PITTSBURGH | Development Rundown II

[Steel City Scotty]

But, Private Dick, having never lived in the city, I'm sure you're right that I don't have a complete understanding of Pittsburgh's past.

I have, however, put in countless hours of research and feel like I've been able to at least capture a bit of the essence of the city. Plus, I spend about 15-20 days there each year.

I've watched the video at the following link several times, and it's definitely my favorite "Pittsburgh Tribute" video on YouTube. I'll admit that the message it expresses is probably a big part of where I get my idea of what older residents of the city are really like.

• Video Link

[sunderml88]

bakery square 2.0 development area:

I'm new to this forum but thought it would be neat to post these since I live in the area...

[Private Dick]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

I wasn't using "good ol' boys" in the negative context that it is often used in today (ex. "He's just a member of the 'good ol' boy' network."). Basically, I was using a literal version of the phrase, describing traditional Pittsburghers as "good, old" hardworking, down-home, red-blooded Americans.

Yeah, I figured as much... and again I'll say, I don't think your general understanding of Pittsburgh's (or many other "rustbelt" cities') population makeup was like in the past is very accurate.

While the immigrant, first, and second generation blue-collar populations who were strongly identified with steel and heavy industry were certainly hardworking, the phrase "down-home, red-blooded Americans" is something that has, in my opinion, become rather pejorative and is likely much better reserved for the "yinzer" culture... something that has been celebrated, if you will, in its rejection of progress and education and adherence to small-town "values" and a "good ol' boy" ideal.

Point is, Pittsburgh historically has been a much more educated, urban, cultured, formal, and wealthy city than what many seem to realize... and the idea that it has somehow been dominated by less-educated millworkers who "enjoy the simpler things in life" is exaggerated.

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

I've watched the video at the following link several times, and it's definitely my favorite "Pittsburgh Tribute" video on YouTube. I'll admit that the message it expresses is probably a big part of where I get my idea of what older residents of the city are really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR14UxpyGpo

And I think the video (and its accompanying country music soundtrack) is about as nauseating as it can get as a portrayal of Pittsburgh... and not simply because it is filled with inaccuracy.

Best not to get your information from youtube videos.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by sunderml88

I'm new to this forum but thought it would be neat to post these since I live in the area.

Welcome and thanks! If you wanted to periodically update with new photos I am sure it would be much appreciated.

[Steel City Scotty]

Originally Posted by sunderml88

bakery square 2.0 development area:

I'm new to this forum but thought it would be neat to post these since I live in the area...

It looks like a good bit of the former Reizenstein school is still standing?

Newspaper articles indicate that demolition began about six weeks ago. I figured there wouldn't be much left by now.

[glowrock]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

It looks like a good bit of the former Reizenstein school is still standing?

Newspaper articles indicate that demolition began about six weeks ago. I figured there wouldn't be much left by now.

Depends on environmental remediation, Steel City Scotty. If lots of asbestos needed to be removed it can take quite some time to even get the property ready for demolition.

Either way, it's nice to see some more progress in East Liberty, though!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Steel City Scotty]

Parking concerns at a building I've driven by several times in Squirrel Hill...

Addition to Pittsburgh building raises concerns on parking
March 4, 2013 12:09 am
By Diana Nelson Jones / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When construction of a three-story building was approved for the corner of Forbes and Murray avenues in Squirrel Hill in 2002, the zoning code required 100 parking spaces for its 63,000 square feet of space.

An underground garage was never built, but the building was. It has a small surface lot for customers of the storefront Rite Aid.

When the zoning board of adjustment last year approved an expansion to five stories without additional parking, several neighborhood stakeholders appealed. A hearing in Common Pleas Court is pending.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/loca...oncerns-on-parking-677801/#ixzz2Ma6v3A00

[Evergrey]

Originally Posted by Private Dick

And I think the video (and its accompanying country music soundtrack) is about as nauseating as it can get as a portrayal of Pittsburgh... and not simply because it is filled with inaccuracy.

Best not to get your information from youtube videos.

Agreed. That was nauseating.

[Private Dick]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

Agreed. That was nauseating.

I especially enjoyed how, according to the video, Polish Hill is now on the North Side, Carnegie is now part of Oakland, the Hill District is now in South/West Oakland, and Bethel Park is now a neighborhood of Pittsburgh -- great shot of Bethel Park too, by the way. I know I've been gone for about a year, but I had no idea about all these geographic changes?!

[ShooFlyPie]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

Parking concerns at a building I've driven by several times in Squirrel Hill...

Lack of parking is complete BS. I park in this location everyday after work to go to the JCC. There is ample parking near the JCC and the lot by the library. The lot behind this building is only used for Rite Aid with a few cars. It is such a pain in the ass to get into this lot anyways I typically don't ever use it. Squirrel Hill is a dense neighborhood to park, but it is no Manhatten, Center City, Boston, etc. I never pay to park in Squirrel Hill. I park a measly two blocks away past the library on Murry North of Forbes and never once have an issue finding a free space. Not to mention all the parking behind the retail on Forbes always has ample spaces. Saving 2 dollars with an extra 1 minute walk is worth it for me. Hindering a project for a company that provides good paying white collar jobs for this useless lot is asinine. I bet more than 95% of Rite Aids customers don't use this lot.

[haimon]

My business is next to the library, and virtually across from the "Rite Aid" building. While I will acknowledge that there is a serious perception among many of my customers that parking is hard to come by, it is generally just that. I have never had issues with regard to parking. Furthermore, I think an increase if the amount of people working in Squirrel Hill is critical to continued vitality of the business district. There is considerably less foot traffic, and increasing options from the East Liberty-Shadyside shopping areas as well as the Waterfront.

[Evergrey]

rare good news from the airport

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/loca...-add-nonstop-flight-to-nashville-677857/

Southwest to add nonstop flight to Nashville


Southwest Airlines will add a nonstop flight to Nashville, Tenn., from Pittsburgh this fall.

The low-fare carrier will launch the service Sunday, Sept. 29, from Pittsburgh International Airport with one flight a day. The airline announced the new service in a press release today. The flight already can be booked at www.southwest.com.

"This is one of a number of cities the business community has been hoping to get. We're delighted. We continue to have a good relationship with Southwest," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

Neither Southwest or airport officials could be reached for comment.

Nashville was one of a dozen cities targeted for service by the Allegheny County Airport Authority earlier this year.

[East Edge]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

But, Private Dick, having never lived in the city, I'm sure you're right that I don't have a complete understanding of Pittsburgh's past.

I have, however, put in countless hours of research and feel like I've been able to at least capture a bit of the essence of the city. Plus, I spend about 15-20 days there each year.

I've watched the video at the following link several times, and it's definitely my favorite "Pittsburgh Tribute" video on YouTube. I'll admit that the message it expresses is probably a big part of where I get my idea of what older residents of the city are really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR14UxpyGpo

(I tried to use the "YouTube" tool at the top of the message box, but I'm not quite sure how it works. Sorry!)

WOW! That video sucks so much ass. Shit like this is what gives outsiders the impression that we are small hick town in BF USA. Isnt there any cool, edgie vids out there that can work as an attraction tool for the hip creative class to join our midst?

[Evergrey]

Originally Posted by East Edge

Isnt there any cool, edgie vids out there that can work as an attraction tool for the hip creative class to join our midst?

• Video Link

[Grego43]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

• Video Link

OMFG, Evergrey! Thanks for making me laugh and cringe. Yinzers rule!

[themaguffin]

Honestly, there are clips in most every one of WQED's Pittsburgh videos that would make me cringe.

I still can't shake those older female yinzers saying (in Pgh accent of course)
"There's no place in the WORLD like the Strip District"

Really? No place? In the world?

Add to that, the editing decision to include trivial non unique establishments.

In any case, I know it's important to be authentic, but ugh.

[Steel City Scotty]

Originally Posted by Private Dick

I especially enjoyed how, according to the video, Polish Hill is now on the North Side, Carnegie is now part of Oakland, the Hill District is now in South/West Oakland, and Bethel Park is now a neighborhood of Pittsburgh -- great shot of Bethel Park too, by the way. I know I've been gone for about a year, but I had no idea about all these geographic changes?!

I will admit that as someone who has memorized all of the neighborhoods located inside the city limits, it does bother me that suburbs such as Carnegie and Bethel Park are included in that part of the video.

[Steel City Scotty]

Originally Posted by East Edge

Isnt there any cool, edgie vids out there that can work as an attraction tool for the hip creative class to join our midst?

I doubt you'll find this one much better, but at least it's a little more modern and obviously tries to appeal to a younger demographic. It doesn't speak about career opportunities or the breakthroughs being made in medicine, computers and other technologies, but it does illustrate several options for shopping, dining, recreation, arts and entertainment.

• Video Link

[Jonboy1983]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

I will admit that as someone who has memorized all of the neighborhoods located inside the city limits, it does bother me that suburbs such as Carnegie and Bethel Park are included in that part of the video.

Maybe if they elect Bill Peduto as Mayor and he gets his way from 5 years ago when he wanted to consolidate Pittsburgh with Allegheny County...

Pros
-the tax base increases 4-fold as would the city's population
-NO FRAGMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT!!

Cons
-some services are consolidated or cut where overlapping is present
(i.e. schools, municipal government services, etc)

[Private Dick]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

I will admit that as someone who has memorized all of the neighborhoods located inside the city limits, it does bother me that suburbs such as Carnegie and Bethel Park are included in that part of the video.

Well as someone who has memorized all of the city neighborhoods, you should be more bothered by the fact that the pictures that are supposed to correspond with the neighborhoods (which is obviously used generously) don't even depict Polish Hill, the Hill District, or Carnegie. The shots are from somewhere on the north side and two shots of Oakland/South Oakland.