News Around the Neighborhood

Discounted Tickets for Northsiders: The Rube Goldberg Variations

The Rube Goldberg Variations

Presented by Attack Theatre February 25-28

As two neighbors face off over their apparent differences, notions of identity clash until a whimsical chain of events reminds them that getting along is easier than it seems. ​Inspiration drawn from the uncanny world of cartoonist Rube Goldberg merges with J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, as musical and choreographic vignettes create an ingeniously complicated machine that reveals the simplicity of human connection.

You’re Invited

Northside residents and workers can get one ticket free when they buy one using the coupon code:

NORTHSIDE

Available for 8PM performances on April 25-27 and 6PM performance on April 28. Or “pay what moves you” on April 27 for 2PM performance. [ebor_button style=”pumpkin” url=”https://www.showclix.com/event/goldberg/tag/hazlett”] Reserve Your Seats [/ebor_button]

PHLF: (Lecture) Changing Pittsburgh

PHLF 2017 Banner

Location: Landmarks Preservation Resource Center, 744 Rebecca Avenue
Date: Tuesday, April 23rd
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contact: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 ext. 527

Changing Pittsburgh

Changing Pittsburgh

A summary of economic and demographic changes in the city and its surroundings

In this lecture, Chris Briem contemplates the recent population changes taking place in the City of Pittsburgh, in particular, Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods and the impact of the ongoing redevelopment of East Liberty. He will show how the city is changing in the context of employment and economic changes that are occurring across the Pittsburgh region.

About the Presenter: Chris Briem is a regional economist at the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR). His work at the center’s Program in Urban and Regional Analysis focuses on economic and demographic forecasting, industry analysis and competitiveness of the Pittsburgh region. Ongoing projects include economic forecasts for Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh region, analysis of migration trends in the Pittsburgh region, analysis of local government finances and fragmentation and the impact of demographic changes on the regional economy.

This lecture is FREE and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 x 527.

PHLF: (Lecture) Changing Pittsburgh

PHLF 2017 Banner

Location: Landmarks Preservation Resource Center, 744 Rebecca Avenue
Date: Tuesday, April 23rd
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contact: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 ext. 527

Changing Pittsburgh

Changing Pittsburgh

A summary of economic and demographic changes in the city and its surroundings

In this lecture, Chris Briem contemplates the recent population changes taking place in the City of Pittsburgh, in particular, Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods and the impact of the ongoing redevelopment of East Liberty. He will show how the city is changing in the context of employment and economic changes that are occurring across the Pittsburgh region.

About the Presenter: Chris Briem is a regional economist at the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR). His work at the center’s Program in Urban and Regional Analysis focuses on economic and demographic forecasting, industry analysis and competitiveness of the Pittsburgh region. Ongoing projects include economic forecasts for Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh region, analysis of migration trends in the Pittsburgh region, analysis of local government finances and fragmentation and the impact of demographic changes on the regional economy.

This lecture is FREE and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated: marylu@phlf.org or (412) 471-5808 x 527.

Letter from the President – April 2019

Historic Preservation is always a topic of discussion in Allegheny West and for good reason.

The Allegheny West Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Allegheny West is one of twelve city historic districts in Pittsburgh. Each historic district has published guidelines that are designed to “help individual property owners formulate plans for the rehabilitation, preservation, and continued use of old buildings consistent with the intent of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standard for Rehabilitation.” These Guidelines for Historic Districts are available on the City of Pittsburgh website at pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/historic. Historic District maps are also available at this website, showing detailed boundaries of each district.

Because Allegheny West is a city historic district, all exterior work that is visible from a right of way, a street or an alley, needs a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA), and, depending on the type of project, possibly a building permit. The Local Historic Review Commission (LHRC) and the Historic Review Commission (HRC) use the guidelines when reviewing appropriateness of proposed exterior alterations in designated historic districts.

Recent agendas for both the AWCC Membership and Housing and Planning meetings have included topics related to LHRC and HRC. Two notable items are a proposed expansion of the current Allegheny West historic district boundary and the Stables Building project on W North Avenue.

Because of these topics, because we have quite a few new neighbors and because we could all use a refresher on the special rules that come with living in a designated historic district, we have invited Sarah Quinn, Planner with the City of Pittsburgh, to join us at the April Membership meeting and review the Historic Review Commission objectives and process.

Topics to be covered include:

  • HRC applications for proposed work – how to submit them and fees involved
  • HRC versus LHRC
  • Allegheny West neighborhood guidelines and where to access them
  • Historic district affect on property values
  • Differences between property use and historic value – i.e. a structure can be any “use” (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed, etc.) and can be deemed historic

Sarah’s presentation will be an hour in length and will be the first item on the agenda. Please plan to attend!

Ann Gilligan
President, AWCC

AWCC Membership Meeting – April 9, 2019

Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Ave
Tuesday, April 9th at 7:30 pm

  • 7:30 – Guests
  • 7:40 – Sarah Quinn, Planner for the City of Pittsburgh on Allegheny West Historic District
  • 8:40 – Reading and Approval of March’s Minutes
  • 8:45 – Treasurer’s Report
  • 8:50 – House & Planning Committee Report
  • 9:15 – New Business
  • 9:30 – Adjournment

Sponsor a Western Avenue Flower Basket

We’re delighted to announce that Western Avenue in Allegheny West will once again be beautified by hanging flower baskets provided by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC).

The WPC will provide the baskets, flowers, installation, watering and maintenance, “take down” and storage of the baskets. We had 41 baskets sponsored in 2018, but with 32 double poles, there is plenty of room for others to help in this worthy endeavor! We want to ensure that all who would like to participate be given the chance to do so.

In 2019, WPC is providing a discounted rate of $355/basket — including the sign! — for the initial year, which includes purchase of the basket, as well as plants, hanging, maintenance, take-down and storage. Sponsors will be subsequently reassessed at a $275/basket rate thereafter for plants, hanging and take-down, maintenance and storage.

Please go to alleghenywest.org/about to sponsor a basket or to make a donation. Contact Trish Burton (412) 523-9402 or tdburton3@gmail.com to discuss.

2019 Tour and Tasting

Submitted by Annette Trunzo, Ways and Means Chair

The 2019 Tour and Tasting will be held on Friday June 21st and Saturday June 22nd. The Committee is excited to share that we have several houses, but we still need a few more. If you are interested in putting your home and garden on tour, please contact Carol Gomrick: carolgomrick@gmail.com.

The theme of the tour will be a vastly different from previous tours. To highlight the incredible restaurant scene in Pittsburgh, the committee is reaching out to local restaurants to provide the food “tastings” and appropriate wine pairings. Guests will not only have the opportunity to try a variety of wines, but also learn more about what is making Pittsburgh such a foodie destination! Starting in April, the committee will be asking for help to promote the tour through social media and will share available volunteer opportunities. Please continue to check the Gazette and weekly email blast for updates and information.

Memorial Tree Plantings

Submitted by Fran Barbush

I wanted to make neighbors aware that the Allegheny West Civic Council has been in discussions with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy regarding tree plantings, which will take place during the week of April 8th. Seven trees will be planted in memory of Stella (Yia Yia) Kalaris, Kerry Kennedy, Donna Otto, Dan Rooney, Bob Turley and Alex Watson. Any neighbors who wish to learn the locations of these trees, and share a moment together in our wonderful Commons remembering these special neighbors can come to the corner of Brighton Road and Western Avenue on April 13th at noon.

I hope to see you then.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Events at Allegheny Commons

Thursday, May 2nd – Grand Reopening of the Northeast Fountain: The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Commons Initiative and Northside Leadership Conference, invites you to attend the grand reopening of the historic Northeast Fountain. We hope to make this a fun celebration with activities and food. Event will take place at the corner of Cedar Avenue and East North Avenue in Allegheny Commons Park. Please register in advance at their website, pittsburghparks.org.

Saturday, May 4th – 2019 PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon: This year’s event will be held in Allegheny Commons Park.The event will be held on Saturday, May 4th in Allegheny Commons Park. Tickets may be purchased online at pittsburghparks.org or by calling their office (412) 682-7275.

Kentucky Derby Themed Farm-to-Table Dinner

Our farm to table dinner was so good we couldn’t wait to do it again. This year’s dinner takes place on April 26th, beginning at 6:00 pm, at 831 W North Avenue. Bob Maravalli has created a fabulous and inventive themed dinner. Professionally crafted cocktails start at 6:00 pm and will be served along with passed appetizers until 7:00 pm. Guests will enjoy four additional courses throughout the evening, each with wine pairings. If that isn’t enough, we are embracing the Derby look – the bigger the hat, the better! The menu can be sent upon request there are vegetarian and vegan options. The price is $125.00 per person and must be paid in advance. No refunds will be given if canceled 7 days prior to the event. Payment methods are check, cash, credit or Venmo.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Gracie: (412) 956-5761 / gracie@gramaxllc.com
or Elaine: (412) 638-8106 / elaine.stone@smarterguys.com