General

04/05 2013

WEST OAKLAND Newsletter April 2013

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Friday, April 5, 2013

AROUND THE CORNER

An event newsletter sponsored by The Corner community center at 200 Robinson Street in Pittsburgh’s West Oakland neighborhood.

‐SATURDAY, April 6, 6:00‐9:00pm: CELEBRATION NIGHT at The Corner. LIVE JAZZ starts at 7pm. Neighborhood Bake‐Off with prizes. Art workshop, desserts, and other fun. Door prizes. $2/person, $5/family (no charge for people entering the Bake‐Off). Contact The Corner to sign up for the Bake‐Off.

‐FRIDAY, April 12, Oakland Forever! 4pm‐9pm, Oakland Business District & Schenley Plaza. Get your tickets in advance at the University of Pittsburgh Student Union or Carnegie Mellon Information Desk. Or, purchase admission the day of the event at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place or Schenley Plaza. Tickets are only $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, and $5 for Children Ages 12 & Under. Admission gets you an event T‐Shirt, Wristband, Walking Map, Access to A Taste of Oakland, Live Entertainment, and Carnival Rides! Presented by UPMC. http://oaklandforever.org. Featuring, Hurley Associates, Hurley Insurance Brokers Presents: A TASTE OF OAKLAND! 4pm‐6pm in the Oakland Business District.

‐MONDAY, April 22: Corner COFFEE SHOP Grand Opening: The Corner – Pittsburgh’s next “third place” – will launch its 6‐month pilot COFFEE SHOP on Monday, April 22! Menu includes a variety of coffees, teas, juices, and baked goods. Free wi‐fi. Visit with a friend, read a good book. Weekdays 7:30am‐1:00pm, 200 Robinson Street.

‐THURSDAY, May 2: RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP, 3pm. Never written a resume and want to learn how? Applying for a job and need to revise an old resume? Come learn how a quality resume can help you put your best foot forward with employers. Refreshments provided. Please register if you plan to attend: 412.683.1400 or info@CornerPgh.org. If you currently have a resume, please bring it. Sponsored by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

‐Beginning Sewing Classes @ The Corner, starting in late April and continuing into the summer. From “I’ve never touched a sewing machine” to “I want to learn more…” Affordable rates and variety of hours. Contact Cynthia Kramer at brightbluemorning ARTS, 412‐721‐2937.

‐THURSDAY May 2: Monthly West Oakland/Oak Hill NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL meeting from 6:30‐8:00 @ The Corner.

‐Summer Kids Camp at the University of Pittsburgh for kids ages 3‐13! Swimming and other fun. Scholarships/discounts available. A great opportunity for residents of Oakland in particular. See www.cll.pitt.edu/pittsSummerKids.php.

*** AROUND THE CORNER is sponsored by The Corner, 200 Robinson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, a program of Friendship Community Church. Please forward this email to neighbors, friends, and family who’d be interested in these events. If you prefer to no longer remain on this email list, please contact info@CornerPgh.org.

To learn more about The Corner, visit www.CornerPgh.org or https://www.facebook.com/TheCorner200 or call 412‐683‐1400 to speak to Mark Kramer (director) or Britteny Johnson (program staff)

04/05 2013

OAKLAND GREEN TEAM Volunteer Opportunities

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There are two exciting volunteering opportunities coming up that will help green Oakland. If possible please let us know ahead of time about your interest in either of these events by emailing kico@opdc.org

  • ·         Oakland Tree Care Day: we’re partnering with Tree Pittsburgh to carry out some much needed care on recently planted Oakland trees. Join us Tuesday, April 9, 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
  • ·         Bates St Hillside Restoration: come help landscape and restore a section of the Bates St hillside, we will be removing invasive species and planting trees, feel free to stop in as you are able.OakLeaf

 

Make sure to bring a friend to the next Green Team meeting. It will be Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 7:15 pm at OPDC’s new Career Center on 294 Semple St. See you then.

 

Do you have a way that you’d like to green Oakland? Email dzwier@opdc.org or call 412-621-7863 x14 with your ideas.

04/05 2013

Outbound Squirrel Hill Tunnel Closed April 5-8

PennDOT is announcing the outbound (eastbound) Squirrel Hill Tunnel on the Parkway East (I-376) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will be closed this weekend, April 5-8
The closure will occur from 11 p.m. on Friday, April 5, through 6 a.m. on Monday, April 8. Crews will begin work postponed from this past weekend to remove the outbound tunnel ceiling and continue rehabilitation and preservation work on the outbound bridge over Commercial Street.
When overall work is completed, vertical clearance in the eastbound tunnel will increase from 13 feet, 6 inches to 14 feet, 9 inches. Additional, multiple improvement activities will occur in the tunnel as well to maximize productivity during the closure.
Signs will be posted to guide motorists. The posted detour will require eastbound traffic to form a single lane exiting at the Squirrel Hill/Homestead interchange (Exit 74). Significant delays should be expected and alternate routes considered. The inbound (westbound) tunnel will remain open while the outbound tunnel is closed, although short-term inbound traffic stoppages may occur for equipment access and material removal.
To minimize impacts on businesses in Squirrel Hill, which will remain open and accessible, different detours are being used during day and night hours (see attached maps). PennDOT has made improvements at key intersections and police will be posted to keep traffic moving on the posted detour.
Daylight detour (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

  • Exit at Squirrel Hill (Exit 74)
  • Make left onto Forward Avenue
  • Continue taking slight right and stay on Forward Avenue
  • Left onto Beechwood Boulevard
  • Right onto Forbes Avenue
  • Right onto South Braddock Avenue
  • End detour at outbound Parkway East on-ramp
Night detour (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.)
  • Exit at Squirrel Hill (Exit 74)
  • Make left onto Forward Avenue
  • Continue slight left/straight onto Murray Avenue
  • Right onto Forbes Avenue
  • Right onto South Braddock Avenue
  • End detour at outbound Parkway East on-ramp
 Motorists are reminded to use all open lanes to the single lane merge point on the Parkway East. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow entering the detour route is highly dependent on driver behavior. Zipper! Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move off the Parkway East through the detour.
If significant congestion and delay are occurring during the outbound closures, PennDOT suggests the following alternative:
  • From eastbound I-376, take the Forbes Avenue (Exit 72A) to Oakland
  • Continue on Forbes Avenue through Oakland
  • Make left onto South Bellafield Avenue
  • Make right onto Fifth Avenue
  • Continue east on Fifth AvenueMake right onto Penn Avenue (Route 380/8)Continue through Wilkinsburg
  • Access Parkway East in Forest Hills
The following additional closures are planned through the month of April; however it is important to note this schedule is tentative and subject to change based on work progress and other variables:
  • April 19-22, outbound closure
  • April 26-29, outbound closure
Additional closures will be announced in the future as progress is evaluated.
PennDOT reminds motorists the tunnels remain open weekdays with only single lane closures occurring weeknights.
For general information, detour route travel times and traffic cameras, go to www.dot.state.pa.us/district11 and click the Squirrel Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation Project link on the right. The travel time and camera links are in the lower right hand corner along with other detour information. Motorists are advised to visit the website before traveling and plan trips accordingly. (Note: You may need to wait for the screen to refresh to view cameras. Cameras will only be active when detour is in use.)
The $49.5 million project to rehabilitate the Squirrel Hill Tunnel includes updating electrical, lighting, air control and ventilation systems, structural repairs to the walls and arched ceiling, tile repairs, installation of a water line and other improvements. To minimize impacts on the traveling public, rehabilitation work on the bridge that carries the Parkway East over Commercial Street will be performed as part of the tunnel project. Expansion dam on ramps at the Edgewood Swissvale interchange (Exit 77) will also be replaced. Overall work will conclude in early summer 2014.
Visit 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.
04/05 2013

OAKLAND PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT E-Newsletter Issue 16

 
In This Issue
Bates Street gateway transformation begins
Community celebrates new Oakland Career Center and JoAnn Fountain
School 2 Career provides training to increase number of Pittsburgh Promise ready students
North Oakland to receive new trees this spring
Conflict Kitchen opens new Oakland location
OPDC Board spotlight: Meet Laura Swiss!
Oakland Council Corner
Pitt Kids Summer Camp accepting applications from community members
Upcoming Events
Monthly Community Meetings
Program Links
Join Our Mailing List
Donate
   
Acknowledgments

OPDC is supported by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program with investments from Dollar Bank, PNC Bank, and UPMC Health Plan.
Bates Street Future

Bates Street gateway transformation begins

Did you know that 90,000 cars pass the Bates Street/ Blvd. of the Allies intersection every day? Soon, this highly traveled corridor will become a welcoming, green point of entry for all of Oakland’s residents and visitors. OPDC and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy are seeking volunteers to help kick off this initiative.

Learn more about this catalytic project… 

Community fills Oakland Career Center for Open House and JoAnn Fountain dedication

On March 13th, OPDC welcomed over 80 people to the new Oakland Career Center for a celebratory open house.

Community residents joined OPDC partners and funders to tour the newly renovated space and join in honoring JoAnn Fountain, one of Oakland’s most dedicated community advocates.

 

School 2 Career provides training to increase number of Pittsburgh Promise ready students
ODPC’s School 2 Career (S2C) program is offering free workshops for adults interested in learning more about The Pittsburgh Promise.S2C is providing these workshops to ensure your children or students receive the maximum award possible.

 

Read more… 

North Oakland to receive new trees this spring

This spring, North Oakland will receive 15 new trees, thanks to the efforts of Sterling Land Company and TreeVitalize.

 

 

Read more… 

Conflict Kitchen opens new Oakland location

Conflict Kitchen has relocated to Oakland! Located inside a Schenley Plaza kiosk, Conflict Kitchen is a take-out restaurant that only serves cuisine from countries with which the United States government is in conflict.

 

 Learn more… 

Spotlight on the board: Meet Laura Swiss!

She loves Oakland, has her dream job,
and you’ll never guess where she got engaged…

Oakland Council Corner: An update from District 3
Kraus

OPDC features an update from one of Oakland’s three City Council representatives in each e-newsletter. This edition includes an update from the District 3 office of Councilman Bruce Kraus.

Read the update…

Pitt Kids Summer Camp accepting applications from community members

The University of Pittsburgh will again be offering a campus-based summer camp program year, but in a new format.  This new camp is called Pitt’s Summer Kids Camp and its mission is to offer progressive instruction in both aquatics and physical activities to children ages 3 through 13. Great discounted rates for income-limited families are also available.

Learn more and apply…
03/25 2013

FREE COMMUNITY TICKETS to Quantum Theatre APRIL 4th

Quantum Theatre
Hello!
Quantum Theatre is preparing to open its new show Dream of Autumn very soon. If you are unfamiliar with the company, Quantum has a 23-year history of creating experimental theater in places that are not traditionally theaters. This time, performances will be staged in the former Park Schenley Restaurant at the Royal York, in North Oakland (3955 Bigelow Blvd, at the corner of Bigelow and Dithridge). Before the show officially opens, we invite you to join us for FREE, to attend April 4th’s Community Night Preview Performance. Come early for a pre-show reception at 6:30pm, and meet Quantum staff, Oakland community leaders, and your neighbors. And then stay for the 8pm performance- you’ll be the first to see this beautiful production!

Please CLICK HERE to reserve your complimentary ticket to
Dream of Autumn, Community Night performance on April 4th.

Below you’ll find an easy map to find us and information regarding parking. Please feel free to call with any other questions (412-362-1713) – Stevie and Teresa are happy to assist.

Location & Parking:

The Royal York, in North Oakland
3955 Bigelow Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (on the corner of North Dithridge and Bigelow)
The entrance to the theater is located on the N. Dithridge side of the building- just look for the ‘Q’!

PARKING: Parking is available in the lot across from the theater’s entrance, accessible from N. Dithridge Street. Street parking is also available on both N. Dithridge Street and Bigelow Blvd.

The show’s location is accessible to the handicapped. Please call the office(412.362.1713) to reserve and arrange for handicapped seating and parking.

Can’t make it on April 4th? Performances run through April 28th. Check out the following special events…

  • OPENING NIGHT: Friday, April 5
    Join us for a post-show champagne reception, and mingle with the cast and creative team.
  • POST-SHOW DISCUSSION: Sunday, April 7
    Join the cast and director for a post-show Q&A session.
  • LADIES NIGHT: Wednesday, April 10, 6:30pm
    Join friends and meet new ones at this ladies-only reception and viewing of Dream of Autumn. A pre-show reception will be held at 6:30pm on the rooftop of The Royal York.
  • GRAPENUTS: Thursday, April 11, 6:30pm
    A special pre-show wine tasting.

Click here to purchase tickets.
03/13 2013

Port Authority announcing March 16, 2013 Transit Service Changes

OTMAlogoBelow of the highlights of the March 16 transit service changes that pertain to Oakland.
52L HOMEVILLE LIMITED – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Trip time changes.
53L HOMESTEAD PARK FLYER – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Some off-peak trips will enter the Waterfront. New 830am weekday outbound trip.
61A EDGEWOOD/WILKINSBURG VIA FORBES AVENUE – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
61B BRADDOCK-SWISSVALE – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
61C McKEESPORT-HOMESTEAD – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
61D MURRAY – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
65 SQUIRREL HILL – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Trip time changes.
67 MONROEVILLE – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Trip time changes. Four new weekday morning inbound short trips between Wilkinsburg, Oakland and Downtown.  Three new weekday outbound short trips between Downtown, Oakland and Wilkinsburg.
Short trips operate between Downtown and Hay Street/Sawyer Way in Wilkinsburg.
Outbound short trips will be signed “67 WILKINS AVENUE-POINT BREEZE, flash “67 TO WILKINSBURG-SAWYER WAY” to avoid confusion with trips operate through to Monroeville
.Two new Saturday and Sunday morning inbound short trips will operate between Wilkinsburg, Oakland and Downtown.
69 TRAFFORD – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Trip time changes.
71A NEGLEY – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
71B HIGHLAND PARK – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Revised running times DO NOT reflect the additional travel time associated with the S Highland Avenue Bridge closure.  Expect some delay.
71C POINT BREEZE – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
71D HAMILTON – Revised running times. Departure time changes.
77 PENN HILLS (Baum Boulevard, North Oakland) – Revised running times. Departure time changes. Trip time changes.
For more information please contact Port Authority of Allegheny County customer service at 412-442-2000. TTY (hearing and speech-impaired) 412-231-7007 or visit www.PortAuthority.org
03/13 2013

OAKLAND FOREVER – April 12th

SchenleyPlazaFriday, April 12th, 4pm–9pm, Schenley Plaza. Oakland Forever is a huge celebration of the people, places and things that make Oakland a fantastic neighborhood. This truly community driven event is being organized and led by Oakland community organizations, institutions and businesses. Drawing on the profound history of Oakland, the current culture of innovation among institutional partners, and the strong sense of community pride, this fête will highlight and mark Oakland’s unique and vibrant character. More information will be available at OaklandForever.org

02/23 2013

OPDC Community Newsletter February

Click Here to view the OPDC COmmunity Newsletter: OPDC Community Newsletter February 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE STORY: Celebrate the grand opening of the new Oakland Career Center

Apply now for an Oakland Facade Grant

School 2 Career hosts 100+ youth at college fair

Apply for a free tree this March

Sean Batyi: A JobLinks success story

MOVEPGH seeks public input on projects

OPDC Staff Spotlight: Meet Kimberly Chatman-Johnson

Mayor Ravenstahl’s monthly newsletter

Creating a “bike boulevard” along Louisa Street

Oakland Council Corner

02/23 2013

Oakland Career Center Open House

OPDC will celebrate the grand opening of our new Career Center on Wednesday, March 13that 4pm. OPDC secured a long-term lease agreement with the City of Pittsburgh last summer, renovated the building, and relocated our JobLinks and School 2 Career (S2C) programs into it in early fall.

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We’ll open the renovated space for tours, refreshments, and the dedication of the JoAnn Fountain Community Room, named in memory of one of Oakland’s most dedicated residents.

The building has sat as an abandoned blight on the community for many years. In reviving the building, OPDC has revitalized an entire block and provided an enhanced facility for our JobLinks and School 2 Career clients.

For JobLinks, the new building’s meeting space people will accommodate job fairs, events for area employers, and for the first time, the ability to offer our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classroom trainings on site. For S2C, the move signifies the first dedicated space to call their own since the program began in 1996; it also accommodates recent enrollment increases.

OPDC mobilized approximately 100 volunteers to complete the renovations. Residents and students helped clear out old appliances, scrap metal, and over 60 bags of recycling and 40 bags of garbage from the building. Thanks to Construction Junction for recycling and reusing many of these items!

When we completed the renovation, we partnered with TreeVitalize to plant eight new trees along both sides of the building.

The building is currently a polling location for many Oakland residents; OPDC will continue to make the space available for polling on election days.

Check out the before and after pictures of the building here.