UPMC Shadyside Hospital, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0)image from rwoan’s photostream

UPMC Shadyside Hospital has gone through many changes over the years — from its origins in downtown Pittsburgh in 1866, to its move to Shadyside in 1910, to gaining the name Shadyside Hospital in 1938, to moving to its present building in 1972, to becoming part of UPMC in 1997– it has evolved greatly. And, it is proposing more change. But, now, when a large institution wants to make major changes, it must involve the community. Every ten years, large institutions are required to work with the community in drafting a new 10-year master plan. The plan defines what future development will look like and how expansions will be addressed to minimize the impact to adjacent neighborhoods. UPMC Shadyside is in the final stages of over one year of meetings with residents and businesses from Bloomfield, Friendship and Shadyside (and even from Oakland and East Liberty). This is done because while large institutions are critical to the well being of our region, their plans shouldn’t have to come at the cost of those closest to them.

The UPMC Shadyside Hospital’s Master-Plan includes a wide range of projects:

Short-term Projects
- Building Renovation: A research facility will be developed in and around the Ford Motor Company Building, also known as the Reidbord Building.
- Traffic & Parking: New Luna Parking Garage will provide approximately 1,000 new employee parking.

Long-term Projects
- Outpatient Services Building: A new outpatient building on Centre Ave. would replace the buildings and parking lots currently used by UPMC Urgent Care, Shadyside Family Health Center, and Boston Market.
- Inpatient Expansion: The building of a new inpatient tower at the site of the existing School of Nursing/North Wing building.

You can learn more about UPMC Shadyside Master-Plan process from the following links to presentations from their community meetings:

November 16, 2011 UPMC Shadyside Master Plan Community Group Meeting Presentation

UPMC Shadyside Campus Master Plan Traffic Study, November 2011

September 15, 2011 UPMC Shadyside Master Plan Community Group Meeting Presentation

October 4, 2011 UPMC Shadyside Master Plan Community Group Meeting Presentation

Accordingto John Innocenti, UPMC Shadyside’s president, “the next step is to schedule a public hearing before the Planning Commission early next year, followed by another public hearing before city council.” However, community groups, including the Baum Centre Initiative and Shadyside Action Coalition, plan to oppose a plan to rezone hospital properties in the area.

i find this photo ironic, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from saeru’s photostream

Founded in 1972, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is a non-profit, grassroots community group dedicated to “preserving and improving the quality of life in the 14th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh.” In furtherance of that goal, the SHUC concerns itself with such issues as housing, education, transportation, commercial, residential and institutional development, and parks and open spaces. One of the very first issues they took on was replacing the water and sewer infrastructure between Murray and Shady. Now, the SHUC is conducting a study to better understand the effects of stormwater runoff for business and property owners in the Squirrel Hill area in order to have an accurate picture of the problem, as well as to “serve as a catalyst for future steps toward solutions.” To this end, SHUC would like to survey businesses and residents in the area on their experiences and opinions regarding stormwater flooding.

We’ve written about this problem many times before on this blog noting the need for sustainable and green infrastructure solutions which can both improve our environment and save billions of ratepayer dollars. Moreover, Councilman Peduto conducted a meeting on the East End Flooding problem in September of this year. Over 300 people attended and decried the “chronic flooding that’s rotted their walls, ruined their carpets, set their cars afloat and cost thousands of dollars in repairs.” Also in attendance at the meeting were Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Public Safety Director Michael Huss, Public Works Director Rob Kaczorowski, as well as executives of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and state legislators and city council members.

You can make your voice heard on this problem by taking the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition’s survey:

For Business Owners: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BXCJGVC  

For Property Owners: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BNDZCN9

The natatorium in the basement, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from justmakeit’s photostream

Abstraction in Steel, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from 24thcentury’s photostream

While Pittsburgh has been called “America’s Most Livable City,” there is one area where we consistently rank among the worst: the quality of our air. There’s no doubt that we’ve made vast improvements over the decades, but air quality in southwestern Pennsylvania remains among the worst in the nation. Pittsburgh has ranked in the top five worst cities for fine air particulate pollution for the past five years. Our air contains such toxic heavy metals as mercury, arsenic and chromium 6. The consequences for our health are enormous and include asthma, heart attacks, cancer and premature death. Our poor air quality is also a detriment to both people and businesses moving to this area. This summer, Pittsburgh City Council passed the Clean Air Act in an attempt to address the problem, but much more needs to be done.

The Breathe Project is a coalition of individual citizens and 40 industry, government, nonprofit and business organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania working together to clean up our air pollution. The coalition includes the Heinz Endowments which has put its “considerable influence and $7 million” towards the project according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Some concrete steps towards solving the problem have already been identified (also from the P-G):

Mr. Vagt [Heinz Endowments president] said the Breathe Project has already identified a number of initiatives for investment, including adding $900,000 to a Clean Diesel Construction Equipment Retrofit Fund established by the Allegheny County Health Department to defray costs for small construction companies to comply with new emissions reduction regulations.

Other initiatives will include a $287,000 study to determine the feasibility of converting Port Authority buses to natural gas fuel; a $120,000 pilot project by Carnegie Mellon University in East Liberty that will develop a light signal system that aids traffic flow; a large scale planting program to add 20,000 trees to city streets in the next three years; an analysis of the economic benefits of air quality improvements; and a “Mayors Summit” meeting to gather information from other cities that have successfully reduced air pollution.

You can help in the fight. The Breathe Project website’s ACT page has many actions that individuals can pledge to take from doing a home energy audit to purchasing green credits to riding a bike. You can also “like” them on Facebook and view their video below to learn more about the project:

Rusty Storm Drain, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from GrungeTextures’ photostream

On October 27th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a memorandum entitled “Achieving Water Quality Through Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Plans.” In it, they addressed the need for states and municipalities to best achieve compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) through integrated planning. They acknowledged that meeting the objective of the CWA to keep raw sewage and pollutants carried by stormwater out of our drinking water will be a costly undertaking. But, they offered hope to cash-strapped cities in the form of green infrastructure:

As you know, given the multiple benefits associated with green infrastructure, EPA strongly encourages the use of green infrastructure and related innovative technologies, approaches, and practices to manage stormwater as a resource, reduce sewer overflows, enhance environmental quality, and achieve other economic and community benefits. Many cities and communities in the United States are now employing green infrastructure practices and know the value of such projects to not only protect water resources, but also to bring opportunities for greenways and multiuse recreational areas, improving property values, saving energy and creating green jobs.

According to American City & County, the new guidelines were “hailed by the Washington-based U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) as a step forward in the partnership between federal, state and local governments in addressing the problem.”

We’ve blogged many times on these pages about the need to take a green approach to Pittsburgh’s own stormwater runoff issues. And, we are far from the only ones here advocating such an approach. Action United is just one of the groups calling for a better way:

As a community, we need to have a say in how this problem is corrected. ALCOSAN is proposing one path, which relies on large concrete tunnels under our rivers to store and move water from one place to another. We can follow that path. Or, we can find solutions that use green technologies like roof gardens, trees, permeable pavement and rain gardens to capture storm water where it falls. These solutions are greener and better for our communities. Plus, they have the added benefits of creating permanent jobs and beautifying neighborhoods; making them places where people want to visit, live and shop.

By ALCOSAN’s own estimates, their proposed price tag to solve the problem is over $2 BILLION. You can make your voice heard in how we approach this problem at a town hall meeting on November 9th:

ALCOSAN (Allegheny County Sanitary Authority) Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: I.B.E.W.#5 Circuit Center & Ballroom, 5 Hot Metal St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203
WHEN: 11/9/11, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
COST: “FREE and open to the public, and refreshments or light lunch will be provided.”

You can let the Clean Rivers Campaign know you’re attending by RSVPing on Facebook here.

pittsburgh skyline, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from David Watson’s photostream

If you already live in Pittsburgh, you don’t need National Geographic to tell you what a great and unique place it is. You know that we have the the best of both a small town and an urban environment. We have all the cultural amenities of a large city — the museums, libraries, colleges and universities, symphony, theatres, art scene — coupled with the small town feel of many of our older neighborhoods. And, all of it wrapped up in a geographic area with breathtaking views. But, with all Pittsburgh has to offer, and with all the publicity we’ve received being named “America’s Most Livable City” multiple times, we still have a problem attracting new residents. A new initiative aims to change that: The Experienced Dreamers™ Contest. It’s goal is to attract the over 45 crowd to relocate to our city.

Usually the emphasis has been on trying to attract the young to move here. However, a recent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes the benefits to be had by looking in another direction:

Buhl Foundation President Frederick Thieman said the organization took part in developing the initiative because of a 2009 report by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation that found the region could see an economic impact of more than $2.5 billion by attracting 1,250 new residents 45 and older in the next 20 years.

[snip]

Mr. Thieman cited a statistic claiming that 5 percent of baby boomers plan to relocate, and he said many choose small college towns for safety, health care access, arts and culture, low cost of living and a vibrant young population.

He said the Pittsburgh region can sell those qualities to baby boomers eager to retire in cities outside of the Sun Belt.

The contest offers participants the opportunity “to chase your dream and create your legacy” with “$100,000 to help you do it…” You do have to be at least 45 years of age and have not resided within a 100 mile radius of downtown Pittsburgh within the past 10 years in order to apply. The winner will receive $50,000 in cash and the rest as a charitable family trust. According to the contest website, “In the spring of 2012, 20 semifinalists and five finalists will be chosen based on the originality, creativity, passion and clarity demonstrated in their applications. And the winner will be chosen from among the five finalists by a vote of the people of Pittsburgh.”

The contest has already attracted the attention of The Atlantic Cities with an article headlined, “Would You Move to Pittsburgh for $100,000?” (Really, if you knew us, it wouldn’t seem like such a dare.) But that is the challenge: Making people at least consider Pittsburgh. We know we can more than handle their dreams…

Sign Of The Times – Foreclosure, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from respres’ photostream

The NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) is a national, HUD Certified, non-profit, community advocacy organization that assists homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford their mortgage. NACA holds “Save The Dream” events around the country to help homeowners get mortgage modifications. They are currently holding a “Save The Dream” event in Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222). This is a free event for for homeowners who are in an unaffordable mortgage or who are facing foreclosure. Major lenders such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase, as well as mortgage investors, Fannie Mae and Freddie MAC are in attendance. “Save the Dream” enables homeowners to have face-to-face discussions with their lender with the goal of restructuring their mortgage to a more affordable payment.

You can find out more about NACA at their website here. It’s preferred that you register online here before attending “Save The Dream” (you can also see the documents you need to bring with you at that link). You can also register by phone by calling 888-499-6222. The “Save The Dream” runs through Monday, October 31st.

A Walk from Cheonggyecheon, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from riacale’s photostream

Rotary is an international organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. It has over 34,000 clubs worldwide with a commitment to “Service Above Self.” The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange pairs non-Rotarian team members in different countries to participate in a unique cultural, vocational and civic exchange opportunity. In 2012, the Pittsburgh area and Seoul, South Korea exchange will focus on green building and development. The first part of the exchange began with Rotary District 7300 hosting a team of architects and designers from Korea, and it culminates in a trip to Seoul in May 2012.

The eligibility criteria are:

1) Live in Rotary District 7300 (Allegheny or Beaver Counties)

2) Be between 25 and 40 years of age

3) Be employed in their field for at least two years

4) Not be a Rotary Club member or be an immediate family member of one

5) Be available to travel for the full duration of the Group Study Exchange

6) Have up-to-date travel documents

7) Professional fields of architecture, design, engineering, urban planning, real estate development, or related fields are preferred but not required

Selected participants will receive a travel grant.

The application deadline is November 4, 2011. For applications and more information, please contact: Ron Gaydos, Rotary District 7300 GSE Chair, at rgaydos@city-net.com

You can read more about the Rotary Foundation’s GSE Program here and an announcement about the program here. For additional information, go to www.rotary.org and enter “gse brochure” in the search window. You can also find the Seoul-Pittsburgh GSE page on Facebook here.

open book, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from sarah_browning’s photostream

What does it take to help support the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh? On October 14th, it will take 144 Volunteers, 1440 Minutes at 4400 Forbes Ave.

Public libraries provide ever more vital services to our communities — especially to those who do not have computer and Internet access. Imagine trying to find a job today without being online — or without even knowing how to operate a computer. Our libraries are critical community resources and they are in dire need of financial assistance. Our Library, Our Future is a community-based initiative to raise awareness for the need to provide financial support for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Our Library, Our Future supports a YES vote on the referendum on the November 8th ballot to approve a special 0.25 mill increment to the real estate tax that will be used only for the maintenance and operation of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (while Andrew Carnegie provided the buildings, he did not leave an endowment for capital and operating costs).

In order to raise funds to help get out the vote for the referendum, Our Library, Our Future is holding an event this Friday. Read to the People: 1440@4400 takes place from noon on October 14th to noon on October 15th. Supporters of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will have a 24-hour read-in on the steps of the main library at 4400 Forbes Avenue. You can attend this event and make a donation in the volunteer readers’ honor online here. And, most importantly, please vote YES on the ballot initiative this November 8 in order to provide sustainable funding for the Library.

Read to the People: 1440@4400
WHAT: 24-hour read aloud in support of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
WHEN: Friday, October 14th, Noon – Saturday October 15th, Noon
WHERE: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)

Seedlings in peet pots , a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from Jackal of all trades’ photostream

The Sprout Fund was created ten years ago by Cathy Lewis Long and Matt Hannigan to provide seed money to foster grassroots community projects. Their main emphasis has been on artistic and environmental initiatives. While the Richard King Mellon Foundation is a main contributor, The Sprout Fund works very closely within communities and gives opportunities to the kinds of people and projects who wouldn’t normally receive larger, conventional grants. They’ve mostly concentrated on providing modest financial awards that support community-based projects spread throughout neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Fayette and Greene counties. While many of their grants have been small-scale, their impact has been large. According to a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, they’ve “seeded 450 projects at a total value of $4 million.” And, we’re talking about public projects that all can enjoy. These include 55 neighborhood murals and those sculptural bike racks seen in commercial areas. They’ve also helped fund such diverse projects as the politically themed Conflict Kitchen; Burgh Bees, a nonprofit organization that teaches people how to keep bees; the crafters fair Handmade Arcade; and the documentary series “East of Liberty” by local filmmaker Chris Ivey.

Then, there’s all the grants that they’ve given to help make Pittsburgh a more bike-friendly city. These include helping BikePGH get their start. The bicycle advocacy organization had a $500 budget before they received a grant for the bike racks. The Sprout Fund further assisted with their first fundraiser: Bike Fest. Ten years later, BikePgh has 1,500+ members, it’s own employees, and works with the city to help all cyclists. Additionally, The Sprout Fund provided a grant to produce “3 Rivers on 2 Wheels” — a bike explorer’s guide to our city.

The Sprout Fund has also given monies to some larger scale projects including $50,000 to develop the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s ReefBot which teaches children about reef conservation. Now, in celebration of their tenth anniversary they are about to embark on their most ambitious project to date. They will announce later this month who will receive a $100,000 commission to create a signature public artwork to be installed on the Law and Finance Building on Fourth Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh.

To get an idea of the full impact of The Sprout Fund, here’s former county Executive Jim Roddey as quoted in the Post-Gazette:

He called Sprout’s impact “enormous” and said the economic benefit from $4 million dispersed over 10 years is “probably 10 times that. It’s grown in reputation and popularity, it’s been a marvelous success, and I’m really proud of her.”

Happy Tenth Anniversary, Sprout Fund!

IMG_7669, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from parker yo!’s photostream

There are two issues regarding stormwater runoff and sewage overflows in Pittsburgh. There’s the immediate problem of significant flooding experienced by homes and businesses after large storms — causing thousands of dollars of damages to individuals. Then, there’s the long term issue of a federal mandate which requires the separation of our stormwater and sewage systems. Where we have a choice is in the approach we take to solve these problems. We can do it the “gray” way and spend nearly 10 billion dollars of local ratepayer money. Or, we can do it the “green” way and improve our environment while saving billions of our own dollars.

The green way aims to keep most of the stormwater out of the sewer system entirely by capturing and cleaning it naturally. Instead of stormwater running off of the concrete, asphalt and brick and mortar of parking lots, roadways, and buildings; green infrastructure — ponds, parks, and green rooftops — provides the excess water a place to soak in and avoid overloading the sewage system. This not only prevents the overflow from seeping into places like the basements of our homes, it also stops it from contaminating our rivers and, eventually, our drinking water (according to the Clean Rivers Campaign, our rivers are the main source of drinking water for 90% of our region’s residents).

We’ve written before about the Philadelphia Water Department’s Office of Watersheds’ efforts to create a green infrastructure. Now, Cleveland plans on spending millions on green infrastructure projects to help combat their own flooding and sewage overflow problems. Via Cleveland.com:

In what environmental officials say could set an example for the nation, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District plans to spend $42 million in the next few years on neighborhood “green” projects aimed at reducing flooding and the discharge of untreated waste.

For 38 areas being considered for the program, which is being funded by ratepayers as a part of the district’s $3 billion in court-ordered system improvements, it likely will reduce local flooding and add a variety of new amenities.

The new amenities include parks and community gardens. Moreover, the plan calls for the demolition of abandoned buildings — further enhancing and revitalizing neighborhoods. We need to take this same approach here in Pittsburgh. Furthermore, we must ensure that the immediate changes that we make to rectify what is now broken serve a comprehensive modernization — and greening — of our system.

You can learn much more about these issues at the 3 Rivers Wet Weather website here and Clean Rivers Campaign website here and Facebook page here.