Loading ...
A new ‘Vocal Minority’ talks to the future EDGE developer.
by 15211Advocate ~ July 22nd, 2008. Filed under: Community, Design, Development.The Tribune Review has an article out today about the Edge Hotel Proposal. It’s hot stuff. Check it out here.
This will be the defining moment for Mt. Washington. It sounds promising but it also sounds like the developer is already bowing down to the “community”.
The developer already reduced the size of the 14-story hotel from 200 rooms to its current 140 rooms after meetings with local residents.
I hope Mr. Beemsterboer understands that the people he had a meeting with don’t represent all of Mt. Washington, and in fact probably only represent a very, very small portion of the 15211. More to come on this issue I’m sure.
In the meantime, tell us how you feel about this proposal and how a few (four people I’m told) are representing Mt. Washington.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 am
i wish that i didnt have to work for a living and could spend my days harrassing people trying to make my neighborhood better and raise my property value
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 am
I bet these four people who “represent” Mt. Washington don’t have jobs and/or are retired. They are probably the same people responsible for the dirt fields on Grandview (lawsuits). We should get in touch with Mr. Beemsterboer to give him our support and make him aware that these people do not represent Mt. Washington.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 am
we should start our own group of professionals for the development of mt washington and follow the “vocal minority” around until they quit… actually we should contact dan deasy and tell him that theres a “vocal minority” of unelected officialls unofficially speaking for his district and the residents of said district
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 am
PO - - I think you just volunteered - Call dan deasy’s office and voice your concern…
Telephone: 412-255-8963
Fax: 412-255-2821
Address:
City-County Building
Suite 510/Floor 5
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
What I’m doing -
I have reached out to the author of that article to voice the fact that there are other “points of view” on the mount regarding this situation and also asked if the author has any contact info for Mr. Beemsterboer so he can be intouch with other members of the community if he desires.
I have also placed a call to Mr. Beemsterboer office in Chicago - but I forgot they are an hour behind us
… so I will try a little later.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Good job Livin’. We should all do exactly what you have to show our support.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
It’s strange that Sam Spatter is the articles author, since he has in the past been against developing the site which would block his view. Was he one of those at the meeting.
I do not know maybe Sam is now in favor of Edge development, otherwise it seems the article could be very self serving.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 am
Nice work Livin’ (and PO).
If you get Mr. Beemsterboer’s e-mail address please let us know. Thanks.
Re: Dan Deasy.
Dan Deasy is moving on to Harrisburg. Not sure if he would want to get involved. If not, maybe Bruce Kraus would…
From another local blog, The Pittsburgh Hoagie:
City of Pittsburgh District 2 council seat is up for grabs this spring, rumored names are: Theresa Smith of Westwood, Mike Galovich of Crafton Heights, Rob Frank of Mt. Washington, Erin Molchany of Mt. Washington and Melissa Rossister of Mt. Washington who a few days ago said that “I can only tell you that my committee is deliberating!” Sounds like she is in. All candidates would love the blessing of outgoing Councilman Dan Deasy who is heading to Harrisburg to take over for retiring State Rep Tom Petrone.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
You are right about Sam Spatter, he is very proud of the fact that he helped stop the Ritz Carlton from building at the Edge. And the people that met on Sunday are Anti-Build people. There is a Re-Do Group, but I am not seeing them Do much.
We need a group called Pro-Development and another group call Preservation of the View.
There are too many trees in Mt Washington and not enough places to enjoy the view.
And there are too many holes in the ground because someone thinks a new building with erode the sense of community. Hey, the Sense of Community now includes two drive-by shootings, tons of vandalism, graffiti, and car break-ins. We need new buildings, new property values, and new high end people moving into Mt Washington.
Mr B…..build it to the sky!!! And they will come.
And Sam Spotter’s house does not have a view of the city, unless your neck is 20 feet long. And with the trees growing all around his property, I doubt that a 20 ft neck would be long enough. Unfortunately he still works for the Trib, I would guess that at 75 he would think of retiring so the reader would get a new “point of view”.
Mt Wash residents, we need to unite to make certain that this project gets the necessary support from the community to feel welcome (and neeeded) so that these men will build on the Edge. Mt Washington needs this project; the residents need this project.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Hello All,
I commend you all and I cannot wait until this eyesore is razed and a viable development is in place. I was the first person to file a “private right of action” with the city some years ago — no help from anyone just me against Dr. Hurite. It resulted in him having to secure and board up the property — which is all that he ever did. So, I for one am ecstatic that there is still interest in this property and I thank Diane for being vigilant!
As far as the comment about me — that was taken from an answer to Mark R.’s question about me running? Look back at the post — I told him that this wasn’t the venue to make political decisions — but I did answer by saying that my committee was deliberating.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
Okay, folks how can you all rally together and still keep your anonymity? What I mean is – I’m not sure if you all know each other with the screen names? Now that the article hit the paper start grouping together!
I’m a proponent of development – smart development that will improve the quality of life for the residents, offer possible amenities, and will help stabilize the neighborhood in terms of property values. At the moment they don’t have to offer any amenities or give backs to the community just the development will be reward enough for us! Build, build, build! What better than a hotel/condominium/restaurant next to the incline – not only will this be a great boost for our neighborhood but the incline is an incentive to go in to downtown!
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
As far as creating our own organization that is for this development… welcome to 15211.org
Also the MW REDO is in support of this proptery development and they are having a meeting on August 6th. If you suppor this and other proper development of Mt. Washington, make sure you attend the meeting. The Events Calendar has more details.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Melissa,
Anonymity is not something I am worried about. PO stands for Paul O’Donnell and Augusta is the street I live on. My entire family is from Mt Washington, I have rented a house in Mt Washington for 2 years and in May purchased my home on Augusta. The empty lot sitting at the end of Augusta is my #1 concern for development but, hey the more the merrier and maybe once construction commences on this new proposed hotel on the old Edge site the other developers will follow suit.
I am not one who needs to hide behind a “screen name” as you have implied and I take offense to that. People like me (mid-late 20s, professionals) are the future of Mt Washington and I will be damned if I am going to sit back and let a group who want to either 1) get their names/faces in the paper or 2) control everyone/everything for lack of better else to do speak for me in a public forum, that is what we have elected officials for. I have already contacted councilman Deasy on this matter and am EAGERLY awaiting his response. If anyone else shares my opinion I would be more than happy to take up arms with you and form a group serving as a proponent to development on the mount (basically the Anit-Vocal Minority).
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Someone using screen name doesn’t necassarily mean they are trying to be anonymous. So lets all stop trying to call people out on here. Who we are isn’t the point to this discussion. It’s not about who we are it’s about the 15211. Simple as that!
If people want to get involed they will in their own way. Some might chose to give ideas and perspective on this site, others might volunteer with the one of the growing number of organizations in the neighborhood, some might call 311 on a daily basis or the Mayors office, hell, some people might even run for local office! It’s all good and we shouldn’t care what their name is. If people want praised for their “work” in the Mount, go to a CDC meeting with a list and tell some people who care.
So please quit calling people out, it’s sooo boring.
I do however, Melissa, agree with your other points. BUILD THE DAMN THING ALREADY!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hi All,
Please don’t think that I meant that in a negative way — I did not — I just wasn’t sure? Now I know — and here I thought POAugusta stood for P**ed Off on Augusta..lol! By no means did I mean to offend anyone?
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Paul,
I just read your post and please do not take offense what I posted wasn’t supposed to be a dig and I apologize if you took it that way. By no means did I want to offend anyone.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Geez, I just read the last two posts again…I wasn’t calling out anyone I was stating that I want all of you to form a group, start meeting — that’s it nothing more than that — I did not mean anything negative. I am a little concerned now that PO and Advocate feel that I was being nasty? Sometimes the way things are written in a blog or in email can be taken the wrong way and perceived different from the original intent.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hey Paul,
No need to take the time and aggravation of starting a pro-development group. A bunch of us already did the leg work.
It’s called the Mt. Washington Responsible Economic Development Organization.
We would love to have you involved! Next meeting is
August 6th at 7:00pm in the community room at
1000 Grandview ave. Can’t wait to see you there!
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Chuckie! I had a blonde moment — as many times as I pass your sign on Virginia I didn’t think of MW REDO. Duh!
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I have used a screen name in the past to be able to remain anon. but will go ahead and identify myself.
My name is JT Smith - I am on the Board of Directors for the CDC - I am the youngest member of the board (at 31) and I - for one - am for responsible and sustainable development in our community.
With that said, I just reached out to Luke Desmone to voice my opinion, and let him know that there are people on this Hill that support his efforts. I also made myself available to him for support or discussion or whatever he feels he needs.
And I’ll repeat what the advocate said - come to a CDC meeting. Come to a Board meeting - heck - run for the board. I can tell you from experience - it is worth your time.
I was once like many of you - frustrated, with a desire to make things better, but not sure what to do to get involved- or if I even wanted to get involved with what seemed to me like a whole can of worms. But I decided there was only one option - head first, all in, put your mouth where your money is. So I ran for a board seat.
Now that I am in - I’m 100% certain that it was the right thing to do.
We’ve got elections this fall, and there are open seats.
All of these extra groups are great signs of involvement and we should welcome all types of support - but the CDC is an established conduit for this type of activity and with the right people involved, can be very valuable
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Chuck,
Thanks for the invite. I will put a reminder in my calender and will make every effort to be there.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
What GREAT news that the site is under consideration again! A fitness center would be fine . . . but what about that jazz club idea Mr. Blandi had?
There is nowhere on The Mount to hear live music! I, for one, would love to see a cozy restaurant/club with a jazz trio playing and the music wafting outside luring in the tourists. Speaking as the ex-wife of a prominent Pittsburgh jazz musician . . . the clubs and opportunities to make a living solely on playing are dying in this town. Let’s help to bring them back!
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
It would be nice to make Mt. Washington a live music neighborhood. We’ll see if that happens though as it seems there are less and less live performances in or around town anymore.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I used to play in bands in my late teens and early 20’s. there were tons of places to play that are now closed - namely Graffiti, Oakland Beehive, and Laga in oakland. (there were others, but those were pretty popular venues)
There is a void for stuff like this in the burgh.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I just think it would be nice to have a spot up there that would attract tourists. The restaurant part is a good idea. . . especially if it’s not too upscale, so that the average Joe could enjoy it. Maybe something on the order of the Coal Hill Saloon. Out-of-towners on the incline frequently ask about spots on The Mount to eat.
But a spa?? Hmm. Not too sure about that.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
[…] ssb70 commented: I just think it would be nice to have a spot up there that would attract tourists. The restaurant… […]
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
How can you have a high-end hotel without a spa? Can’t wait for a massage and facial!
July 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
A live band…Thinking about the days when Kaibs use to have live bands and it was horrible for the neigbors living nearby. Yes I agree it would be wonderful togo somewhere on the mount to hear a great group play, however we have to think of the people around the area.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
JT-
Alonzo’s left hand?
July 25th, 2008 at 8:47 am
wow… yes that is one of the bands I used to play in… wow again ..
I’m guessing thatyou are someone I know?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
ANGEL, I used to go to Kaib’s in the early 90s and enjoy a band called Jake the Ripper. I realized neighbors complained, and I can’t really blame them.
However, jazz is not about volume and is a little more low-key. In a complex that size, maybe it wouldn’t be bothersome to people in the high-rise across the street, which I guess would be the closest residence.
August 8th, 2008 at 12:39 am
The developer has met with people he knows undertand good development, whose input is important, and whose feedback will make all the difference between acceptance or not by the community because it is constructive discourse which is an appropriate approach in the situation. The developer is to be commended for reaching out. The developer knows development for development sake isn’t the answer. But development which makes a profit while considering the people and the environmental factors will have a greater chance for overall success. Led by Luke Desmone’s complete consideration for the community, Mt. Washington can get something truly wonderful which it has long awaited for on this site. Everyone can win without blindly cheering any proposal, but giving thoughtful and clear direction and requests to assist in a better project for all.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
[…] with any proposed development, there are dissenting opinions including concerns about run-off from the demolition and construction and increased traffic. The […]