Union Reps Honor Workers Memorial Day 2011

One-hundred years ago 146 workers died in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. Today in downtown’s Market Square, union leaders joined together to say what it will take to make sure a similar disaster could never happen today.

The union representatives gathered at the Workers Memorial and expressed fear that today’s politicians are breaking down the workplace safety standards with consistent attacks on collective bargaining agreements. The unions say they rely on these contracts to achieve certain safety standards in the workplace.

Jack Shea, President of the Allegheny County Labor Council AFL-CIO says the Workers Memorial is a yearly reminder that the fight for workers rights rages on.

“You know every year on this date when we come here we mourn for the dead, fight for the living and we will continue to fight until one day we won’t have to come here anymore,” Shea says.

Frank Snyder, Secretary Treasurer of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO also spoke at the event. He says the number of work-related deaths is more than the common person may realize.

“Think about this: Every day in this country 149 workers lose their lives as a result of their workplaces, 12 will die from injuries and 137 from diseases. Every day,” Snyder says.

According to the AFL-CIO, 166 workeRS in Pennsylvania were killed on the job in 2009.

North Star Guides Diners in Market Square

The city of Pittsburgh officially launched the 2011 outdoor dining season in Market Square Thursday by explaining what those lights are doing in the pavement. When Market Square was renovated a collection of 14 LED lights was embedded in the pavement in the center of the square but until a plaque was officially unveiled this morning, most people had no idea why they were there. The lights form the Big and Little Dipper. Stars in the Big Dipper point to the North Star, which is at the end of the Little Dipper’s handle.

“The North Star was used by many people but certainly it was a center point in the Underground Railroad to take… people up through the Appalachian Mountains and up through Pittsburgh and sometimes on their way to Canada.” Says Historic Hill Institute Executive Director Kimberly Ellis. She says many of them stayed in Pittsburgh and built a community.

Even though it was not an official stop on the Underground Railroad, countless escaped slaves passed through Market Square. “There were businesses in Market Square, there were individuals, waiters and stewards who participated in the Underground Railroad and hid people,” says Ellis.

Ellis says Pittsburgh was a relatively integrated and racially progressive city in the mid 1800’s. “Downtown was the home to many black-owned businesses, there was very little [racial] violence in Pittsburgh… three fourths of all black households either lived next to or in the same dwelling as white households.” She says she hopes the lights and plaque will help to highlight that part of the city’s history.

Downtown Traffic Patterns to Shift

The second phase of Market Square construction began in downtown Pittsburgh today.

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President Michael Edwards says traffic coming from Forbes Avenue will now be shifted to the left, as that half of the square reopens after 8 ½ months of construction.

The right side will be closed to traffic, but will remain open to pedestrians.

Edwards says the interior square is scheduled to reopen June 1, allowing for events like the Farmers Market and concerts. He says the Downtown Partnership is also applying for an outdoor dining permit at the Zoning Hearing Board.

Market Square Redo Begins

Crews are set to begin the reconstruction of Market Square. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says, "Market Square is the heart of our city. Investing in this historic asset to create an exceptional public space is critical to the continued revitalization of our City Center. I ask that the public be patient as we work as hard and as fast as we can to make the Square an even better destination for residents, visitors, and families." Reconstruction will include new street and sidewalk construction, new functional and aesthetic lighting, and new landscaping. The square will once again be all one level. The sidewalks will be paved with bricks to allow for expanded café seating around the square wit the goal of creating a "piazza" feel. During the work a pedestrian walkway will run along the entire perimeter of the Square. Vehicular traffic will be restricted through the Square. The $5 million reconstruction project is expected to be finished by next summer.

URA Seeks Help in Making Over Market Square

Pittsburgh's Urban Redevelopment Authority will seek a $5.6 million loan from the state to help improve Market Square. The URA is applying for the funds through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Pittsburgh's Historic Review Commission has approved the proposed re-design of Market Square. But the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, which has invested in the project, has objected to plans that would remove some traffic from the square. Vehicles would still be allowed to drive around the perimeter of the square, but not through it.

Market Square Businesses React to Bus Route Changes

Business owners in Market Square have differing opinions on how changing bus routes will affect them. The Port Authority moved buses out of Market Square beginning today. Restaurant and bar managers generally did not foresee any damaging effects. They say moving buses out of Market Square and possible renovations in the future could make the area more welcoming. Meanwhile, owners of smaller businesses are worried that the change will move their customers too far away. They also say they thought Market Square was fine the way it is. One business owner who wants to remain anonymous said when he voiced dissatisfaction with the plan the response he received from those around him was unwelcoming and hostile.