Meet Councilman Patrick Dowd and his staff at Bloomfield’s Council to Go session today, Thursday, September 30 from 7 p.m.–8 p.m. at the Bloomfield Crazy Mocha.

Council to Go is Councilman Dowd’s mobile district office. Councilman Dowd and his staff will be available to hear your concerns, provide news on issues in Council, and help you access city services.

For more information about Council to Go and Councilman Dowd, visit the District 7 website or read our previous posts on Council to Go.

To help promote the event, download a printable flyer.

Thursday, September 30, 2010
7:00 PM–8:00 PM

Bloomfield Crazy Mocha
4525 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar

Right by Nature, Cioppino Restaurant and Osteria 2350 are looking for street vendors for the 23rd & Smallman Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2 from noon to 6 p.m. If you are interested in being a street vendor, please contact Shona at 412-281-6593 or shona@cioppinoofpittsburgh.com.

Free parking at Right by Nature! 23rd Street from Smallman to Railroad will be closed down and filled with food, drinks, music, pumpkins, etc. Visit Right by Nature for more information.

To help promote the event, download a printable PDF flyer.

A lot of folks have asked me to explain to them what is going on down at City Hall with the Parking-Pension issue. I realize that most of you have some understanding from the media, but you still have questions and want to know what each of the different proposals will mean to you. Hopefully, I will be able to give you some information to better understand the issue and to know there are no easy solutions — and most don’t solve anything.

Background

Presently, the city only has enough money to pay about 27% of our pension obligations. That is the lowest funded pension plan in the country. In order to help Pittsburgh and other PA towns with severely distressed pension plans, the state legislature created Act 44 last year. Mayor Ravenstahl lobbied the state to exclude Pittsburgh and offered his plan to lease our parking assets as his solution. The state gave Pittsburgh one year to implement a plan that will get the city’s pension to level of 50% funded. We have until January 1, 2011 to find an alternative or to join the state plan under Act 44.

What Are the Options?

The Mayor’s plan calls for the city to privatize all of the city’s garages, surface lots and meters for the next 50 years. Rates would be increased, enforcement would be extended, 900 new meters would be added and improvements would be required — all as part of the agreement. The Mayor’s plan has received a winning bid of $452 million. Another plan calls for the city to raise the rates on its own — not as much as the Mayor’s plan — and to use that new revenue to pay for a loan to get the plan 50% funded. Another plan being discussed by City Controller Michael Lamb would have the city enter into an agreement with the Parking Authority that would dedicate new increases in rates to the pension fund — Controller Lamb will be announcing details of his plan sometime this week. Finally, the fourth option would be to allow the city to become part of the state’s Act 44 pension program for severely distressed municipalities. Each of these plans provides the city with needed cash by raising rates, but each of these plans also has drawbacks.

My Analysis

I can’t opine on Controller Lamb’s proposal until the details are released, but the questions I would have are similar to the questions I have regarding the plan to borrow the money. Presently, our annual pension costs are about $80 million per year — yes, that’s right — $80 million per year. We put $45 million into the fund and we take $80 million out. Do you see the problem? Even if we put an additional $220 million into the fund — in order to get it to 50% funded – we will still be taking more out on an annual basis. Within a few years, we will be back to under 50% funded. Within several years, we will be right back to where we are today — except we will have higher parking rates. Also, a pension fund that is 50% funded really isn’t anything to be proud of — actually, it is something to be concerned about.

I know what you’re saying — what about the Mayor’s plan, won’t that solve the pension plan? Sorry, but the answer is NO. Yes, it will get us a lot of money. Why? Because it creates parking rates that will be the HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY. That is why Wall Street is willing to give us $452 million — because they know they will be able to reap $3.2 Billion over the next 50 years. But, the downside of the Mayor’s plan is not the money we would be getting — the problem is what we would be giving up. The costs associated with raising meters from 50 cents an hour to 3 dollars an hour, increasing surface lots and garages to rates as much as four times their present rates come at a cost to Pittsburgh. It goes against our policy of Main Street development and would promote a policy of further sprawl and decline. It would be a disincentive for stores to locate in our neighborhoods or companies to locate in our city. It would put Pittsburgh at a disadvantage for the next 50 years.

Preserving Our Pension Plan Through Act 44

The state had a plan for us to solve our pension problem, but the Mayor decided to tie pension funding to parking privatization. However, the plan is still on the table. The reason people are opposed to the state plan is because of the cost associated with it. As you know, our pension costs are $80 million per year and we are scheduled to place $45 million into it. The other plans have modest increases to that amount — but, they do NOT solve the problem — they just push it to a later year. The state plan would require us to contribute $72 million per year into the plan in order to solve the problem — an additional $27 million per year. Those who oppose Act 44 try to scare people with claims that we will have to make severe cuts, or raise property taxes — or worse. They say that the state will come in and mandate terrible tax increases and harmful cuts to the city. It is unfortunate and of course it is not true. WE can also find a way to get to the additional $27 million — it is possible. If we do, we will then have a more stable pension plan, will not have to borrow money and will not have given away over $3 billion in revenue over the next 50 years. Guess what plan I support.

Some Good Reading:

Parking Asset Study and Lease Agreement

Scheduled rate increases by neighborhood:

Parking rates from around the country:

Brian O’Neill, “Parking-pension fix is certain to be costly,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 26 Sept. 2010

Tim Schooley, “Finance Scholars Group discusses Pittsburgh parking options with city council,” Pittsburgh Business Times 24 Sept. 2010

If there’s one weekend when Bloomfield wears its rich Italian heritage proudly and loudly on its sleeve, it’s got to be Little Italy Days. And if it’s the last weekend in September, then it’s time for Little Italy Days, when more than 20,000 people congregate for the much-anticipated Italian heritage bash.

Complete with all the bocce, cannoli and Peroni you can possibly play, eat and drink, the lively three-day festival culminates with a spectacular and dazzling Madonna della Civita procession along Bloomfield’s Liberty Avenue commercial district.

The family-friendly celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture features live music, children’s activities, contests, dancing, and of course Bloomfield’s signature cornucopia of tasty food offerings.

Organized by the Bloomfield Development Corporation, Little Italy Days finds Bloomfield’s streets animated with mouth watering delicacies, community bonding, Old World charm, and the city’s distinctive Italian-American spirit. Peruse festive red and white striped tents, where local vendors sell everything from pasta and pastries to Italian pottery and Princess t-shirts.

Free Parking! Free Admission! Everyone Welcome!

The festival’s popular bocce ball court and lulling accordion accompaniment will transport you straight to the Old Country, for at least one brief weekend. Featured music includes everything from modern rock, jazz and live Radio Italia broadcasts, to sounds and styles that recall the heyday of Sinatra, Sammy, Dino and Darrin. Enjoy traditional Italian music, check out local cabaret acts, and dance the night away in one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods.

The centerpiece of all of the Italian-style merry making is marked by the procession of a stunning life-size statue of Madonna della Civita and Jesus — complete with golden crowns and a brightly painted cart — on the Sunday of the festival. The spirited parade begins at Immaculate Conception Church on Friendship Avenue, and winds through the neighborhood to culminate at Saint Joseph Church, an anchor in the community along Liberty Avenue. During the dazzling display, parishioners even show their devotion by attaching money to the carried statues.

Now in its ninth year, “Little Italy Days” has become a can’t miss event for the city and entire tri-state region. The much-lauded festival, which received first place in the 2008 statewide “Townie Awards” for best Special Event, was also recognized as the “Best Special Event” by Mainstreets Pittsburgh in 2004.

Little Italy Day’s 2010 installment features free activities and entertainment for young and old revelers alike, including 10 entertainment acts, strolling musicians, a bocce tournament, and an Italian Mass.

For event-goers traveling to Bloomfield, Little Italy Days features free parking in all metered spaces and metered lots in Bloomfield throughout the weekend.

Sunday morning, the BDC held its third Redd Up & Green this year to prepare for this weekend’s Little Italy Days.

Twenty volunteers (not all pictured) and the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest Tree Tenders worked for three hours picking up litter, sweeping the sidewalks and weeding & mulching the trees.

Thanks to everyone that turned out, Liberty Avenue looks great! And thanks to Grasso Roberto, Whole Foods and Subway for keeping us fed and hydrated!

Stop and see The Black and Gold City Goes Green during this week’s Little Italy Days, and ask about the Neighborhood Blitz taking place in Bloomfield Saturday, October 2.

With the help of the Bloomfield Development Corporation, Duquense Light’s Watt Choices Program and a mix of Bloomfield neighbors and Black and Gold volunteers, The Black and Gold City Goes Green will hit the neighborhood going door to door. They will give neighbors tools to save money and energy, and in the offing, they’ll be helping to tackle global warming one street at a time.

Click here to volunteer with this first ever, pilot program for the Black and Gold City Goes Green campaign and Bloomfield Development Corporation, or contact them if you’d like to see a similar opportunity in your neighborhood.

Saturday, October 2, 2010
11:00 AM–2:00 PM

Bloomfield
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar

Ampersand Dance Theatre will present “Danza D’action” during Little Italy Days on Saturday, September 25. Part of the Bloomfield Cabaret produced by Pittsburgh Dance & Theatre Arts, Danza D’action will feature cutting-edge new choreography by Jessica Hower to music by Alanis Morisette and Kate Nash. The show will also include premieres by veteran ADT choreographers Laura Hodge to the music of Leo Delibes, and Tom Downing to music by Jack Jackson, plus vintage ADT choreography by Ms. Hodge to music by Kurt Weill.

Come and see the exciting new dancers, and some old favorites including Anita Giovengo, perform during Little Italy Days with Ampersand Dance Theatre, Pittsburgh’s only (award winning) jazz/contemporary dance company.

Details are below, and for more information, Laura Hodge can be reached by email or phone at 412-443-1591.

To help promote the event, download a printable PDF flyer.

Saturday, September 25, 2010
8:00 PM–9:30 PM

Pittsburgh Dance & Theatre Arts
4740 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

$10 at the Door (cash only)

Bloomfield Events Calendar

Do you own a small business, or do you have a plan to start a small business?

State Representative Dom Costa has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer free one-on-one appointments with a small business expert who will help you draw up a business plan, show you what pitfalls to watch out for, and set you on a course for success.

If you would like to meet with a representative from SBDC please call Representative Costa’s office at 412-361-2040 to schedule an appointment.

…that the Citiparks Farmers’ Market is in Immaculate Conception’s parking lot from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. They will be there until the week before Thanksgiving, and will return next year.

Thursdays
3:30 PM–7:30 PM

Immaculate Conception Parking Lot
321 Edmond St
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar

Little Italy Days is September 24, 25 and 26. Over 20,000 people come to Bloomfield to enjoy the neighborhood we love all year round. Help us show them why by volunteering for our Redd Up & Green the weekend before.

Meet us on Sunday, September 19 in front of St. Joseph’s Church on Liberty Avenue. The “redd up” will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee, then at 10 a.m. the folks from Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest and their Tree Tenders will join us to “green” the trees along Liberty Avenue — including weeding, watering, and mulching. We will provide bags, gloves, brooms, dustpans and lunch!

Our efforts will make Liberty Avenue look its best for this once-a-year, three-day event!

For questions or if you just want to let us know we can count on you, contact Terry Aiello, Bloomfield’s Mainstreets Manager at 412-687-9346.

Thanks, and we hope to see you then!

Sunday, September 19, 2010
9:00 AM

St. Joseph’s Church
4712 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Bloomfield Events Calendar