield Street.
Rademacher says the mechanics of the fountain have not been replaced and as a result the fountain only works manually when a city employee is on site.
"We're going to put back all the automated controls so the fountain will be running all of the time. We're also going to restore the look and feel of the fountain to the original 1955 design which had a much lighter, more sparkling kind of appearance."
The new terrace will add 15% more usable space which she says will result inf intimate, relaxing green space for lunch and for enjoying the view of the fountain. The first phase will also include restoration of the entry staircases and the reinstallation of the ground level lighting and is to be completed in Spring of 2012.
Support for phase 1 comes from the Colcom Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Rademacher says they are continuing fundraising for the completion phase and have received grants from the Heinz Endowments, BNY Mellon Foundation, the Benter Foundation, the Buhl Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation, and W.I. Patterson Charitable Fund.
"Cities like San Francisco had dug out underneath an old park and built a parking garage, but this (Mellon Square) was the first that was conceived of as one piece, one design, with a green roof garden for the public on top of levels of parking."
Rademacher says this was the precursor of the green roof movement and it was the first green space in downtown Pittsburgh even before Point State Park.
Today, the park is in a state of deterioration according to Rademacher because of a lack of regular maintenance. The Conservancy has reached a 30 year agreement with the city of Pittsburgh to provide day to day maintenance.
Phase 1 of the restoration project includes 2 signature pieces: the Cascade Fountain and a new terrace over the retail shops on Smithfield Street.
Rademacher says the mechanics of the fountain have not been replaced and as a result the fountain only works manually when a city employee is on site.
"We're going to put back all the automated controls so the fountain will be running all of the time. We're also going to restore the look and feel of the fountain to the original 1955 design which had a much lighter, more sparkling kind of appearance."
The new terrace will add 15% more usable space which she says will result inf intimate, relaxing green space for lunch and for enjoying the view of the fountain. The first phase will also include restoration of the entry staircases and the reinstallation of the ground level lighting and is to be completed in Spring of 2012.
Support for phase 1 comes from the Colcom Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Rademacher says they are continuing fundraising for the completion phase and have received grants from the Heinz Endowments, BNY Mellon Foundation, the Benter Foundation, the Buhl Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation, and W.I. Patterson Charitable Fund.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Pittsburgh Worker's Compensation Audit Released
Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb has released an audit of the Worker's Compensation program showing reduced costs. Lamb says recommendations he made when he took office have produced the savings. Improving safety procedures has reduced the overall number of claims, and legacy claims have gone down 36%. The city has hired a firm to negotiate one-time settlements in today's dollars for claims that would otherwise go on for years and years.
The city outsources all worker's compensation legal services, but Lamb says the provider (O'Brien, Rulis and Bochicchio) has been receiving $25,000 a month without providing any itemization of legal services performed or rates charged as required in the contract. Lamb says itemization should be required as a "sound basis for assessing the economy of the current contract, especially if the number of legacy claims continues to be reduced."
Lamb also thinks worker's comp should be included in the budget for each city department as a further incentive for department heads to get people back to work as soon as possible. He thinks the worker's compensation provider is doing a good job of getting injured workers the care and rehabilitation they need to get back to work or managing their claims when unable to work.
The city outsources all worker's compensation legal services, but Lamb says the provider (O'Brien, Rulis and Bochicchio) has been receiving $25,000 a month without providing any itemization of legal services performed or rates charged as required in the contract. Lamb says itemization should be required as a "sound basis for assessing the economy of the current contract, especially if the number of legacy claims continues to be reduced."
Lamb also thinks worker's comp should be included in the budget for each city department as a further incentive for department heads to get people back to work as soon as possible. He thinks the worker's compensation provider is doing a good job of getting injured workers the care and rehabilitation they need to get back to work or managing their claims when unable to work.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Pgh Councilman Faces 3 Challengers
It's a four man race in Tuesday's Democratic Primary in Pittsburgh Council District 3. Three candidates are challenging incumbent Councilman Bruce Kraus who is seeking a second 4-year term.
Jeffrey Koch is a supervisor in the city's Public Works Department and served on Council for 18 months after winning a 2006 special election to fill out the term of Gene Ricciardi who resigned the seat to become a district magistrate.
Koch then lost in the 2007 Primary to Kraus. Koch says he'd like to see through some of the measure he began while on council. Koch, who has the backing of Mayor Ravenstahl, says Kraus is intentionally contrary to the mayor, which has led to a deficiency in services for District 3.
"Last year the city of Pittsburgh spent $5.6 million citywide to pave streets. Unfortunately, District 3 only received $200,000 of that. That's less than 5% of the total paving capital budget that went to our district, and our communities are showing it. I want to bring those services back to our community."
The incumbent Kraus says he's not worried about a lack of support from the mayor's office. Kraus says he'll be reelected if his constituents think he's been doing a good job. Kraus
says some of measure's he's implemented include creating a satellite office in Arlington, supporting the renovation of the library on East Carson Street, and cleaning up abandoned properties in Beltzhoover. He says he's been the voice of his constituents on citywide matters such as voting on a plan to lease the city's parking assets...
"We labored over that issue for months. We held numerous public hearings (and) public meetings in the neighborhoods and in the Council Chamber, and that opinion never changed. And so when that piece of legislation came before me, I voted what my constituents wanted me to vote and that was to say 'no' on that parking lease."
Kraus says he welcomes an open, democratic election with several challengers. One of those is Jason Phillips, the manager of a South Side glass studio and a member of the County Democratic Committee.
Phillips says he's concerned about the direction of District 3 over the past 6 years under both Koch and then Kraus. Phillips says Kraus has burned bridges to the mayor's office.
"He has been a constant thorn in the side of the mayor. On the flipside to that, though, we have another candidate in the race (Koch) who, people consider him to be a mayoral rubber stamp. I feel that I'm the candidate that's best positioned to be in the middle of those two extremes."
Phillips says he supports the idea of a "Neighborhood Improvement District," but he'd like a more detailed plan. The NID would pool money of business owners on the South Side to supplement city services in the area. The idea was part of Kraus' "Responsible Hospitality Initiative."
The fourth candidate in the Democratic Primary is Gavin Robb who is a municipal attorney and President of the South Side Chamber of Commerce. He says he's concerned about the leadership in the council district. Robb says his experience as a lawyer familiarized him with many of the skills necessary for City Council in terms of technical legislative ability and capacity as a "mediator" between council and the mayor.
Robb says he also supports the ides of a Neighborhood Improvement District which he says Kraus has not followed through with implementing.
"The neighborhood itself is pushing forward with this. It's not something he has emphasized during election time, of course, because no one likes to run on the idea that 'Hey, elect me and you people in this district are going to get assessed X amount of additional dollars a year.'"
Robb says Kraus' consistent opposition to the mayor is getting in the way of District 3 interests especially in terms of receiving city services.
No Republicans have entered the primary election in this district so it's likely the winner of the Democratic primary will take the general election in November.
Jeffrey Koch is a supervisor in the city's Public Works Department and served on Council for 18 months after winning a 2006 special election to fill out the term of Gene Ricciardi who resigned the seat to become a district magistrate.
Koch then lost in the 2007 Primary to Kraus. Koch says he'd like to see through some of the measure he began while on council. Koch, who has the backing of Mayor Ravenstahl, says Kraus is intentionally contrary to the mayor, which has led to a deficiency in services for District 3.
"Last year the city of Pittsburgh spent $5.6 million citywide to pave streets. Unfortunately, District 3 only received $200,000 of that. That's less than 5% of the total paving capital budget that went to our district, and our communities are showing it. I want to bring those services back to our community."
The incumbent Kraus says he's not worried about a lack of support from the mayor's office. Kraus says he'll be reelected if his constituents think he's been doing a good job. Kraus
says some of measure's he's implemented include creating a satellite office in Arlington, supporting the renovation of the library on East Carson Street, and cleaning up abandoned properties in Beltzhoover. He says he's been the voice of his constituents on citywide matters such as voting on a plan to lease the city's parking assets...
"We labored over that issue for months. We held numerous public hearings (and) public meetings in the neighborhoods and in the Council Chamber, and that opinion never changed. And so when that piece of legislation came before me, I voted what my constituents wanted me to vote and that was to say 'no' on that parking lease."
Kraus says he welcomes an open, democratic election with several challengers. One of those is Jason Phillips, the manager of a South Side glass studio and a member of the County Democratic Committee.
Phillips says he's concerned about the direction of District 3 over the past 6 years under both Koch and then Kraus. Phillips says Kraus has burned bridges to the mayor's office.
"He has been a constant thorn in the side of the mayor. On the flipside to that, though, we have another candidate in the race (Koch) who, people consider him to be a mayoral rubber stamp. I feel that I'm the candidate that's best positioned to be in the middle of those two extremes."
Phillips says he supports the idea of a "Neighborhood Improvement District," but he'd like a more detailed plan. The NID would pool money of business owners on the South Side to supplement city services in the area. The idea was part of Kraus' "Responsible Hospitality Initiative."
The fourth candidate in the Democratic Primary is Gavin Robb who is a municipal attorney and President of the South Side Chamber of Commerce. He says he's concerned about the leadership in the council district. Robb says his experience as a lawyer familiarized him with many of the skills necessary for City Council in terms of technical legislative ability and capacity as a "mediator" between council and the mayor.
Robb says he also supports the ides of a Neighborhood Improvement District which he says Kraus has not followed through with implementing.
"The neighborhood itself is pushing forward with this. It's not something he has emphasized during election time, of course, because no one likes to run on the idea that 'Hey, elect me and you people in this district are going to get assessed X amount of additional dollars a year.'"
Robb says Kraus' consistent opposition to the mayor is getting in the way of District 3 interests especially in terms of receiving city services.
No Republicans have entered the primary election in this district so it's likely the winner of the Democratic primary will take the general election in November.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Local Activist Files Lawsuit Against City of Pittsburgh
Adrienne Young, Director of Tree of Hope, a local non-profit that helps family members grieving the death of a loved one due to violence has filed a lawsuit against the city of Pittsburgh, Police Chief Nate Harper, members of the police department and employees of the court of common pleas of Allegheny County pretrial detention services.
Young says she was unfairly targeted by the police department after a minor car accident after previous interactions with them because of her work as a community activist and because she is an African-American woman. She said she was wrongfully patted down, arrested, and then filed a complaint with The Office of Municipal Investigations. All of the charges were dismissed but one of the officers refiled the case and she was arrested again.
Her attorney Edward Olds said her constitutional rights were violated.
She was altogether arrested three times and on one occasion spent 27 days in jail. "They put me on the worst pod, the high risk pod with murderers and all of the worst people. And they kept me locked up most of the day and they let you out to eat and then they let you out two hours in the evening and then they put you back in again. I was only allowed to shower twice a week. It was like a nightmare," she said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Young says she was unfairly targeted by the police department after a minor car accident after previous interactions with them because of her work as a community activist and because she is an African-American woman. She said she was wrongfully patted down, arrested, and then filed a complaint with The Office of Municipal Investigations. All of the charges were dismissed but one of the officers refiled the case and she was arrested again.
Her attorney Edward Olds said her constitutional rights were violated.
She was altogether arrested three times and on one occasion spent 27 days in jail. "They put me on the worst pod, the high risk pod with murderers and all of the worst people. And they kept me locked up most of the day and they let you out to eat and then they let you out two hours in the evening and then they put you back in again. I was only allowed to shower twice a week. It was like a nightmare," she said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Lamar to Remove E-Billboard
The controversial electronic billboard at the Grant Street Transportation Center in downtown Pittsburgh will come down by September 1.
Scenic Pittsburgh, a non-profit dedicated to removing visual blight, announced it has negotiated an agreement with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the City of Pittsburgh and sign owner Lamar Advertising to remove the 19' by 58' electronic billboard at 55 11th Street.
In 2007, a city zoning administrator issued a permit without requiring Lamar to seek two required variances. But in 2008, Councilmen Ricky Burgess, Patrick Dowd, Bruce Kraus, Bill Peduto and Doug Shields objected to the project. The city revoked the permit and Lamar then sought to get the variances. But the Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the variance request, and Allegheny County and Commonwealth Courts upheld that decision.
Scenic Pittsburgh Executive Director Mike Dawida says the sign should have then been torn down immediately and when it wasn't, his organization filed suit in March which led to today's announcement.....
"We are pleased about the agreement, as this partially completed sign hanging at a prominent downtown intersection has remained an eyesore for more than three years."
Dawida says Lamar will pay for the removal of the sign..."Ironically, the only thing keeping it from being torn down quickly is the time it will take to get the proper permits to bring it down. That's ironic because they never got the permits to put it up."
Dawida added that more communities are turning away from the electronic billboards including six cities in Texas and St. Louis...
"Electronic billboards are extremely intrusive and ugly and energy hogs and distracting. What you're seeing rather than more cities building them, cities are saying we don't want them or we only want them in certain places."
He says Scenic Pittsburgh is moving forward to remove other illegal billboards, but because of state law, most billboards in Pittsburgh enjoy grandfathered legal status. "Hundreds of non-conforming billboards would be illegal otherwise."
The organization is working with Pittsburgh Council on developing a more stringent billboard policy and Dawida expects passage by late summer.
Scenic Pittsburgh, a non-profit dedicated to removing visual blight, announced it has negotiated an agreement with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the City of Pittsburgh and sign owner Lamar Advertising to remove the 19' by 58' electronic billboard at 55 11th Street.
In 2007, a city zoning administrator issued a permit without requiring Lamar to seek two required variances. But in 2008, Councilmen Ricky Burgess, Patrick Dowd, Bruce Kraus, Bill Peduto and Doug Shields objected to the project. The city revoked the permit and Lamar then sought to get the variances. But the Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the variance request, and Allegheny County and Commonwealth Courts upheld that decision.
Scenic Pittsburgh Executive Director Mike Dawida says the sign should have then been torn down immediately and when it wasn't, his organization filed suit in March which led to today's announcement.....
"We are pleased about the agreement, as this partially completed sign hanging at a prominent downtown intersection has remained an eyesore for more than three years."
Dawida says Lamar will pay for the removal of the sign..."Ironically, the only thing keeping it from being torn down quickly is the time it will take to get the proper permits to bring it down. That's ironic because they never got the permits to put it up."
Dawida added that more communities are turning away from the electronic billboards including six cities in Texas and St. Louis...
"Electronic billboards are extremely intrusive and ugly and energy hogs and distracting. What you're seeing rather than more cities building them, cities are saying we don't want them or we only want them in certain places."
He says Scenic Pittsburgh is moving forward to remove other illegal billboards, but because of state law, most billboards in Pittsburgh enjoy grandfathered legal status. "Hundreds of non-conforming billboards would be illegal otherwise."
The organization is working with Pittsburgh Council on developing a more stringent billboard policy and Dawida expects passage by late summer.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Pittsburgh Comprehensive Annual Report Released
Michael Lamb, City Controller of Pittsburgh released the city's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on Monday.
Lamb said that unlike years past, the city finished the year with a deficit of 12.5 million dollars. He said this is the first time since 2004 that the city saw a deficit as a result of total government expenditures outpacing revenue.
He said that for years he has been saying that this will happen. He said there are three primary reasons the city's budget has a deficit. "Long term debt, fringe benefits and pension obligations," he said, "If you look at 2010 you can see that 56 percent of all the expenditures the city had were in those three categories."
Fringe benefits which include health insurance and workers comp are currently spread city-wide. Lamb says this is not sustainable.
Lamb said total expenditures increased by 61 million to 589 million, partly because the city gave the pension fund 56.4 million.
He added that the city is likely to run out of funds.
Lamb also mentioned the downturn in the global economy, population loss in city limits and said gaming revenue would offset some of the city's finances in the following year.
Lamb said that unlike years past, the city finished the year with a deficit of 12.5 million dollars. He said this is the first time since 2004 that the city saw a deficit as a result of total government expenditures outpacing revenue.
He said that for years he has been saying that this will happen. He said there are three primary reasons the city's budget has a deficit. "Long term debt, fringe benefits and pension obligations," he said, "If you look at 2010 you can see that 56 percent of all the expenditures the city had were in those three categories."
Fringe benefits which include health insurance and workers comp are currently spread city-wide. Lamb says this is not sustainable.
Lamb said total expenditures increased by 61 million to 589 million, partly because the city gave the pension fund 56.4 million.
He added that the city is likely to run out of funds.
Lamb also mentioned the downturn in the global economy, population loss in city limits and said gaming revenue would offset some of the city's finances in the following year.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Transfer Tax Loophole?
There is some question about whether the recent $250 million sale of the U.S. Steel Tower is subject to the real estate transfer tax, which would amount to about $10 million for the city, the school district and the state.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Free Trees at City-County Building
City employees are scheduled to hand out free saplings until 1:00 today, unless supplies run out sooner. Up to 1,000 Pittsburgh residents will receive free dogwood trees on the portico of the City-County Building on Grant Street. The small trees are handed out on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Pittsburgh’s Urban Forester Lisa Ceoffe says the effort is part of the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh program, which aims to plant 20,000 trees across the city by 2012.
“I’m really happy and proud to say that at the end of this spring season, we’ll be close to 10,000 trees, and that’s since the start of the program, TreeVitalize, in 2008,” says Ceoffe. “These trees are a way for residents to participate in our overall count. They can go online, register the tree, and basically feel like they participated in greening the city.”
Chris Josephs of Forest Hills says the program is a step in the right direction.
“It’s a reinforcement of our increased awareness of our environment, which is always good,” says Josephs. “Pittsburgh is on the forefront of the greening of buildings. Myself has always been interested in helping the environment. I think it’s a way forward and it’s a merit badge for our city.”
Cathy Sweeney of Edgewood came with her granddaughter to get a tree for their yard.
“We’re going to plant it, and watch it grow,” says Sweeney. “It takes a long time, but we’re looking forward to it.”
High-Tech Controls Advised for City LED System
The partnership planning Pittsburgh’s new lighting system says LED lights should not only save energy and money for the city, but also enhance quality of life in neighborhoods and business districts.
Unlike many other cities that have already installed LED systems, the partnership between city government and Carnegie Mellon University wants a high level of command over Pittsburgh street lights.
That includes a central control system that could tweak color, intensity, or temperature for every single one of the city’s 40,000 lamps. The experts say that would allow for brighter lights in business districts and dimmer ones in neighborhoods.
The RFP being written by CMU and the city will include several stages. The first step would be to install about 3,000 LED lights in the city’s business districts. Next, the contractor would put in about 35,000 lamps needed for residential areas.
The partnership recommends entirely new lampposts as well as lightbulbs.
Chris Popovich of C&C Lighting says LED lights would also be helpful for emergency situations.
“For example, strobing and flashing, evacuation route designation with chasing LEDs, integration with city fire and police situations,” says Popovich
CMU Professor of Lighting Cindy Limauro says as an option, the city could also include color-changing LEDs on lampposts, which would add to festivals and celebrations. She says the technology would not be very expensive if added to the new lampposts.
The group notes that LED lighting can “wash out” areas in too much light if it’s distributed in a simple, uniform pattern. It’s also more expensive to install than high-pressure sodium bulbs, but the city would save money through energy conservation in the long run.
The lighting code Pittsburgh Council passed last month requires equitable LED lighting for the whole city, per the recommendations of a study commissioned by Council. The RFP is expected to be released late in May.
Unlike many other cities that have already installed LED systems, the partnership between city government and Carnegie Mellon University wants a high level of command over Pittsburgh street lights.
That includes a central control system that could tweak color, intensity, or temperature for every single one of the city’s 40,000 lamps. The experts say that would allow for brighter lights in business districts and dimmer ones in neighborhoods.
The RFP being written by CMU and the city will include several stages. The first step would be to install about 3,000 LED lights in the city’s business districts. Next, the contractor would put in about 35,000 lamps needed for residential areas.
The partnership recommends entirely new lampposts as well as lightbulbs.
Chris Popovich of C&C Lighting says LED lights would also be helpful for emergency situations.
“For example, strobing and flashing, evacuation route designation with chasing LEDs, integration with city fire and police situations,” says Popovich
CMU Professor of Lighting Cindy Limauro says as an option, the city could also include color-changing LEDs on lampposts, which would add to festivals and celebrations. She says the technology would not be very expensive if added to the new lampposts.
The group notes that LED lighting can “wash out” areas in too much light if it’s distributed in a simple, uniform pattern. It’s also more expensive to install than high-pressure sodium bulbs, but the city would save money through energy conservation in the long run.
The lighting code Pittsburgh Council passed last month requires equitable LED lighting for the whole city, per the recommendations of a study commissioned by Council. The RFP is expected to be released late in May.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Changes in East Liberty
On Monday, ground was broken for a new housing development in East Liberty by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Rob Stephany of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, City Councilman Ricky Burgess and several community activists.
To be completed in 14 months, the development will be a new 71-unit rental housing structure on Collins Avenue, in close proximity to the East Busway and new commercial developments in East Liberty.
Called Liberty Park II, it will give residents who were relocated when the Liberty Park high rises came down an opportunity to move back to their neighborhood. Also on the location of the High Rises is a Target store scheduled to open soon.
The first phase was the Fairfield Apartments, completed in 2007. It consists of 124 mixed-income apartments. It is fully occupied.
The total cost of the project $15.7 million, of which 6.4 million comes from public sources.
Community activists have been involved in ensuring the original residents of the neighborhood did not get priced or moved out with all of the changes occurring in East Liberty. Aletha Sims. President of the Coalition of Organized Residents of East Liberty has been part of the process. "Everyone remembers the high rises that were in East Liberty. When the plans were for them to be demolished and rebuilt, you heard from the developers, you heard from the politicians, you heard from business owners - who you didn't hear from were the people who actually lived there. There were plans made for our homes and we didn't have a say," she said.
To be completed in 14 months, the development will be a new 71-unit rental housing structure on Collins Avenue, in close proximity to the East Busway and new commercial developments in East Liberty.
Called Liberty Park II, it will give residents who were relocated when the Liberty Park high rises came down an opportunity to move back to their neighborhood. Also on the location of the High Rises is a Target store scheduled to open soon.
The first phase was the Fairfield Apartments, completed in 2007. It consists of 124 mixed-income apartments. It is fully occupied.
The total cost of the project $15.7 million, of which 6.4 million comes from public sources.
Community activists have been involved in ensuring the original residents of the neighborhood did not get priced or moved out with all of the changes occurring in East Liberty. Aletha Sims. President of the Coalition of Organized Residents of East Liberty has been part of the process. "Everyone remembers the high rises that were in East Liberty. When the plans were for them to be demolished and rebuilt, you heard from the developers, you heard from the politicians, you heard from business owners - who you didn't hear from were the people who actually lived there. There were plans made for our homes and we didn't have a say," she said.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fire Departments' Merger Moves Forward
As expected, Pittsburgh Council acted quickly in giving preliminary approval to an agreement between the city and its neighbor to the east, Wilkinsburg Borough, to merge their respective fire departments. The arrangement was officially announced Monday by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Wilkinsburg officials but the deal had been in the works for more than a year.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Group Pushes for Cleaner Construction Equipment
Residents from all 9 Pittsburgh City Council districts signed over 1,000 postcards that were presented to Council today. The postcards were in support of a bill that would require contractors working on publicly-funded development in Pittsburgh to either use retrofitted diesel or new, cleaner equipment. The bill was introduced last year, but hasn't been brought forward.
Tom Hoffman, Western PA Director of Clean Water Action, says that Pittsburgh has a dual reputation as one of America's most livable cities as well as one of America's lowest air quality cities. "This is a concrete step that City Council can take to help clean up the air. Because fact of the matter is, if we continue to have that reputation of having the worst air in the country people jut are not going to want to come here and there won't be any development. So it really is a question of the community coming together and saying this is a problem we need to solve."
Hoffman says the public has the right to ask this of developers because it is their money going into construction. He says that when the bill comes to a vote he has at least four strong supporters on Council.
Clean Water Action also sent Council posters made at a summer camp about the bill as well as a previous letter signed by 35 health professionals urging them to pass the bill.
Tom Hoffman, Western PA Director of Clean Water Action, says that Pittsburgh has a dual reputation as one of America's most livable cities as well as one of America's lowest air quality cities. "This is a concrete step that City Council can take to help clean up the air. Because fact of the matter is, if we continue to have that reputation of having the worst air in the country people jut are not going to want to come here and there won't be any development. So it really is a question of the community coming together and saying this is a problem we need to solve."
Hoffman says the public has the right to ask this of developers because it is their money going into construction. He says that when the bill comes to a vote he has at least four strong supporters on Council.
Clean Water Action also sent Council posters made at a summer camp about the bill as well as a previous letter signed by 35 health professionals urging them to pass the bill.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Pittsburgh To Take Over Wilkinsburg Fire Duties
The city of Pittsburgh and the borough of Wilkinsburg have reached a deal to dissolve the Wilkinsburg fire department and for the city to begin providing fire service to borough residents. The 20-year deal comes with a renewal every 5 years. Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson says the deal will save the borough more than $600,000 a year and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says it will not increase the city’s budget. Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh just more than $7.5 million over the next 5 years to cover the additional costs. The borough will also be making a one-time payment into the city’s pension fund.
Wilkinsburg Firefighters Union President Brian Travato says he was facing two options. “We could continue to fight to maintain an already unsafe level of staffing that we have had here in Wilkinsburg, or we could seize the opportunity to be part of something special,” says Travato. Travato says he was looking out for his members during the negotiations but he always kept the safety of the residents as a top priority. “We are pleased to say you are going to be in very good hands with the fire protection that is going to be provided by the city of Pittsburgh.”
One Wilkinsburg fire station will be closed but Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh officials say response time will be reduced for residents on both sides of the border. They also were quick to point out that under the new system, more fire fighters will respond to each fire in Wilkinsburg.
Union and elected leader says this is the first merger of its kind in the state and they expect it to be held up as a model for others considering consolidation. Pittsburgh Fire Fighter Union President Joe King says he has been asked by the national union to present information about how the deal was done.
All of the Wilkinsburg fire fighters who wanted to become Pittsburgh firefighters were taken on at the pay rate equal to a second year firefighter. For some that will mean a cut in pay but others will see an increase. Wilkinsburg firefighters will be given just more than a year service time in the Pittsburgh system for every year served in Wilkinsburg. Firefighters will have one year to move into the city.
The deal must still be approved by the Pittsburgh City Council.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day parade steps off tomorrow (March 12) at 10 a.m. It's the second largest Saint Patrick's Day parade in the United States. The parade begins at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th street and concludes at the reviewing stand in downtown at the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street.
23,000 participants from Pittsburgh area marching bands, politicians, and Irish-heritage groups are expected to march and up to 250,000 viewers downtown.
Attendees can contribute to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at the Greyhound Bus Station, the City-County building at 414 Grant Street and also at the Steelworkers Plaza at 60 Boulevard of the Allies. The parade committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians are asking for non-perishable food items or monetary donations.
Jim Green, the parade's chairman, says that the parade will go on and weather will not hinder they're plans.
"We've marched in blizzards before and threats of flood, and those have never stopped us."
He also adds that alcohol will not be tolerated in certain areas and at particular times during the parade.
"The rule is that open containers of alcohol are not permitted along and around the parade footprint."
In addition, between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. no alcohol is allowed in Market Square because it will be designated for child-friendly activities. Green the young adults can enjoy their alcoholic beverages later in the day when the activities finish.
There will be officers patrolling the area to ensure the attendees comply with all rules. The goal is to have an event that is welcoming to everyone of all ages.
23,000 participants from Pittsburgh area marching bands, politicians, and Irish-heritage groups are expected to march and up to 250,000 viewers downtown.
Attendees can contribute to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at the Greyhound Bus Station, the City-County building at 414 Grant Street and also at the Steelworkers Plaza at 60 Boulevard of the Allies. The parade committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians are asking for non-perishable food items or monetary donations.
Jim Green, the parade's chairman, says that the parade will go on and weather will not hinder they're plans.
"We've marched in blizzards before and threats of flood, and those have never stopped us."
He also adds that alcohol will not be tolerated in certain areas and at particular times during the parade.
"The rule is that open containers of alcohol are not permitted along and around the parade footprint."
In addition, between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. no alcohol is allowed in Market Square because it will be designated for child-friendly activities. Green the young adults can enjoy their alcoholic beverages later in the day when the activities finish.
There will be officers patrolling the area to ensure the attendees comply with all rules. The goal is to have an event that is welcoming to everyone of all ages.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
How Pittsburgh Rates Versus 14 Other Cities
The Pittsburgh region is doing better than most others in cost of living, unemployment and job growth. That's according to a new benchmarking study by the Regional Indicators at Pitsburghtoday.org. The study, Pittsburgh Today and Tomorrow," measures a 22 county Pittsburgh region that includes some of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia against 14 other cities: Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Richmond and St. Louis....in 10 categories: demographics, arts, education, economy, environment, housing, health, public safety, government and transportation.
The study looks at how the region rebounded since the early 1980's when unemployment topped 17%. Now the jobless rate remains well below the national average.
Listen to Part 1 of an interview between DUQ's Kevin Gavin and Douglas Heuck, director of the Regional Indicators at Pittsburghtoday.org
Listen to Part 2 of interview with Douglas Heuck
The study looks at how the region rebounded since the early 1980's when unemployment topped 17%. Now the jobless rate remains well below the national average.
Listen to Part 1 of an interview between DUQ's Kevin Gavin and Douglas Heuck, director of the Regional Indicators at Pittsburghtoday.org
Listen to Part 2 of interview with Douglas Heuck
Monday, February 21, 2011
Pgh., N. Ireland to Share Sustainability Ideas
A delegation of business and government representatives from Northern Ireland will come to Pittsburgh to discuss sustainable environmental practices Monday to Thursday .
President Jim Lamb of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh says his organization is hosting several seminars to spark discussion between the regions on sustainable environmental practices in business and government.
Lamb says Northern Ireland wants to become a leading European region in terms of sustainable business development and renewable energy.
“I think they identify Pittsburgh, for a number of reasons, as a similar kind of region that it might make sense to partner [with],” says Lamb.
In addition to talks between businesses and government, ten graduate students from Northern Ireland who came to Pittsburgh last year will share their sustainable practices studies with the delegation.
Lamb says talks on sustainable technology between Pittsburgh and Northern Ireland began shortly after the September 2009 G-20 Summit of world leaders.
President Jim Lamb of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh says his organization is hosting several seminars to spark discussion between the regions on sustainable environmental practices in business and government.
Lamb says Northern Ireland wants to become a leading European region in terms of sustainable business development and renewable energy.
“I think they identify Pittsburgh, for a number of reasons, as a similar kind of region that it might make sense to partner [with],” says Lamb.
In addition to talks between businesses and government, ten graduate students from Northern Ireland who came to Pittsburgh last year will share their sustainable practices studies with the delegation.
Lamb says talks on sustainable technology between Pittsburgh and Northern Ireland began shortly after the September 2009 G-20 Summit of world leaders.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Fundraiser and Cultural Event will Support Teaching Project in the Congo
The "Heart for Congo" will be held this Saturday (January 29th) in the Uptown District of Pittsburgh. The event will include a silent art auction, with pieces donated by local artists, as well as a performance by the Wacongo Dance Company (a traditional Congolese music and dance troop). All proceeds will go to the Congolese Advocacy Memorial Project (C.A.M.P.) Fund...an initiative of the Fulton County Medical Center.
Saturday's event focuses on education in Congo. Event co-coordinator Jeff Cech says there is a big need for materials and teachers and the fundraiser will help the education of Congolese students.... "We're raising funds to specifically (support) a project, the Jitoe Project. Jitoe means 'to give of yourself' in Swahili. So the project is one that's hoping to send Rebecca (another coordinator) and myself to teach at University for two semesters."
Event Co-Coordinator Rebecca Cech says the idea is to educate a large number of people so that they will want to get involved in government and make peace sustainable...."Our entire goal is to put the power in the right hands of the people who are actually doing good. People who are professionals and in positions to break the cycles of violence.
She says that giving an education to Congolese students is a main way of providing leadership the country needs. The fundraiser will take place from five to nine p.m. in the former Paramount Studios Building (1727 Blvd. of the Allies).
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Study Ranks Cities for Online Philanthropy
Pittsburgh is the 12th most generous city per capita in terms of online giving. For the last 3 years, Convio, which provides technologies to help non-profits raise funds more effectively, has ranked 273 cities with populations of at least 100,000.
Convio's Patrick Hansen says for the second straight year Alexandria, Virginia; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and, Arlington, Virginia have topped the most generous large cities list.
Hansen says Pittsburgh has been in the top 15 in each of the three years of study, and the number of donations online by Pittsburghers has increased 35% from 2009 to 2010 and the dollar amount rose by 42%....
"That's a great trend to see for any city. That's something that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel good about."
Hansen says online in all 273 cities, $389 million was contributed in 2010...up 27% from the previous year. The average gift online went from $62 to $65. "People are definitely getting more comfortable contributing online. So, we are seeing some shift from other channels to the online channel and that's been a long-term trend over the last 10 years."
Hansen says this information can be helpful to non-profits "that they can use to their advantage, can inform the way they're pointing themselves and connecting with their donors and supporters."
While Pittsburgh was 12th nationwide, the next most generous Pennsylvania city is Philadelphia, ranked 139th.
Convio's Patrick Hansen says for the second straight year Alexandria, Virginia; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and, Arlington, Virginia have topped the most generous large cities list.
Hansen says Pittsburgh has been in the top 15 in each of the three years of study, and the number of donations online by Pittsburghers has increased 35% from 2009 to 2010 and the dollar amount rose by 42%....
"That's a great trend to see for any city. That's something that everyone in Pittsburgh should feel good about."
Hansen says online in all 273 cities, $389 million was contributed in 2010...up 27% from the previous year. The average gift online went from $62 to $65. "People are definitely getting more comfortable contributing online. So, we are seeing some shift from other channels to the online channel and that's been a long-term trend over the last 10 years."
Hansen says this information can be helpful to non-profits "that they can use to their advantage, can inform the way they're pointing themselves and connecting with their donors and supporters."
While Pittsburgh was 12th nationwide, the next most generous Pennsylvania city is Philadelphia, ranked 139th.
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