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Over The Edge
by Mountain Girl ~ January 30th, 2008. Filed under: Blight, Community, Development, Infrastructure.We got wind of something percolating with The Edge property at One Grandview Avenue from some concerned residents. I suspect the the photograph of it that accompanied the Post-Gazette series of last week had a little something to do with it.
We’ve discussed The Edge on this site before. It’s an eyesore. It’s an embarrassment. It’s a hazard. It’s the personification of a neighborhood in disarray and neglected by the people that live here. We know that’s not true, but what’s a visitor to think?
Mayor after mayor has donned a hard hat and put on work gloves to participate in some version of a “Redd Up” Campaign in all areas of this city. Hazelwood is the latest neighborhood in the spotlight. 59 houses will be razed there in less than 6 months. Approximately $4 million has been allocated for similar demolitions in other neighborhood. While the verdict is still out on whether demolition is the answer in all cases, it seems fairly clear that the owner or owners of the The Edge have forced Mt. Washington residents’ and city officials’ hands. By all accounts, the building hasn’t been occupied for decades with the exception of rats and the fleas that sleep in the mattresses of transients taking refuge in it. Its foundation tumbles down the hillside. Its walls are littered with graffiti.
It seems that this particular property is unique in the ongoing development struggle in Mt. Washington because our point of contention is simple and it is collective. And this feeling should extend to everyone else who takes pride in this city. After all, the folks from Toronto and Toledo making their ascent on the incline don’t differentiate Mt. Washington from Pittsburgh.
The same government officials that are dedicating themselves to improving the aesthetic of other neighborhoods by demolishing abandoned buildings have forgotten the one that is most visible. The one that sits next to the famous view. The one that shows up in panoramic shots of Grandview Avenue taken from anywhere downtown. The one that is the complete antithesis of the transformation we’re all trying so hard to make.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hear, hear! Clean it up or knock it down–no preference really–I just want Mt.W. looking purty.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:59 am
This brings to mind my little test:
DECLINING NEIGHBORHOOD Ask yourself are there areas such as described below where you would dare not drive through let alone walk on foot? Look out your window or front door and see how many apply to where you are living. Score 1 point for each one. The higher your score, the more likely you are living in a declining area or soon to be ghetto, maybe you just never realized it.
Rundown buildings, graffiti, houses in major need of repair, peeling paint, siding hanging off or missing pieces, boarded-up windows, roofs missing shingles or partially gone. Ripped shades and/or curtains in view at windows.
Indoor furniture on the outside. Yards unkempt, filled with weeds, fences falling down, broken, rusty. Seldom seen: nice lawns, trees or flowers and landscaping.
Empty lots filled with high weeds, debris, poison ivy, mice and rats. Discarded tires, broken appliances, broken glass, bottles, cigarette butts. Litter and garbage scattered and blowing around the neighborhood.
Abandoned vehicles: up on blocks, sometimes wheels and tires missing. The ones that are running are loud, noisy vehicles with missing mufflers and loose fan belts-in need of repair. Rusty, old, dented vehicles.
Sidewalks broken and roads with potholes.
Abandoned construction sites.
Pitbulls, aggressive, dangerous, mean dogs, frequently barking.
Residents hanging out depending on weather, not doing anything, unemployed. Good percentage of residents at or below poverty level. Thickly populated. Very low voter turnout for elections.
Profanity and loud voices heard about the neighborhood.
.
Sound of gunshots.
Drug dealing.
A large percent of rental homes exceeding owner-occupied homes (excluding apartment buildings).
Wonder what the scores are in Mt. Washington and Duquesne Heights?
January 30th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Lance: The time for “cleaning it up” has passed. The owners have been doing this for 20+ years, (whenever some concerned people get together and cause him headaches.) The Bureau of Building Inspection has been aware of this property. It is not just a neighborhood problem. You can see this property from the Smithfield St. Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Panhandle Bridge (from the Streetcar) Any high building including the luxury condos that face the Mon river. Of course all the tourists that take the Mon Incline see it. The person working on this is Rich Weaver, Sr. Inspector of Demolition for the Bureau of Building Inspection. 412/255-2185.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
circusvue:
I agree that our neighborhood does have a lot of these problems. I think though that there are people volunteering a lot of their time to try and address them.
Instead of seeing Mt. Washington as a neighborhood in decline, I choose to see it as a neighborhood in the throes of a revitalization. Unfortunately, revitalization takes time and it’s often a one-step-forward-two-steps-back process.
MG
January 30th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
we must work together and have this Building taken down at once
February 4th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Check out this article in today’s PG. It is regarding Boris Weinstein’s passion for cleaning up Pittsburgh (Citizen’s Against Litter) and a film that will be created here in Pittsburgh to encourage citizens in Kosovo to clean up their neighborhoods.
Mt. Washington’s Redd Up group is part of this effort and is not only mentioned in the article but will be in the film as well. More good PR for our community!
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08035/854632-53.stm
February 8th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Yesterday I saw a truck down at the Edge and some guys were working on the building. I’m not sure what they were doing but I think they might be making another attempt to “fix” it up.
New boards on the windows and things of that nature. It too little too late in my opinion and we must keep up the fight to get that place condemned! A quick fix to satisfy the city isn’t going to cut it this time.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I agree 100 percent with Bobby.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Unbelieveable they continue to do this!!!!!!!!! We’re not going away this time. Right?
February 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Diane:
I don’t think we have a choice on this one. Not only is this monstrosity an eyesore, it’s a danger to the community.
Think it’s possible to get a sit-down with the Mayor or anyone on City Council about this?
MG
February 8th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
MOUNTAIN GIRL. I AGREE WITH YOU . WhY DON!T WE ASK TOM BRADY TO CALL IN AND REQUEST CITY COUNCIL MAN DAN DEASY OR THE MAYOR OR HIS STAFF TO COME TO OUR MEETING ON TUE. AT 2.00 PM.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:36 am
[…] The Edge. Mayor’s 311 line, District 2 City Councilman Dan Deasy (d.deasey@city.pittsburgh.pa.us or 412-255-8963). Rich Weaver, Sr. Inspector of Demolition for the Bureau of Building Inspection (412-255-2185). Also, there is a meeting of concerned citizens this Tuesday at the Avalar Real Estate office on Grandview Avenue at 2pm. […]
February 11th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Remember, The more people that shows up at these meetings will show the city how sincere we are in obtaining a neighborhood that the whole city can be proud of. A few concerned citizens can help ,but a few hundred can make a little noise. We have to come together to make this work. MOUNTAIN GIRL!! Keep doing what you are doing ,eventually everything will be as it should and everyone in this community will be proud of your didication and wise words…….GOD BLESS!!!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Nice story in the PostGazette today about the Duquesne Incline. Mentions Tom Reinheimer (MWCDC Board Member) who now is the incline’s office manager. “No wonder it’s called Grandview Avenue”, one of the most beautiful views in America. Its in the magazine section C-2.
February 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Thanks Diane, I’ll post the link to the article.
February 12th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I spoke to Rich Weaver of the BBI (Bureau of Building Inspection) today. The Edge property HAS BEEN CONDEMNED!! It was posted on the building 2/4/08. The owners have been notified and it is now on public record. Its a wonderful victory, but——-it could be a long drawn out affair before it is demolished considering who owns it. BBI stated something like this could take years, unless we put lots of pressure on our city council. Please start calling. Dan Deasy 412/255-8963 and the Mayors hotline 311.
February 12th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Wow!!!! Great news. Thanks for sharing. See what you can get accomplished? Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to clean up this ugly site!
February 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
KNOCK IT DOWN!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
[…] Mt. Washington residents have been on a mission to condemn the eyesore that is The Edge on Grandview Avenue and it looks as if their efforts have paid off. Kudos to the 11-member […]