Polish Hill Voice We are the community … we are one voice!
3060 Brereton Street ☼ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 ☼ (412) 681-1950 ☼ [email protected] ☼ www.phcapgh.org
November The Polish Hill Strategic Community Plan Visions and Voices of the Community 2011 Contents
From Our Readers 2
Presidents Message
News and 3 Announcements By Leslie Clague and Myra Falisz Photo by Patrick Singleton
Community Calendar We've been reporting on the strategic An article in the August issue of the Voice planning process since early this year. As detailed the process by which we worked with More News and 4 we go to press, the Polish Hill Community residents to get their input about Polish Hill's Holiday Happenings Plan is being finalized. This document future. Here, we present an outline of the will be the culmination of years of work. values, visions and top priorities presented Greeting Cards Benefit 5 within the plan goals and project recommenda- the PHCA The PHCA first started a planning process tions, as identified by Polish Hill residents. in 2007, conducting neighborhood sur- Fall and Winter Scenes 6 veys, collecting data and working with a Housing and Building from the PHCA Photo Carnegie Mellon class to do an analysis of Recommendations Archive the neighborhood. In 2010, the PHCA received a grant from the Community A strong neighborhood consensus emerged in 7 Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP) to the area of housing and development. The PHCA Photo Although residents are concerned about too Archive hire a firm to partner with us to create the plan. many vacant and ill-maintained buildings, they overwhelmingly feel that the neighborhood has Strategic Plan, 8 a wonderful character and scale just as it is. continued In January, we selected Pfaffmann + Associates and began the process. Now, Residents strongly dislike the idea of $250,000 -300,000 townhouse developments such as 9 moving into the final months of the year, Strategic Plan, we have a document with concrete goals those introduced in adjacent neighborhoods. continued and project recommendations. This They want to retain the sense of individuality
document will enable us to seek funding the buildings currently have, and preferred to Discovering Third Spaces for projects, and demonstrates to state focus on rehabbing existing housing rather than new development. Many people said they Preparing Your 10 and local politicians that Polish Hill is in charge of its future. want the neighborhood to remain affordable, Home and Garden for mixed income and diverse. Winter
It's important to note that the goals iden- Priorities for housing Third Spaces, continued tified in the final plan came directly from the many residents who took time to fill and development Membership 11 out a survey, attend one or more of the Application public meetings, or contact the PHCA The top three priorities from the working group office to convey what they cared about are: how to address vacant buildings and small The Voice is a quarterly and wanted for our neighborhood. This -scale development, what can be done with the published in February, plan is not coming from the outside, but declining IHM School site and how to create a May, August and more welcoming space at the intersection of November. from residents who participated, and we Dobson and Brereton. appreciate everyone's contributions. Continued on page 8 Page 2 Polish Hill Voice From Our Readers
It’s a Small World After All Left: Former Polish Hill residents Loretta Burek and Alexander Huminski at their meeting in September.
Below: Lorettta Simeone-Burek, high school photo.
Polish Hill residents met at the West Penn Recreation Center for the fourth and final public meeting for the strategic plan, held on September 6, 2011. by Loretta Burek
I moved from Polish Hill in 1963, due I was able to give him copies of the collaborations and new methods is next to my husband's new job in Maryland. census which included his family, his on the task list. Although hard work The move turned out to be very trau- father's naturalization papers and awaits us, it will bring more opportuni- matic for us, having three small chil- WW1 and WW2 military registration ties to make Polish Hill an even better dren and leaving family and friends cards, and I printed out some pic- place to call home. Of course, our own back in Pittsburgh. We had no family tures of people he said he knew. grassroots efforts and new volunteers for support in Maryland. will play a critical role. Those papers made him very happy. Over the years I have met many people We will be getting together again, as I The last few years have been an exciting from Pittsburgh, but until three weeks have more pictures for him. Until a time, witnessing the change and growth. ago I never met anyone from Polish couple of years ago he lived on I imagine the next few years will bring Hill. No one even knew where Polish Melwood Avenue. He is now living even greater chances to see this collec- Hill was located, that is, until recently. with his son Jim in Maryland. tive creativity continue. We take on this work to increase the quality of life for I got a phone call from my son's girl- everyone. That one purpose is why I friend Annie one evening. Annie drives find my time at the PHCA worth every the senior bus for a county in Maryland, President’s Message minute. Our volunteers and staff often and she noticed that one of her clients By Terry Doloughty sacrifice personal hours to make good wasn't there for a couple of days. works possible here. Let's all show our This has been a very busy year for appreciation and a healthy respect for When he showed up again, she asked the PHCA and Polish Hill. As the fall their efforts throughout Polish Hill. where he had been. He told her he was season unfolds, we are reaching our in Pittsburgh for a funeral, and she told goal of creating the community's first Stay warm, and enjoy the change of him that (my son) Jeff's family was strategic plan. I want to extend a seasons. from Pittsburgh. After a few more days thank you to all residents who shared of talking it was emerged that the client their input, and acknowledge our stra- was also from Polish Hill, and Annie set tegic planning committee for their Are you online? Please check out up a date for us to meet for lunch. hours of work and dedication throughout the process. Gathering BLOGSKI Annie and I picked up Alexander suggestions and ideas from all of you Polish Hill’s online bulletin board Huminski and had lunch and took a is what will make our community plan trip down memory lane. We talked for a success. We are grateful for the time With new postings and pictures each two or three hours, reminding each everyone put in to help craft this plan. week, Blogski is the most up-to-date other of people we knew and things that source of news and information for residents and friends of Polish Hill. Now we arrive at another beginning. we remembered. I am interested in genealogy, so before we met up with The next step is to assess how to Just type in this address: Mr. Huminski I did some research on transform the plan's priorities into http://blogski.phcapgh.org/ his family. realities. Exploring partnerships, Polish Hill Voice Page 3 News and Announcements
Renew your PHCA The entire project will take about 90 this area, PWSA identified Dobson membership for days. Street as the next priority in our neighborhood. 2012! During the project, there will be no park- ing and no vehicle access during work PWSA said they would keep us PHCA membership goes by calendar hours (7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) on the sec- informed about the work, so we'll year -- which means that all member- tion of Dobson under construction. At get the word out with any new ships expire on December 31. A few other times, the street will be accessible information. members have taken advantage of the and residents can park -- but it will be special partial-year offer in the last necessary to move vehicles before 7:00 newsletter, and paid $7 for the rest of a.m. PWSA and Chester Engineering are Community & Event 2011 and 2012. But most PHCA mem- aware that there are some residents with Calendar bers have not yet renewed for 2012. special needs. For special access, please December/January/February make arrangements ahead of time by If you haven't already renewed your speaking to the inspector on-site or call- Dec 2 | Light up the Street membership for next year, please do so ing Melissa Rubin at PWSA Monday 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. | intersection of Brereton and Dobson now! By renewing early, you'll get the through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at Streets most out of membership benefits such 412.255.0787. For emergencies, resi- as a subscription to this newsletter and dents should call PWSA Dispatch 24/7 at Dec 6 | PHCA Monthly free admission to Heinz History Center. 412.255.2429 or 412.255.2409. Community Meeting and And you get the satisfaction of knowing Holiday Potluck dinner that you're helping to support the 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation PHCA. Center (Senior Center, lower level)
Jan 3| PHCA Monthly If you are not sure if you renewed, you Community Meeting may check with us by calling 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation 412.681.1950, emailing us at Center (Senior Center, lower level) [email protected], or writing to us at 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh, PA Jan 11 | Council-to-Go 15219. with Councilman Patrick Dowd 7:00 p.m. | PHCA office 3060 Brereton St.
Dobson Street water line The water line replacement work is now Feb 7 | PHCA Monthly construction moving into it’s second phase. Community Meeting 6:30 p.m. | West Penn Recreation For the most part, there won't be water Center (Senior Center, lower level) In late September, we were informed shut-offs until the end of each phase, that the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer when the new lines are connected. Authority was about to commence water PWSA said that residents will receive Council-to-Go line replacement construction on advance notice of water shut-offs via Every other month Dobson Street. At the community meet- door hang tags. This does not include at the PHCA office ing on October 4, PWSA and Chester shut-offs due to water main breaks; 3060 Brereton Street Engineering were on hand to talk about PWSA cannot predict those. Come share your concerns with construction plans and answer ques- tions from residents. The work will be District 7 Councilman Patrick Dowd This work is a disruption for the and his staff. done in two phases: Phase 1 will be the neighborhood; the bus has been rerouted stretch of Dobson Street from Herron Next meeting: and it wasn't immediately clear what the Wednesday, January 11 Avenue to Hancock Street, started on new stops were. Parking is more prob- 7:00 p.m. Oct. 6. In Phase 2, work will move to lematic and businesses are affected. Dobson Street from Hancock Street to But the work needs to be done. Based More news and announcements Brereton; no start date was provided. on the number of repairs to water lines in on page 4 Page 4 Polish Hill Voice More News and Announcements Holiday Happenings Lili Coffee* Shop Their work in lighting and decorating the announces new hours tree helped make the Brereton-Dobson intersection, the center of our neighbor- hood, look welcoming and attractive. The lighted tree is a beacon at night, and a Light Up the Street landmark for visitors and residents. and Around the Block
on December 2 After many years of decorating the tree and the monument area, the Monument The first Friday in December is Committee members have recently Polish Hill's light up the street night. announced that they wish to retire from We'll light the monument tree, the this work. It's time for other volunteers to church choir will sing carols, the PHCA step forward and carry on this tradition. Photo by Mark Knobil office will have refreshments and kids can get their picture taken with Santa. With the fall comes new hours for We send out many thanks to the commit- This will also be an Around the Block Lili Coffee* Shop, which will now be tee for all their time and hard work over event. The businesses in the Brereton/ open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every the years. Your efforts made the Dobson/Hancock triangle will be in- day. Owner Rob Levkulich says that neighborhood a nicer place, and we vited to join in the festivities and stay part of the reason for the later open- extend our appreciation. open later. Residents can walk around ing is that he needs to take his daugh- visiting, perhaps do some holiday shop- ter Lili, for whom the shop is named, ping, and enjoy some Christmas cheer. to school in the mornings. Pitt student volunteers We did this last year and it was a very nice evening, although very cold. We'll Sometime in the future, Rob plans to clean up Polish Hill institute later hours, perhaps until 8 be posting updates on this and other p.m. We hope that means more holiday events on Blogski, so keep an music, dinners and other events over eye out for them! the cold months ahead. PHCA community meeting and neighborhood holiday The Monument Committee potluck on December 6 It's a PHCA tradition to keep the business part of the December commu- nity meeting short. The main event is Almost ninety Pitt student volun- the community holiday potluck dinner. teers were out and about in Polish Hill Everyone brings their specialty -- and on October 22, picking up trash from with the variety of residents Polish Hill the streets, and pruning, weeding and now has, this ranges from traditional clearing our green spaces. The volun- Polish dishes and American comfort teers collected dozens of bags of waste food to tasty vegetarian and vegan and the neighborhood looked a lot options -- and a huge array of desserts. better after they had left. For years, Ruth Rizner, Sylvia All are invited -- you do not have to be Tully, Jaime Tully, Bonnie Tengowski Many thanks to all the students who a PHCA member to attend. Just let us and Colleen Helwich formed the gave up part of their Saturday to make know what you plan to bring — people Monument Committee. This group of our neighborhood look better. We also often ask so they don’t duplicate — dedicated residents would redecorate owe a lot to the Polish Hill residents although we believe that there's no the fir tree at the war monument three and green team members who super- such thing as too many nut rolls. times a year: Easter, the Fourth of vised groups of students at work sites July and Christmas. They also put up around the neighborhood. Special Call or email the PHCA to let us know flags on the medallions surrounding thanks to: Terry Doloughty, Josie what you'll be bringing, and come the tree for Veteran's Day and Memo- Ramsey, Doug Ramsey, Paul Von Arx, prepared to meet your neighbors and rial Day, and helped to keep the Gina Favano, Valerie Testa, Dave Lyle, share the holiday spirit. monument area clear of trash. Brian Seklecki and Paul Bowden. Polish Hill Voice Page 5
Citiparks Greeting cards by Polish Hill artist to benefit West Penn Community the Polish Hill Civic Association Recreation Center 450 30th Street
Martial Arts Instructor: DeWayne Adams For kids: Mondays 5:00 — 6:00 p.m. For adults: Fridays 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (adult class has a $10 monthly fee)
Hatha Yoga Instructor: Ilona Auth Thursdays 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. (for adults, $7 donation per class)
Ceramics Instructor: Patti Dobies Tuesdays 5:00 — 8:00 p.m. Polish Hill artist Myra Falisz has created three holiday illustrations for the Polish Hill Civic Association, featuring her pierogi characters, known as P-Rogues™. One Weight training is available design features an antique red sleigh with a pierogi couple in old-timey clothing upon request, and check out the newly moving through a snowy landscape; another centers on tradition, with paper orna- renovated workout room. ments and a pierogi girl wearing a colorful Polish costume. The third design is more contemporary, with a festive P-Rogue couple coasting downhill on a red tandem West Penn Fall hours: bike. All cards include the phrase of celebration, Sto Lat, wishing you 100 years of 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday — Friday 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. on Saturday great joy and good cheer. Closed on Sundays Pricing: six cards for $15 (plus $2.50 shipping); payable by cash or check. Choose For more information about whether you prefer all six of one design, or a mixed set with two of each. For more West Penn, call the center at information, email [email protected], or call 412-681-1950. Cards also can be 412-622-7353. purchased at the PHCA office, 3060 Brereton St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 6 p.m. Proceeds from selling the cards will help support community projects.
Artist Myra Falisz became a URA home improvement loan Polish Hill resident in 2009. products help low and moderate She is now a board member of the PHCA and volunteers for income homeowners rehabilitate neighborhood events and the or renovate their property. PHCA green team.
(You must live in the home to qualify)
Pittsburgh Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (0% interest)
Keystone Renovation About the artist and the P-Rogues™ characters and Repair program P-Rogues are ambassadors of good cheer whose warm-hearted greeting is Sto Lat, (6.375% to 8.875% interest) which means 100 years. Inspired by the delightful pierogi shape and Polish phrase Home Improvement Loan Program of celebration, these characters wish you 100 years of amazing adventures. (5.99% interest) P-Rogues are created by Myra Falisz, a Polish Hill resident who boomeranged back Check the URA website to Pittsburgh in mid-2009 after living in Southern California for 15 years. Her www.ura.org inspiration comes from the variety of traditional and newer residents, and the pulse for loan programs and income guidelines and energy they create throughout the neighborhood she now calls home. or visit the PHCA office Page 6 Polish Hill Voice
Fall and Winter Scenes from the PHCA’s Polish Hill Archive
Above right: Ellen Mitchell (lower right) and family members in West Penn Park.
Left: Ellen on her tricycle at home on Paulowna Street.
(Photos courtesy of Ellen’s grandson Terry Doloughty)
Above: Doris Kwasniewski with her mother, grandmother and brother on Phelan Way. (Photos courtesy of Doris Kwasniewski McNorgan)
Above: Ray Goralski and daughter Eileen, at the intersection of Herron Avenue and Brereton Street, February 1958.
Right: Eileen and Evelyn Goralski on upper Brereton Street, 1958. (photos courtesy of Eileen Goralski) Polish Hill Voice Page 7
The PHCA's Polish Hill When you compare our collection to the number of folks who Photo Archive once lived here, it's still a small number of images. We hope to find more pictures of the shops, the streets, the details of daily By Leslie Clague life. For a practical, working-class people, perhaps these things weren't deemed as important as the milestones, the gradua- tions, the marriages, the processions.
But we are just happy to see new images, to keep adding to the collection, and to know that the archive is slowly growing. We hope that your family's photos can become part of this piece of Polish Hill history.
How to share your photos with the PHCA archive Some people have given us original photos, but for the most part, our archive is a bit unusual because it's mostly digital. Instead of asking people to give us their photos, we just ask to borrow them. We scan the photos, creating a high-resolution file from which copies are printed. Then the original photo can be returned to its owner, to remain in the family.
To share your photos, you can scan them yourself or have some- one else do it, and either put them on a disk or email them to us. Scans should be at least 300, and preferably 600 dpi, for good picture quality when the images are printed.
Or you can lend us your photos, and we'll scan and return them. To find out more, you can call us at 412.681.1950, email [email protected], or write to us at 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh PA, 15219.
Left: the Wojciak family sledding on the hill at West Penn Park. From the top: Raymond, Irene, Teresa, Rita, mother Laura, baby Antoinette and father Joseph.
(Photo courtesy of Toni Wojciak Gizzi) Two years ago, looking through some old photos of former Polish Hill residents, it occurred to me that it would be great to start an archive for the neighborhood, and begin collecting photos, articles and other items relating to Polish Hill and its people.
Polish Hill is part of the industrial history of Pittsburgh, at one time probably the largest enclave of Polish immigrants and their descendents in the region. It seemed surprising that there was not any repository for an everyday history of the neighborhood.
So we started putting out the word, asking people to share their family photos and images of the neighborhood. Since starting the archive, the PHCA has accumulated dozens of Right: A delivery images from current and former residents. We have slowly truck in the snow out- gained a better picture of what Polish Hill was like during side a truck garage on Phelan Way. its most populous years. It's fascinating to recognize famil- iar streets, so much unchanged, or see what buildings stood (Photo courtesy of on now- empty lots. We notice there were far fewer trees in Loretta Simeone Burek) years past, and many more people on the streets and side- walks. Page 8 Polish Hill Voice
Strategic plan goals and priorities, continued from page 1 hood. Anchored by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, surrounded by brick resi- This group studied the entrances to our Vacant buildings dential buildings and a scattering of busi- neighborhood, and the roads and byways and small-scale development nesses, this is also the widest street in the throughout. Gateways are important
neighborhood and one of Polish Hill's rare because they provide the opportunity to The number of vacant buildings is a pri- flat areas. signal to drivers passing through that mary concern to residents. Most of our they are entering a residential neighbor- vacant buildings are not actually aban- In 2007, an arson fire at 3007 Brereton hood. Polish Hill has fewer entry points doned. The owners are paying the taxes Street resulted in three irreparably dam- than most neighborhoods, so it's doubly and choosing to let their buildings sit aged buildings, two of which have already important that these locations clearly empty and unused. Yet ownership of been demolished. The site was purchased communicate that you are now coming many parcels is hard to determine, by the Urban Redevelopment Authority into our community, and encourage driv- creating issues with maintenance and (URA), which is holding the property until ers to slow down and drive safely. vacant properties that are difficult to decisions are made about the type of de- resolve. There are more vacant and dis- velopment that best aligns with the priori- Priorities tressed properties in the areas west of ties defined in our plan. A possibility at
Herron Avenue; foreclosures are also this location is to create a small develop- The value clearly established by our resi- clustered in this area. By contrast, the ment of mixed-use buildings -- commer- dents that will help drive all potential areas east of Herron Avenue, in the cial space on the first floor and living units projects is the strong desire to preserve Melwood Avenue corridor, are fairly above -- to encourage more businesses to the walkable character of our neighbor- stable. come into the neighborhood. hood. Traffic calming is the top priority,
which impacts our main streets and gate- One item in the plan is to develop In addition to new development, the ways that run through Polish Hill. There strategies to encourage renovation or Brereton-Dobson intersection is a natural is also the linear and historic gateway, sales of these empty buildings, with the place for an outdoor community gathering Bigelow Boulevard, that defines our goal of getting new owner-occupants space, like a small town square or piazza. northern edge and connects downtown into the neighborhood. There is also The triangular area that includes the war with destinations east of the City. interest in small-scale development, monument currently has varying levels of such as putting individual homes in concrete, including planters with trees Traffic Calming vacant lots, or doing groups of just a few and a seating area, yet feedback indicates houses. Residents agreed that any new that many residents do not find the area Polish Hill residents are united in their development should echo the existing welcoming. It was suggested that the frustration with cars speeding through historical style of Polish Hill, rather monument area be redesigned along with the neighborhood. Our community has than suburban-style houses. Some any new development. A redesign might become increasingly known as a conven- examples might be eco-friendly micro- also include special paving or other ient cut-through for vehicles traveling homes, small row houses or mixed-use elements that would help slow down traf- between Oakland, Bigelow Boulevard buildings. fic at this intersection, and make it more and the Strip District. Many parked pedestrian-friendly. vehicles, particularly on Melwood Ave- IHM School site nue, have been damaged by cars speed-
ing through Polish Hill's narrow streets. The Immaculate Heart of Mary School Traffic, Transportation and Residents want the City and state to help closed in 1991 and the buildings (the Gateways Recommendations calm traffic passing through our school and attached convent) have stood neighborhood. Discouraging cut- empty since, slowly accumulating graf- The Transportation and Gateways Work- through traffic can be achieved by chang- fiti and broken windows from the incur- ing Group explored ways to improve ing some streets to one-way, lowering the sions of urban explorers. The buildings, biking, walking and gateway connections speed limit, installing speed bumps or solid brick structures that were dedi- throughout Polish Hill. defining pedestrian crosswalks with tex- cated in 1896 and some of the first fire- tured surfaces that cause cars to slow proof buildings in Pittsburgh, still create Residents communicate some clear values down. a striking presence in the neighborhood. in this area. They tell us that that trans- The structures still evoke strong memo- portation planning should put people first Residents also want improvements that ries for many residents who were rather than cars, and they feel that quality make the neighborhood more pedestrian schooled there. of life for residents is more important -friendly, such as upgrading the City
than efficiency or speed for vehicles pass- Brereton-Dobson intersection steps (including lighting and mainte- ing through. Pedestrian and bike safety nance); fixing broken sidewalks and put- The intersection of Brereton and are big concerns as well. ting in new sidewalks at locations such as Dobson is the center of our neighbor- Continued on page 9 Polish Hill Voice Page 9
Traffic, transportation and gateways When the Greenway bill, currently in tion is to increase the monument area, recommendations, continued from page 8 City Council, is passed, the parkland and extending it into the intersection. This lower Herron Avenue; restoring the City-owned green space in and around would enhance its function as a historic yellow brick sidewalks; and Polish Hill will be legislated as green neighborhood center and gathering creating more defined crossings for space in perpetuity, which means that it place, and have the extra advantage of pedestrians. cannot be developed. Protected green slowing traffic through the intersection. spaces help increase our quality of life At the gateways, residents want better on many levels, from improving air Public infrastructure signage to mark the entrances to our quality and managing storm run-off to and green infrastructure neighborhood. Currently, the small reducing urban heat. "Witamy do Polish Hill" signs are the Public infrastructure encompasses only official markers. There is also an The Open Space and Art working group things like the maintaining and improv- artist-created mural under the Bloom- focused on green spaces, parks and ing sidewalks and City steps, and add- field Bridge. vacant lots. They also studied our public ing benches at bus stops and other loca- infrastructure -- sidewalks, stairs and tions around the neighborhood. Bigelow Boulevard public spaces -- and where art might be Residents said that the streets of Polish used throughout all these places. Hill, with their odd angles, houses and Aside from traffic calming, which af- In this context, art includes both sanc- unexpected views, were one of the fects streets running through our tioned public artwork and things that neighborhood's biggest assets. They neighborhood, there is one road caus- traditionally might not be considered want to cherish and enhance these ing major concern for residents: Bige- art, such as creative solutions for bus distinct features of Polish Hill. low Boulevard. Not only does traffic on stops, public seating and amenities. this road travel at speeds much higher Residents agreed that community art is Green infrastructure is a newer term, than the posted limit, the sidewalks also not only about creating visually inspir- one that refers to the the management are overgrown and ill-maintained, mak- ing projects; it is also about engaging of natural lands, including parks and ing walking or crossing the boulevard participation across a diverse range of green spaces. The PHCA has been dangerous. The burgeoning number of residents. It then becomes a vehicle for working on a range of green projects billboards creates an ugly and highly community building, transformation over the last few years, and residents negative impression of the neighbor- and growth. indicate that they'd like to see this con- hood. Bigelow is a state road, and some tinue. Preserving, protecting and aspects, such as the old stone retaining Priorities expanding our green infrastructure walls and sidewalks, are owned by the adds to the quality of life and raises City. Because of the shared responsi- Two main priorities came forward in property values. Creating new parks bilities, any projects pertaining to this section. One focuses on our public and open spaces, combined with the Bigelow Boulevard will involve coordi- and green infrastructures. The other is pending Greenway, will help us achieve nation across multiple state and local also featured in the Housing and Build- these goals. agencies. ings segment: the monument area at Brereton and Dobson streets. Open Space and Art Discovering Third Spaces Recommendations Brereton and Dobson Intersection By Terry Doloughty Residents tell us they want public This intersection is important because it The Polish Hill Community Plan will spaces that are welcoming and inspir- is the site of overlapping plan goals, include a section that most other plans ing, where people can congregate in a including small development, increasing do not typically address. This makes safe, positive, supportive, friendly envi- commercial space and creating a public perfect sense, since we pride ourselves ronment. The values shared during the gathering place. The monument site is on being a distinct community. Part of planning process include creating a one of the only public outdoor gathering our planning processes involved exam- more sustainable, livable community spaces in Polish Hill and is also the most ining the Polish Hill infrastructure and by preserving and strengthening the central. Yet many residents feel that the what required our attention. We heard natural green spaces surrounding Pol- current design is unwelcoming and does from people in every corner of our com- ish Hill, and respecting and enhancing not accommodate gatherings or events munity, and despite different ages, our green infrastructure and open because the concrete structure breaks up backgrounds and other factors, similar spaces. the space. Ideas for redesigning the responses came forward. Concern for space include a structure for shade and our City steps, sidewalks, roads, and Polish Hill residents are aware of how shelter, seating, a water fountain, a place vacant properties were standouts. We unusual it is to have so much green for bikes and a community bulletin anticipated that our residents would space surrounding our community. board or posting place. Another sugges- Continued on Page 10 Page 101 Polish Hill Voice request improvements to these areas. “The quality of life is determined by how decent air quality helps us stay healthy. people interact as much as it is by In addition to the physical property improvements to the physical environ- Some of our homes and buildings have development and infrastructure require- ment. Neighborhood community build- heater cables in the downspouts and ments, there were other needs. Our ing includes working together to gutters. If they have been unplugged community building working group also develop places of subtle discovery, while all summer and fall, then now is the examined ways our residents wanted to creating opportunity and openings for time to be sure they are plugged in and address their quality of life in Polish engaged and involved residents,” he working. Outdoor hose valves need to Hill. Simply stated, this is how we inter- explained. be turned off, and garden hoses put act throughout our neighborhood as away. Having those freeze can cause both individuals and as groups. This So friends and neighbors, I'm looking significant water damage, and result in was no small task. We began to refer to forward to seeing you all in the third a sizable invoice from your plumber. it as planning for the unplanned. Or spaces! providing an opportunity for something We want to make sure all of our cher- to spontaneously occur, and the spaces ished plants survive another winter that would be most welcoming. Preparing your home season. To remain healthy and strong and garden for winter when spring arrives, the plants in our Third spaces or places became a topic of yards, flower beds, and planters need interest in our planning process. To By Terry Doloughty additional help. Adding a layer of explain how we got to this point, we This is the time to get our homes and mulch is a simple thing to do, and it actually should define the terms first, apartments ready for colder weather. will help your plants on multiple lev- second, and third places. First places Start with looking at the outside and ask els. Its primary function is to serve as are homes and apartments -- think of it the question, "Where can cold air get a layer of insulation. Keeping your as your primary residence. Second in?" Before the temperature falls, put plants and even bulbs a few degrees places are work environments, where weather stripping in place and caulk any warmer allows them to reserve energy we most likely spend a significant gaps that create drafts. Your heating for growth in the spring. amount of time. bill will be the first improvement. Depending your garden's soil composi- Third spaces are the places that stitch together the fabric of our social lives. Not having to deal with as many drafts tion, the layer will either slowly decom- We have interactive opportunities will be the second. Make sure that your pose adding nutrients to the soil, or begin to compost and actually create within a third space -- a place where boilers and furnaces are in good work- regular visitors and newcomers can ing order. Turn them on now, even as a heat during the process. The heat and share and enjoy the same location. test. It’s better to find out now that a extra nutrients not only support the plants, but also allow additional micro- There are any number of variations on repair is needed than when the tem- the definition of a third space, but sim- perature plummets to 20 degrees. bial activity to occur in the soil. The ply put, it is a safe place that's easily nutrients and trace elements released during this process allow plants to ab- accessible to the entire community. For everyone that has a forced-air furnace, what filter size do you sorb these materials in the natural way As we work on the steps to implement need? Pick up a few filters at a time -- intended. No additional harsh fertiliz- our strategic plan for the community, they should be changed monthly while ers will be needed. we will need to find new and creative the furnace is in use. The more dust, ways to provide third spaces for our pollen or pet dander that is removed Mulching an area will also save you residents. Marc Rettig, a member of our from the air the better. We are indoors time and money. The soil will be able working group, phrased it quite well. during the majority of the winter and to retain moisture for longer periods of time, cutting down on the amount of Seeking submissions for the February issue of the Polish Hill Voice! water needed and your time supplying it. During periods of drought, the Deadline Publication Date Months Covered plants will have a more consistent moisture level reserved in the soil. January 15 Early February Feb/Mar/Apr This reduces their heat stress and al- lows their energy to be spent on good Submissions of news items, articles, or photos relating to the interests and concerns of Polish Hill residents may be emailed to [email protected], or by mail to the Polish Hill quality growth and not just survival. Civic Association, 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh, PA15219. Images may be JPEGs (200 dpi or higher) or camera-ready art. Say goodnight to your plants for the long winter by giving them a good Due to space and content constraints, we may not be able to accept every submission. If you have any questions, please call us at 412.681.1950. blanket of mulch to sleep under. Polish Hill Voice Page 11
Polish Hill Civic Association of Pittsburgh Benefits of Dues are $5.00. Membership term is by calendar year. membership Join now and enjoy the advantages of membership through December 2012!
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION A free subscription NAME: to the Voice (4 issues a year)
(Street Address)
(City) (State) (ZIP) Free admission to the Heinz History Center PHONE: for yourself and up to three others EMAIL: (Must show PHCA membership card) Yes, I would like to receive the PHCA email newsblast every other Thursday
REGULAR MEMBER ~ Or ~ SUBSCRIPTION MEMBER _____(Polish Hill residents) _____(Non-residents)
_____New Member ~ Or ~ _____Renewal Members who are also Polish Hill residents For office use only: get an invitation to the REC’D BY: ______DATE: ______GOT CARD ______LOGGED ______monthly community meeting and Make checks payable to the Polish Hill Civic Association and mail with this application to: a vote on neighborhood Polish Hill Civic Association, Membership Chair, 3060 Brereton Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219 issues!
Polish Hill items benefit the PHCA—order here!
Polish Hill Item Qty Cost Total t-shirt Available in Red t-shirt Circle size(s) desired Short sleeve15.00 red or black, Adult or Youth S M Youth sizes. Adults S M L XL XXL Long sleeve 20.00
Short sleeve $15.00 Long sleeve $20.00 Black t-shirt Circle size(s) desired Short sleeve15.00 Youth S M Adults S M L XL XXL Long sleeve 20.00
Polish Hill button .50 ea.
Pierogi pins and Pierogi pin 5.00 ea. ornaments $5 Handmade from felt Pierogi ornament 5.00 ea. Postcard .50 ea.
Button .50 ea. Postage 5.00 Falcon on red back- ground, 1½ diameter TOTAL Make your check out to the Polish Hill Civic Association . Ship to: Postcard Name .50 ea Address A colorful sunset view of Brereton Street by Mark Knobil Phone, email POLISH HILL VOICE
3060 Brereton Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-681-1950 E-mail: [email protected] www.phcapgh.org blogski.phcapgh.org
Contributors: Loretta Burek Leslie Clague Terry Doloughty Myra Falisz
Photos contributed by: Loretta Burek Leslie Clague Toni Gizzi Eileen Goralski Doris McNorgan Patrick Singleton and the PHCA archive
Copy Editor Myra Falisz
Editor and layout Leslie Clague
The Polish Hill Voice is underwritten by a donation from PNC Bank.
The PHCA’s mission is to respect and preserve the sense of community in Polish Hill while promoting economic and housing development opportunities, and improving the quality of life for our community.
Upcoming Community Meetings: December 6 (Meeting and Holiday Potluck) January 3 February 7
PHCA community meetings are open to all residents of Polish Hill — you do not have to be a PHCA member to attend!
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Senior Center on the lower level of the West Penn Recreation Center, 450 30th Street at Paulowna Street.