City Council District 8
Councilperson Erika Strassburger
August 2019
Your bi-monthly update for the neighborhoods of City Council District 8:
Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill
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Evan Strassburger, Present in Council
My husband Jordan and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our first child, Evan Charles Strassburger! He was born on March 23rd, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the world.
Before, during, and after my maternity leave, my staff and I have accomplished a lot so far in 2019. From the groundbreaking of a major park renovation project in Squirrel Hill to the introduction of increased protections for pregnant individuals and their partners, our accomplishments cover a wide range of topic areas.
Read on to learn more about all of the exciting projects we’re working on!
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Pregnancy Fairness Legislation
I believe that workers should never have to choose between their families and their livelihoods. In partnership with the City’s Commission on Human Relations (CHR) and Gender Equity Commission, I introduced legislation to ensure that employees across all sectors can work in a safe, comfortable environment, sustain a healthy pregnancy, and attend necessary appointments without a fear of losing their job or benefits.
By adding “pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions or events” to the City’s Discrimination Code, my legislation safeguards employment protections for pregnant workers, individuals seeking to become pregnant, and their partners before, during, and after the nine-month gestation period. City Council unanimously approved the legislation, and Mayor Peduto signed the bill. With this change, Pittsburgh became one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to protect the partners of pregnant workers and one of the few cities to guarantee employment protections before, during, and after gestation as well as after childbirth.
To help employers better understand their responsibilities under the law and help companies of all sizes to prevent discrimination from ever happening, the CHR released a Guidance Document listing best practices in the workplace and examples of discrimination.
If you or someone you know may have experienced discrimination or if you would like guidance as an employer, please reach out to the Commission on Human Relations at 412-255-2600 or visit https://pittsburghpa.gov/chr/
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Updates to the City's Waste and Recycling Code
In March, I introduced and City Council passed an overhaul of the City’s municipal waste and recycling code in an effort to streamline and clarify the existing code and set the stage for future improvements.
Pittsburgh’s municipal waste and recycling code had not been revamped in decades. This overhaul represents the first step toward bringing our waste and recycling program into the 21st century and creates a foundation that future waste and recycling initiatives can build upon. It promotes cleaner and more sustainable communities and works toward the City’s Zero Waste goal.
Among other provisions, the legislation:
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Reinforces that recycling is mandatory in Pittsburgh
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Requires that municipal waste and recycling is stored in durable, watertight containers with close-fitting lids
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Prohibits the storage of non-recyclable waste in blue bags or blue containers to prevent contamination of recyclable materials
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Requires that waste and recycling containers are set out no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day prior to collection and removed from the curb no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of collection
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Mandates that landlords of properties with five or fewer units provide waste and recycling containers to tenants
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Sets parameters for residential composting activity
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Increases participation in recycling by simplifying language in accordance with the City’s Plain Language Resolution; making requirements more accessible
The Bureau of Environmental Services is currently conducting targeted outreach to landlords, residents, and business owners to help them better understand their responsibilities. A copy of the legislation can be found here, and an FAQ sheet can be found here.
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Expanding Discrimination Protections Based on Gender Identity and Gender Expression
I held a press conference on June 25th to reaffirm that the struggle for equality and justice is intersectional and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a landmark event in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Standing in solidarity with leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ communities, my colleague Council President Bruce A. Kraus and I also announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen protections against housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Crafted in collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh’s Commission on Human Relations and Gender Equity Commission, the legislation creates more inclusive and broader definitions of sex and sexual orientation and creates new definitons of gender identity and gender expression. These changes were signed into law by Mayor Peduto. If you or someone you know may have experienced discrimination, please contact the Commission on Human Relations at 412-255-2600 or visit https://pittsburghpa.gov/chr/.
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Air Quality Public Hearing
I want to thank all of the residents, organizations, and elected officials and their staff who attended and spoke out in favor of cleaner air at our recent Air Quality Community Listening Session. Air quality affects us all, and I look forward to continuing to work with the community as we advocate for cleaner air and develop strategies to prevent air pollution. Additionally, I plan to organize a post-agenda on the Climate Action Plan this fall, and am excited to collaborate with Sustainability & Resilience staff in the Department of City Planning on this initiative.
If you would like to learn more about our listening session, I encourage you to watch our livestream video by visiting http://bit.ly/airqualitylivestream.
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Safe Streets WoC
As Pittsburgh experiences continued growth and as residents’ needs for transportation continues to evolve, it is imperative that the City of Pittsburgh continue to create safer streets for all users. Unfortunately, restrictions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Vehicle Code hamper municipalities, like Pittsburgh, from implementing certain roadway designs and policies and inhibit our ability to control our own rights-of-way. State law also prohibits local jurisdictions from using radar or LIDAR technology to enforce speed on our neighborhood streets.
I introduced a resolution urging our state leaders to allow local governments to retain control of local rights-of-way so we can implement roadway designs such as parking protected bike lanes, allow cities to more effectively enforce speeding on residential streets, and increase fines for reckless driving. I teamed up with Philadelphia Councilman Mark Squilla who introduced a similar resolution in Pennsylvania’s largest city. Since the introduction of this resolution, I am proud to say that the PA State House of Representatives passed a bill to allow for parking-protected bike lanes, which allow parked cards to serve as a buffer between traffic and cyclists.
To read my resolution, please visit http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/5200_03_12_19_Safe_Streets_Will_of_Council.pdf.
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District 8 Projects
Wightman Park Groundbreaking and Construction Update
On April 14, I was joined by elected officials and community representatives for the groundbreaking of the Wightman Park Improvement Project. The groundbreaking was the culmination of years of community conversations and consensus building around how to make this park a regional landmark and asset for stormwater management.
Once complete, the park will include significant green infrastructure elements, distinct play areas for toddlers and school-age children which will incorporate play equipment designed for children of all abilities, and new family restrooms equipped with an adult changing table.
As for the construction start date, PWSA, which is taking a large role in the stormwater mitigation part of the project, had some last minute changes to their designs which has delayed the start. Those changes have been approved and construction has begun. There is now an estimated completion date of late spring / early summer 2020.
Public Art Honoring Stonewall Uprising at
Ellsworth and Maryland Avenues
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and in order to mark this important intersection as a site of LGBTQIA+ pride, my office worked with the City’s Public Art and Civic Design Division to commission a street mural at the intersection of Ellsworth and Maryland Avenues in Shadyside. The mural, which features an abstract take on the LGBT pride flag using graphic cubism, was completed by artist Leonardo Moleiro. I encourage you to visit the mural, patronize some of the local businesses on Ellsworth Avenue, and dine at one of the incredible restaurants on the street.
Shady Hill Plaza Redevelopment
A proposal for the redevelopment of the Shady Hill Plaza, better known as the Shakespeare Street Giant Eagle, was presented to East End community members on Thursday, July 18th.
A crowd close to 200 people assembled at the Kingsley Center in Larimer to hear Echo Realty and Greystar, the developers of the site, propose their plans. The proposal includes a new Giant Eagle store, 200 apartments, additional retail space, and over 500 parking spaces. There is also a proposal to include affordable units – 10% of the proposed units could be affordable to individuals and families making 50% of the area median income (AMI).
View the presentation given at the meeting, and read a summary of the main comments received here.
Knowing that this site impacts many different East End communities, the goal of this meeting was to bring people with different perspectives together to discuss the future of the site. There will be plenty of future opportunities for public comment, including another large community meeting, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings and City Council public hearings.
The next step is to hold another community meeting as a follow-up to the first one where Echo, Greystar, and Giant Eagle will be on hand to discuss changes to their proposal based on feedback. This meeting will take place in September.
Want to stay informed about this project and opportunities for public comment? Use this sign in form to join our list.
Shady Avenue Traffic Calming
This fall, my office, in partnership with Councilman Corey O’Connor’s office and the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), will be hosting a community process around traffic calming along the Shady Avenue Corridor. The study area will stretch along Shady Avenue from Penn Avenue to Tilbury Avenue, from East Liberty, through Shadyside, to Squirrel Hill. We will host a series of community meetings to solicit feedback on the biggest challenges facing the corridor. There will be three meetings:
- Penn / Shady Corridor meeting: this will include Shady from Penn to Fifth. Time and place TBD.
- Fifth-Forbes Corridor: September 25th, 6pm – 7:30pm, The Children’s Institute
- Forbes-Tilbury Corridor: TBD, Allderdice High School
Once feedback is gathered, DOMI will work with the Soutwestern PA Commission on a Road Safety Audit of the corridor to collect data. We expect to have another meeting to present findings in early 2020. We hope to find traffic calming solutions that work well for each section of Shady, as their challenges vary. Stay tuned for more information!
Oakland Neighborhood Plan
This fall, the Department of City Planning (DCP) will begin a neighborhood planning process for Oakland. The goal is to create “a 10-year plan with a shared vision for Oakland’s future and the projects and programs necessary to make that vision a reality.” The first step is the formation of a 30-member Steering Committee that will develop a Public Engagement Plan to involve the broader Oakland community in the planning process. See the project website to stay up to date on progress and public meet schedules.
In anticipation of the planning process, DCP is hosting a series of educational workshops that will provide an introduction to some of the concepts that will be covered in the Oakland Plan. These include:
All workshops take place between 6pm and 8pm. I hope you’ll join us in learning more about these concepts in anticipation of this fall’s planning process.
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News and Events
District 8 Office Welcomes Mollie March-Steinman
A warm welcome to our new Legislative Assistant, Mollie March-Steinman! Mollie is a recent graduate of Chatham University, where she was an Economic Justice major and President of the Chatham University Democrats. She is originally from Point Breeze. Mollie will be assisting with constituent services and policy analysis for the office. We’re so happy to have her!
PWSA Community Meetings
PWSA’s Interim Executive Director Robert Weimar is attending local neighborhood community meetings to talk with residents about the future direction of the organization. We encourage you to bring your questions and join PWSA during the meetings listed below:
- 8/21 6:30 p.m. Lawrenceville 9th Ward Block Watch 333 45th Street (15201)
- 9/12 7:00 p.m. Uptown Partner's Life's Work 1323 Forbes Ave. (15219)
- 9/20 7:00 p.m. Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition 1405 Shady Ave. (15217)
Oakland Planning Education Series
Join nonprofit and public agency experts for an education series designed to provide an introduction to some of the concepts of the Oakland Plan process starting this year. Sessions will start with presentations followed by time for questions with the experts. The meetings are free to attend, with dinner, raffles, takeaway items, and informational packets available at every event.
Upcoming meeting dates:
August 14th | Topic: Energize
Discuss energy systems, new building technologies, and how energy efficiency projects can benefit you.
Details: Oakland Career Center, 294 Semple Street, 8/14 , 6:00-8:00 p.m.
August 21st | Topic: Thrive
Learn about the City’s planning efforts and how plans are implemented through public and private efforts including regulations.
Details: 218 Oakland Ave, 2nd Floor, 8/21, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Squirrel Hill Night Market
Squirrel Hill Night Market is a free, outdoor street festival that's fun for adults and kids of all ages!
75+ "I Made It!" Market artists selling handmade wares.
Local live bands, art, & performers.
Offerings from your favorite Squirrel Hill restaurants.
Food trucks.
Location: Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill from Forbes Avenue to Beacon Street
More Info + Vendor Information: UncoverSquirrelHill.com/NightMarkets
40th Annual Shadyside House Tour
Find out more here
Phipps Garden Center Renovation Community Meeting
August 26th, 6pm to 7:30pm
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park (1059 Shady Ave)
Phipps will be updating the community on their plans to renovate the Garden Center in Mellon Park. There will be a presentation and time for additional feedback and discussion on the updated plans.
Regular Monthly Meetings
Shadyside Action Coalition
The Shadyside Action Coalition is a community based non-profit organization that works with residents to improve the quality of life for everyone in their neighborhood. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Winchester Thurston Lower School on Ellsworth and Morewood Avenues, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bellefield Area Citizens Association
Bellefield Area Citizens Association (BACA) is a group of residents and business owners working together to improve their North Oakland neighborhood in the City of Pittsburgh, PA. BACA meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at First Church of Christ Scientist (corner of Bayard St. & Dithridge St. in Oakland). The next meeting is planned for August 13th.
Baum Centre Initiative (BCI)
BCI is a group of citizens and business owners who work to improve the quality of life and review development proposals in the Baum-Centre corridor. BCI meets the third Tuesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church at 6:00 p.m. Please contact Lenore Williams at leefabilli@aol.com to learn more.
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Pittsburgh Safe Driving Pledge
Volunteer to sign the Pittsburgh Safe Driving Pledge, and then proudly display the official Safe Driving Pledge bumper sticker on the rear of your car. By agreeing to follow the speed limit, your car will set the pace for traffic behind you without the need for physical barriers like speed humps. This is a resident-based initiative that will not only keep traffic at a safe speed, but also make drivers more aware of and courteous to other road users—especially pedestrians and cyclists.
The Pittsburgh Safe Driving Pledge encourages drivers to follow the speed limit and stop for pedestrians in order to create more livable streets and neighborhoods, reduce serious injury associated with driving, and educate the public about traffic laws and responsible driving behavior.
Sign the pledge here!
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DOMI 2070 Transportation Vision Plan
The Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is asking residents to complete a transportation survey to gather ideas for their 2070 Transportation Vision Plan. You can complete the survey by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/transportationvisionsurvey
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PWSA Updates
Green Infrastructure in District 8
The Maryland Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project will use cost-effective green stormwater solutions throughout Shadyside to reduce runoff from flowing to the combined sewer system. This project will help to reduce the ongoing issues of basement backups, neighborhood flooding, and combined sewer overflows that commonly occur during heavy rains.
On-Going Lead Line Replacement Program
The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) created an interactive map illustrating plans to replace lead service lines in our water system. To learn more, please visit: http://bit.ly/interactiveleadmap
Additionally, PWSA provides free lead water test kits to homes in their drinking water service area. To request a kit for your home, visit http://www.pgh2o.com/leadform/ or contact the Lead Help Desk at LeadHelp@pgh2o.com or 412.255.8987 with any questions.
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The Civic Leadership Academy is a free, 11-week course that encourages more informed, effective, and inspired community and civic leadership by giving City residents an opportunity to learn about their local government. The Civic Leadership Academy is held twice per year and applications are open to anyone who lives in, or owns and operates a business, within the City of Pittsburgh limits. Each class meets with over 15 departments, offices, bureaus, and authorities of the City of Pittsburgh to learn about their operations, programs, and services.
The Civic Leadership Academy is accepting applications until August 23rd.
Visit applycla.pittsburghpa.gov to apply.
The Fall 2019 session will be held every Wednesday, September 4th through November 20th, 2019, from 6-8:30 p.m. (There is no class on 10/9/2019).
Childcare is available upon request, and dinner is provided with each session.
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Environmental Services Updates
Electronic and Hazardous Waste Drop Offs
Want to remove old televisions, computers, paint, or cleaning supplies from home? The Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services (ES) recently launched a Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling Program. The City will accept items, such as televisions, computer monitors, A/C units, paint, household cleaning supplies, other electronics, and other household products.
You can drop-off these items for a fee on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at our Recycling Center (3001 Railroad St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201) in the Strip District. Drop-offs must be scheduled ahead of time. To schedule a drop-off and learn more, visit https://ecsr.net/pittsburgh-recycling/.
Glass Recycling Drop-Off Pilot
Pittsburgh residents can now drop off their glass recyclables to three different spots across the City this summer and fall. When glass is recycled curbside, it contaminates single-stream recycling because it breaks into small pieces, making other materials and the glass less valuable on the secondary materials market.
By voluntarily bringing glass recyclables to one of three drop-off locations, you increase the amount of glass that can actually be reused and/or recycled.
Look for lime green bins at these locations:
Construction Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street
Environmental Services, 3001 Railroad Street
Knoxville, 405 Bausman Street
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Nominate a neighbor for Citizen Spotlight!
Our newsletter regularly profiles a D8 resident who is especially committed to their community.
If you know someone that is taking efforts to make a difference in your neighborhood, show them they are appreciated by submitting their accomplishments!
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