Update from Massaro regarding demo and construction of Skyvue, 3333 Forbes.  I'll post the project sheet in the file section of this basecamp site.  The email from massaro is as follows: 

·  We are still in the midst of demolition for the ACHD site. We expect to complete ACHD demo by the end of November. We are currently sifting through the now demolished building,completing foundations removal, and then will start demo to the 2 neighboring houses. They should be done by mid-December

·  Shoring of the site is expected to begin in December.

·  As for impacts to pedestrians and vehicle traffic, we will close the Fifth Avenue sidewalk in November to allow for water and gas services to 3342 Fifth to be relocated. This will result in detouring pedestrians to the opposite side of the street. When excavation starts, probably in December, we will close the Forbes Ave sidewalk and the Forbes Ave parking lane. This seems to be the safest and most efficient way to keep the project moving with minimal disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. An MPT plan (maintenance and protection of traffic) has been prepared and approved for both closures by Pgh DPW.

The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works has postponed the three-day “Pothole Blitz” for one week due to current inclement weather conditions.  It has been rescheduled for November 24 through 26

Oakwatch is this Wednesday (November 19) at 12pm at the Jewish Federation (234 McKee Place). Guest speakers from both the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape will join us. If you haven't already, please RSVP at 412.621.7863 ext. 27 so they know how many will be attending. The Jewish Federation asks that you leave outside food and drinks outside.

The Pgh Zoo announced Friday that kids will be admitted free to the zoo for the next two weeks.

Children ages 13 and under receive free admission with a paying adult starting Saturday through Nov. 30.

 "During this time of year we all have much to be thankful for, and this is a great way for the Zoo to thank everyone in the community for their support," says Jaime Szoszorek, director of marketing and public relations. "Visiting in November is a great time. The cooler temperatures mean the animals are more active, plus we do have indoor areas such as the Tropical Forest, PPG Aquarium, Water's Edge, and Worlds of Discovery for families to enjoy."

The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day. 

The City of Pittsburgh announced today that a three-day Pothole Blitz will take place next week, starting on Monday, November 17th and lasting through Wednesday, November 19th.

Crews from the Department of Public Works will work extended 12-hour shifts from6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. each day to prepare city streets one final time before winter weather arrives. In the instance of inclement weather, work schedules may fluctuate.  

Residents are encouraged to submit pothole repair requests to the City of Pittsburgh 311 Response Center. The “Blitz” efforts will be based on 311 submissions.

All calls to 311 are answered by a live operator from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the City of Pittsburgh, dial 3-1-1. Outside of Pittsburgh, call 412-255-2621. Voice or text messages can be submitted by dialing or texting 412-573-9736. Online submissions can be sent at any time via Twitter to @Pgh311 or the online form on the city website: http://pittsburghpa.gov/311/form.

The following properties will go before Magistrate Ricciardi (1700 E Carson Street, 3rd floor) on Thursday, November 13, at 9am:

• 515 Cato Street: Violation: Overgrown weeds and grass Owner: Huiying Yu and Youcheng Jiang
• 253 Halket Place: Violation: Garbage and debris throughout property Owner: Roxanne and Stephen Sortino
• 3228 Parkview Avenue: Violation: Overgrown weeds and grass Owner: Daniel P Tudi
• 21 Oakland Square: Violation: Work without a permit Owner: Stephen Pellegrino

If you plan to attend or would like to share a ride, get in touch with Oakwatch at 412.621.7863 ext. 21 or oakwatch@opdc.org