15211.org

We were privileged enough to meet up with some civic-minded people from neighborhoods in the East End of town yesterday to talk about the revitalization of Pittsburgh and Rust Belt cities in general. It was helpful to hear about the strengths and weaknesses of other neighborhoods and how they compare to Mt. Washington.

Perhaps most helpful, was hearing from a man named Joe Edwards who, over 20 years, has taken a 6-block stretch of neighborhood in St. Louis and completely revitalized it. If you have any interest in community development, I urge you to watch this interview with him or check out the Delmar Loop site. (Below you will find the full video interview with Joe. It’s worth your 20 minutes.)

Some things to note about Delmar’s initiatives as they pertain to Mt. Washington:

• An ordinance was passed that required all buildings to be mixed-use in a very specific way. The first floor occupant could only be one of three things: a restaurant, a gallery or a retail shop. Housing and office space was restricted to upper floors.
• Particular businesses were sought out and vacant buildings were customized so that the neighborhood had the right mix of businesses.
• Sidewalks were widened to lend to a café-like atmosphere and streets were narrowed to slow traffic.

These are wonderful ideas that I think would work in our neighborhood, but they take capital and developers that are truly invested in the community. I believe we are lucky enough to have some of the latter and hope to see them prove it soon. As for the former, I think it can be secured in a variety of ways if we’re willing to work for it.

It looks as if other community organizations have taken advantage of the Internet as a way to organize like-minded residents as highlighted in an article from this week’s Pittsburgh City Paper. A group of people living in the Northside who had not previously attended Central Northside Neighborhood Council meetings (their version of the MWCDC) became aware of development issues in the neighborhood and how they affected quality-of-life. It inspired them to start exchanging ideas online and the increase in enthusiasm and participation as a result of this interaction is evident. Attendance at CNNC meetings went from 18 people to over 100 in just one year.

I wanted to share this because I think it highlights some important points.

• We are not alone. Other neighborhoods just minutes away are struggling with similar issues and trying to come up with new and different ways to involve more people and explore solutions
• Community development is messy…period. There’s no way around it. Let’s expect to debate and we won’t come to community meetings wondering what’s wrong with us when decisions aren’t unananimous. This is not to say that Mt. Washington doesn’t have its own unique blend of drama, but when it comes down to it-we’re in good company
• Online forums are just as legitimate a gathering space as the Senior Center or CDC office. And because it’s not built around a certain day or time, more people can be included.  Ideally, people will become engaged enough to physically show up at meetings and volunteer for things, but at the very least we’re getting a much broader perspective on what the people of Mt. Washington really want.

The 15211.org team has been talking a lot about taking risks. While we want to promote all that is good about Mt. Washington, we need to continue to shine a light on what can be better. It’s a fine line though. Talk too much about the things that are wrong and people accuse you of being negative so how far do we push?

I say we haven’t pushed hard enough.

I’m going to make a blanket statement and say “we all love living in Mt. Washington” for many, many reasons. And we’ll continue to laud people who advocate for and achieve positive change. We’ll also recognize that progress is incremental and improvements won’t happen overnight. However, tip-toeing around issues so as not to hurt people’s feelings or sugar-coating what is really going on in our neighborhood is not productive and we won’t engage in it. This is not to say we are not respectful of everyone’s opinions or that we think personal attacks are acceptable pratice. What we are saying is that trying to please everyone has left our community in limbo for far too long.

I would venture to say that there are a lot more of you visiting the site and sending us e-mails than go to a month’s worth of CDC and REDO meetings. But what do we do with that? I think we need to start defining objectives and setting goals. Here are some of our guiding principles. If you’re onboard, let us know.

• “We tried that 20 years ago and it didn’t work” is no longer a phrase or ideology that will deter us from trying something again and again and then again. The truth is that circumstances change and that the conditions that didn’t allow something to work decades ago probably don’t hold true today.
• We will help to ensure that elected officials making decisions on our behalf are qualified based on a) similar experience or b) knowledge of the non-profit or public sector. At this point, we have some highly-qualified people representing us, but not enough. Next election cycle (and this includes community organizations), ask people running what makes them qualified to serve.  
• No one group or individual will hold Mt. Washington hostage. This is self-explanatory.
• Get involved. And it doesn’t have to be in any official capacity. Pick up Doritos bags on your street. Keep an eye out for the kids in your neighborhood. Help an elderly neighbor. Be present in your community.
• Become a Mt. Washington advocate. Say you find a cool little bakery in another neighborhood and go there all of the time. Ask to speak to the owner. Maybe she’d consider opening another shop on Mt. Washington.
• Support responsible development. Before we jump down the throats of developers just for (gasp) daring to propose anything new in our neighborhood, let’s hear them out. And then let’s hold them to their word. Don’t let the oversight and neglect of some speculators taint all future development.

I was searching for something to talk about and came across this ranking from one of my favorite travel sites, TripAdvisor.com.

#4 Is the Mon Incline, #5 is the Duquesne Incline, and #14 is the whole Mount itself, above ALL the other Pittsburgh neighborhoods including Shady Side, South Side, and The Strip! This is a well respected site and we should be proud that it thinks this highly of our wonderful neighborhood.

Here is what they summarize about the 15211:

Located directly south of downtown Pittsburgh, this lively neighborhood boasts an active business district in addition to scenic parks and recreational activities.

I think it would be nice to see some new reviews, mainly about #14, Mt. Washington, on the site help promote the area since the last review was in 2006 and a lot has changed in just a couple of years. So if you have a minute write a review.

Everyone is talking about the new ice cream window being installed at Cestone’s on Virginia Ave. Looks like they are going to have soft serve ice cream and slices out of the walk up window. GREAT IDEA! Can’t wait for this one.

Also, a new sign went up at Packs and Dogs, check it out! I like this and I wonder if it is going to be their logo. Sometimes being literal is the best business tactic. Patrons will have no questions about what this place is about before they walk in.

One last thing, it looks like the old BP station is finally removing the fuel pumps and tanks from the property. This will make it a lot easier to sell! Time to start recruiting something fantastic to go in that prime location. Any suggestions?

A 6-pack of Bear Republic’s Racer 5 IPA….. $15.00

Chili Cheese Dog….. $3.99

Another reason to NOT leave the Mount…. PRICELESS

Coming Very Soon……

A new CDC employee asked us to post about an event happening this Wednesday. And it sounds like she needs our help so please participate if you can. Welcome, Lisa! 

From: Lisa Johnson
Re: GVSB Signage Project  

Could you please add an event to the calendar for Wednesday evening? I’m a new PT person at the CDC and didn’t realize what a great resource this site is. Consider me a convert–and someone you’ll be hearing more from!

Wednesday, April 30 at 7pm at the Senior Center
Community History Informational Meeting for the Grand View Scenic Byways Signage Project

The MWCDC has begun to uncover a people’s history of Mt. Washington and Duquesne Heights for the Grand View Scenic Byway (GVSB) project. People across the country recognize that the area has one of the most beautiful views in the nation. As residents, you know much more distinguishes the area than the view. Through the GVSB Signage Project, we will research, design, and construct informational signs to post along the GVSB to inform residents and visitors alike of the area’s remarkable people, places, and history, making the experience of traveling along the byway as informative as it is beautiful.

The GVSB sign project will add gateway markers to show where the Byway begins and ends, directional signs to help people navigate the area, and general informational signs. These informational signs will help tell the story of Mt. Washington and Duquesne Heights, Pittsburgh, and our region.

This is where you come in. We are looking for a variety of narratives and images that help tell the stories of the area. We need photographs, diaries and letters, and people’s own stories to insure that the informational markers reflect the dynamic range of life on the Mount. Invite your friends and neighbors to the Senior Center on Wednesday, 30 April at 7pm to talk about the project, answer questions, and to learn how your family’s story fits in! For more information, please contact Lisa Johnson, Narrative Coordinator at ljohnson@mwcdc.org or by calling the MWCDC at 412.481.3220.

This morning I saw this on Shiloh:

Late last night a vandal or group of vandals made the decision to knock over 3 of the planters on Shiloh St. Why would they do this? That is the question of the century I think. I’m starting to think that we shouldn’t even give these idiots to opportunity to be idiots and get rid of the planters because this isn’t the first time this has happened.

During the summer these planters do add a lot to the beauty of Shiloh St. and some other parts of the Mt. Washington business district. But these planters also cause some problems. They have been a point of controversy since they were put out a couple of years ago.

The question is what to do with them. I say we get rid of them or give them to home owners and businesses off of Shiloh and other high foot traffic areas. Any other ideas out there?