Author: Dave

04/04 2014

Mayor Peduto Reinstates Graffiti Task Force

From Mayor Peduto's Office:
PITTSBURGH, PA – Mayor William Peduto announced today he has directed the Pittsburgh Police Bureau to reinstitute its Graffiti Task Force.
The task force will work in tandem with Graffiti Busters crews within the Department of Public Works to report and investigate graffiti vandalism, and clean it from public property.
The task force was highly effective from its inception in 2006 to its disbanding last year. It had a 100% conviction rate for graffiti/criminal mischief arrests, and assisted police zone officers and outside police jurisdictions with their graffiti investigations and prosecutions.
“The Graffiti Task Force is a critical component of our public safety and quality of life,” Mayor Peduto said. “It is part of of the broken window theory: If you let the graffiti stand then eventually you're going to find more litter. Once the litter and graffiti are there, you see the crime.”
Two police officers will be detailed to the task force on Monday working under Commander Linda Rosato-Barone of the Narcotics & Vice unit, and a third officer may join the task force later.
Graffiti Busters does most of its work in warm weather months when its pressure washers are most effective. The Public Works crew responds to 311 complaints about graffiti, watches over heavily traveled City thoroughfares, and takes assignments from DPW supervisors who notice graffiti in neighborhoods.

04/01 2014

Pgh Dept Of Public Works Receives Recycling Grant

From the Mayor’s Office:

The City of Pittsburgh recently won a $476,031 recycling grant, which was an increase over the grant the previous year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the Recycling Performance Grant after the city and private haulers together recycled more than 59,528 tons of residential and commercial material. The grant for collections in 2012 was an increase from the roughly 53,000 tons collected in 2011, which resulted in a $433,000 grant.

The funds go directly into the city’s General Fund.

“Recycling not only helps our planet but our city budget too,” Mayor William Peduto said. “I want to thank all of our residents and businesses for participating, while challenging them to do even better in the future.”

The recycling program is part of Pennsylvania Act 101, which mandates recycling in the state’s larger municipalities.

03/18 2014

Mayor Peduto Kicks of Afordable Care Act Enrollment Push Tue 3/18 3pm

Mayor William Peduto and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 18, in Homewood to kick off the final drive for Affordable Care Act enrollment.
There are less than three weeks left for uninsured Pittsburgh residents before theMarch 31 enrollment deadline and Mayor Peduto, Congressman Doyle, Get Covered America Pennsylvania State Director Bill England, the Consumer Health Coalition's Beth Heeb and others will detail how easy it is to sign up. In-person enrollment assistance will be available at the event as well as information on how to get assistance elsewhere.
The event is open to the public and the media is encouraged to attend.
Who: Mayor William Peduto
         U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle
         Get Covered America Pennsylvania State Director Bill England
         Beth Heeb of Consumer Health Coalition         
         Other stakeholders
What:  Press conference to launch final Affordable Care Act enrollment push in Pittsburgh, followed by in-person enrollment assistance
When:  Tuesday, March 18, 3 p.m.
Where:  Homewood YWCA, 6907 Frankstown Ave.
03/18 2014

Affordable Care Act – Info And Assistance – Wed 3/19 4-8pm

Wednesday: Affordable Care Act help in Pittsburgh 

The March 31 open enrollment deadline under the Affordable Care Act is almost here. That's why I'm co-sponsoring an event this week that can help you and your family, friends and neighbors get covered.

You're invited to come to the Hill District YMCA, 2114 Centre Ave., this Wednesday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to ask experts your questions and sign up for coverage before the deadline.

Four key things to know:
1.    Financial assistance is available for many Allegheny County residents.
2.    There is NO charge for the in-person assistance Wednesday.
3.    All plans will cover essential health benefits.
4.    It doesn’t matter if you have a pre-existing condition.

For more information, please call my office at 412-471-7760. 

03/17 2014

Swinburne Street Closed Until Further Notice

Swinburne St is closed until further notice because of the rockslide this weekend. Crews are currently working to remove debris, secure the hillside and install jersey  barriers. DPW was not able to provide a timeline for when it will reopen. Will keep you posted.