Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says groups that have applied for a permit to protest during the G20 should “take a deep breath.” He says there have been requests submitted from several organizations and the city is, “trying to find good locations for people to protest.” He says no applications have been approved and none have been declined. That includes a request from State Senator Jim Ferlo to use Point State Park as a protest area. Ravenstahl says that application will probable be denied because the city has asked the state to allow it to set up a tent city in the park to house police officers coming to the city to help with security. Ravenstahl says there will be room for everyone to be heard. He says, “by law we have to provide two spots that are both within visual distance and verbal distance from the convention center.” He says the exact location of the protest areas has not yet been determined.
In response to rumors that out of town protesters are breaking into abandon buildings and living in them, Ravenstahl asked anyone who knew of such activity to contact the police department so they could be removed.
Monday, August 17, 2009
G20 Protest Being Planned
A nonviolent protest is being organized to rally against next month's G20 summit. While reasons vary from lack of public input, the global economy, unemployment and war, the primary goal is to provide public education.
Thomas Merton Center Spokeswoman Melissa Minnich says they have not yet received a permit for the protest, but have received a response from Pittsburgh Police.
"If we left it up to them, they would be fine with us marching up to the City County Building. But I'm afraid they have no final say on it because the Secret Service is going to be handling all security issues. So we have no firm answer," she says.
She says they are going to march as far as they're allowed on September 25. The tentative plan is to begin in Oakland on Fifth Avenue & Craft at noon, then lead into downtown Pittsburgh near the City County Building by 2pm, and then end on 10th Street at 3:30pm, a mere block from the Convention Center.
Minnich says they expect this will be the largest event the Thomas Merton Center has organized, estimating thousands of participants.
Thomas Merton Center Spokeswoman Melissa Minnich says they have not yet received a permit for the protest, but have received a response from Pittsburgh Police.
"If we left it up to them, they would be fine with us marching up to the City County Building. But I'm afraid they have no final say on it because the Secret Service is going to be handling all security issues. So we have no firm answer," she says.
She says they are going to march as far as they're allowed on September 25. The tentative plan is to begin in Oakland on Fifth Avenue & Craft at noon, then lead into downtown Pittsburgh near the City County Building by 2pm, and then end on 10th Street at 3:30pm, a mere block from the Convention Center.
Minnich says they expect this will be the largest event the Thomas Merton Center has organized, estimating thousands of participants.
iPhone App Allows Quick Complaints to City
The city of Pittsburgh now has an iPhone app that will allow user to make 311 style complaints on the go. The application released over the weekend allows users to take a picture of a pothole, graffiti or other nagging problem and then submit it directly to the city’s 311 complaint system. That complaint will come complete with a geo tag that developer Priya Narasimhan says will let the city know exactly where the picture was snapped. Narasimhan says that not only allows the city to see a picture of the problem but it also will place it on a map along with other complaints. Narasimhan’s company Yinz Cam created the application for the city without charge. With the hope that other cities will purchase similar systems. The company hopes to soon roll out the Pittsburgh version of the application that will work on other smart phones. Right now there are three ways to make a complaint to the 311 center; calling 311, filling out a form on line or emailing a complaint. Pictures can be emailed but Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto says that often clogs up the email system. Council members do not currently have direct access to the 311 system but they can ask for reports. Public works does have access to the 311 system.
No Movement, No Budget
Nearly 7 weeks into the new fiscal year and t here is still no budget for Pennsylvania and no progress was reported last week.
Aside from rumors of informal backroom negotiations between lawmakers,here was little to no movement in Pennsylvania’s budget impasse last week. The 6-member House-Senate Conference Committee hasn't met since the end of July.
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says the governor should have approved funding for the line items both parties agree on, and focus the debate on education spending, where she says the real differences are centered.
"And I think he knows the only way he gets his education or new taxes is by harming those most vulnerable. And I think it’s wrong. We all agree on those most core functions. Fund them."
As more nonprofits lay off staff and cut their services, observers predict pressure will mount for lawmakers to find a solution.
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says the top motivator will be the potential political fallout of the continuing impasse.
"Reelection of incumbent lawmakers. Number two, the dropping approval rating of the legislature. Number three, the embarrassment, with the stories that are coming out about how incompetent—now it’s a question of incompetence, it’s a question of leadership. I mean, all these things get thrown into the mix
Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut are the only remaining states without a budget in place.
Aside from rumors of informal backroom negotiations between lawmakers,here was little to no movement in Pennsylvania’s budget impasse last week. The 6-member House-Senate Conference Committee hasn't met since the end of July.
Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says the governor should have approved funding for the line items both parties agree on, and focus the debate on education spending, where she says the real differences are centered.
"And I think he knows the only way he gets his education or new taxes is by harming those most vulnerable. And I think it’s wrong. We all agree on those most core functions. Fund them."
As more nonprofits lay off staff and cut their services, observers predict pressure will mount for lawmakers to find a solution.
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says the top motivator will be the potential political fallout of the continuing impasse.
"Reelection of incumbent lawmakers. Number two, the dropping approval rating of the legislature. Number three, the embarrassment, with the stories that are coming out about how incompetent—now it’s a question of incompetence, it’s a question of leadership. I mean, all these things get thrown into the mix
Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut are the only remaining states without a budget in place.
Push for Sales Tax Hikes in Counties
The sponsor of a bill allowing counties in Pennsylvania to impose a one-percent sales tax says he’s hoping for a House vote on the measure this fall.
Democratic Representative Mike Sturla, of Lancaster County, says the expected passage of a bill increasing Philadelphia’s sales tax gives him high hopes for his legislation.
Sturla explains the Philadelphia bill, if approved, would likely block a push for a statewide sales tax increase, which he thinks would have derailed his county proposal.
"In order to do that you’d have to take Philly from what is now 7, and they would be going to 8 for the one cent that they need. You would be going to 9 and I don’t think that’s tenable in the Philadelphia region."
Sturla initially wanted to give counties and municipalities the option of imposing a one-percent sales tax in order to reduce their reliance on property taxes. But an amendment to the measure divides up the tax revenues, sending half to school districts, a quarter to counties and a quarter to municipalities.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, an early supporter of the measure, is working to restore the bill to its original form, arguing local governments need property tax relief more than school districts.
Doug Hill, the executive director of the Pennsylvania County Commissioners Association, argues school districts have “already had their bite of the apple.”
"They’ve had a couple authorizations for an earned income tax. And of course now they’re getting the gaming money, and that’s going to start going up now that the other couple casinos have opened. And we believe it’s really time to provide some relief for county and municipal property taxes."
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on a similar proposal this week.
Hill says counties and municipalities can’t keep raising property taxes, and need the flexibility offered by the legislation.
Democratic Representative Mike Sturla, of Lancaster County, says the expected passage of a bill increasing Philadelphia’s sales tax gives him high hopes for his legislation.
Sturla explains the Philadelphia bill, if approved, would likely block a push for a statewide sales tax increase, which he thinks would have derailed his county proposal.
"In order to do that you’d have to take Philly from what is now 7, and they would be going to 8 for the one cent that they need. You would be going to 9 and I don’t think that’s tenable in the Philadelphia region."
Sturla initially wanted to give counties and municipalities the option of imposing a one-percent sales tax in order to reduce their reliance on property taxes. But an amendment to the measure divides up the tax revenues, sending half to school districts, a quarter to counties and a quarter to municipalities.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, an early supporter of the measure, is working to restore the bill to its original form, arguing local governments need property tax relief more than school districts.
Doug Hill, the executive director of the Pennsylvania County Commissioners Association, argues school districts have “already had their bite of the apple.”
"They’ve had a couple authorizations for an earned income tax. And of course now they’re getting the gaming money, and that’s going to start going up now that the other couple casinos have opened. And we believe it’s really time to provide some relief for county and municipal property taxes."
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on a similar proposal this week.
Hill says counties and municipalities can’t keep raising property taxes, and need the flexibility offered by the legislation.
Digester to Make Most of Manure
The state has given a $475,274 grant to Somerset County’s Pennwood Farms Dairy to build an anaerobic digester, a device that converts cow manure to methane and subsequently electric energy. The grant is part of a state effort to support clean energy projects.
The machine contains bacteria that feed on excrement put into a large tank. The bacteria break down the manure to make methane gas, which fuels an electric generator. Meanwhile, the manure is decontaminated and separated into solid and liquid parts; the liquid waste is used as fertilizer while the solids are used as bedding for the cows.
Pennwood Farms partner Dwayne Stolpuzfus says though it’s an environmentally friendly machine, the digester probably won’t bring any new jobs – just more duties for current workers. He says the device is not cost-effective to build without the help of grants; it’s cheaper to buy electricity on the grid than to install and run one of these machines.
The machine contains bacteria that feed on excrement put into a large tank. The bacteria break down the manure to make methane gas, which fuels an electric generator. Meanwhile, the manure is decontaminated and separated into solid and liquid parts; the liquid waste is used as fertilizer while the solids are used as bedding for the cows.
Pennwood Farms partner Dwayne Stolpuzfus says though it’s an environmentally friendly machine, the digester probably won’t bring any new jobs – just more duties for current workers. He says the device is not cost-effective to build without the help of grants; it’s cheaper to buy electricity on the grid than to install and run one of these machines.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
PAT Uses Twitter to Release Changes Due to G20
The Port Authority is turning to Twitter to alert riders about last-minute route changes. Spokesman Jim Ritchie says the agency is looking for as many ways as possible to get information out about changes during the G20 Summit next month..."The difficulty is the authorities that are developing the security zone downtown aren't going to tell us where we can go and can't go until a week or two prior to the event. It creates a real time challenge for us. We have to get things out very quickly."
The Port Authority's Twitter identity is "pghtransit." Ritchie says people can get updates from their computers or on their cell phones. You can also sign up for updates through the Port Authority's web site. But since not everyone has online access, Ritchie says the Port Authority is also working with schools, businesses and other groups to spread the word about route changes.
The Port Authority's Twitter identity is "pghtransit." Ritchie says people can get updates from their computers or on their cell phones. You can also sign up for updates through the Port Authority's web site. But since not everyone has online access, Ritchie says the Port Authority is also working with schools, businesses and other groups to spread the word about route changes.
Hill District S & L Shut Down
A Pittsburgh Savings and Loan has been shut down by the federal government because of stability concerns. The 119 year old Dwelling House Savings and Loan ran into financial trouble after cyber thieves syphoned $3 million of the S & L's reserves through electronic transfers.
On June 30, Dwelling House President John Haines announced that he had submitted a capitalization plan to meet the deadline imposed by federal bank regulators. At that time, Haines said they had made progress in recovering some of the money from other financial institutions that unwittingly processed the fraudulent transfers. Haines refused to disclose details of the plan until F.D.I.C. officials respond to it..."What we can say at this point is that we are confident we have a way forward that will meet expectations of federal regulators in terms of recapitalization and recovery from a terrible criminal act."
However, in shutting down Dwelling House yesterday, the Office of Thrift Supervision said the S & L was "critically undercapitalized and had no reasonable prospect of recovering."
So, PNC will take over all of Dwelling House's deposits and about $3 million in assets. The remainder will be kept by the FDIC. The Dwelling House office on Centre Avenue will reopen Monday as a branch of PNC.
On June 30, Dwelling House President John Haines announced that he had submitted a capitalization plan to meet the deadline imposed by federal bank regulators. At that time, Haines said they had made progress in recovering some of the money from other financial institutions that unwittingly processed the fraudulent transfers. Haines refused to disclose details of the plan until F.D.I.C. officials respond to it..."What we can say at this point is that we are confident we have a way forward that will meet expectations of federal regulators in terms of recapitalization and recovery from a terrible criminal act."
However, in shutting down Dwelling House yesterday, the Office of Thrift Supervision said the S & L was "critically undercapitalized and had no reasonable prospect of recovering."
So, PNC will take over all of Dwelling House's deposits and about $3 million in assets. The remainder will be kept by the FDIC. The Dwelling House office on Centre Avenue will reopen Monday as a branch of PNC.
State Budget Impasse Closes Fort Pitt Museum
The Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park and several other historical sites in Pennsylvania have been closed indefinitely because of the ongoing budget stalemate. Kirk Wilson, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission says the Fort Pitt Museum closed Friday and will not reopen until the state budget is resolved. Wilson also says the Bushy Run Battlefield in Westmoreland County, the Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland County and the Brandywine Battlefield in Chester County are also closed indefinitely because of a lack of state funding. The commission plans to lay off 23 workers.
Closing List for G20 Grows
Point Park University President Paul Hennigan says the university will shut down for the G20 Summit. The university will be closed from September 23-26 and students must vacate the residence halls from 10 p.m. September 22 until noon September 27.
Ten days ago, Duquesne University announced that it will shut down from noon September 23 through September 25. However, residents students can remain in the dorms.
This week Community College of Allegheny County announced all of its campuses and centers will be closed September 23-35. Then Robert Morris University said it would close its Downtown Pittsburgh Center and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management from September 23-27. The West Mifflin School District will be closed from September 23-27 because it is located near the Allegheny County Airport which is expected to receive G20 arrivals.
Ten days ago, Duquesne University announced that it will shut down from noon September 23 through September 25. However, residents students can remain in the dorms.
This week Community College of Allegheny County announced all of its campuses and centers will be closed September 23-35. Then Robert Morris University said it would close its Downtown Pittsburgh Center and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management from September 23-27. The West Mifflin School District will be closed from September 23-27 because it is located near the Allegheny County Airport which is expected to receive G20 arrivals.
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