Pittsburgh’s North Shore Connector 80 Percent Complete

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Pittsburgh’s controversial North Shore Connector project has passed the 80% completion mark.  The project is on time and the $528 million dollar budget is on track!

When the project is completed, Port Authority Transit (PAT) will be able to reach the three sports stadiums, museums, a casino and other North Side businesses through two twin tunnels that were bored 22 feet below the Allegheny River. 

The “T”, Pittsburgh’s light-rail system and subway, will leave the Golden Triangle, go under the river and come up on the North Shore.  This means that all those sports fans, concert goers, museum goers,  gamblers, shoppers and diners can park their cars and use mass transit to glide through Pittsburgh to their destination.

Being from Pittsburgh and having used mass transit there extensively, including the “T”, I think this will make life so much easier.  Sitting on 376, stuck in the Squirrel Hill Tunnel waiting for traffic to move ain’t pretty.  I have sat inside the Squirrel Hill tunnel many times going downtown for a game, shopping, or just trying to cross Pittsburgh during rush hour.  Thank goodness I am not claustrophobic. 

Tunnels are a way of life in Pittsburgh!  The Liberty Tubes and the Fort Pitt Tunnel are also pretty unavoidable and back up as well.  For example, it would be nice to ride from the South Hills all the way to PNC Park on PAT.  No parking worries and not being stuck in traffic!

While this project has its detractors and has been labeled a gigantic waste of money, hopefully once Pittsburgers are able to use this extension and reap the benefits from it, time will show it was a good thing.  I would most definitely use it!

To read more and watch a cool video shot inside the Connector, click here:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_712911.html

Brick House Owner Dave Walsh Seeks Funding To Buy Building

Kudos to Dave Walsh for stepping up to the plate and once again trying to do a great thing for Pottstown.  The Brick House has been wildly successful and a huge benefit to downtown Pottstown.  Walsh runs a first class operation at the Brick House along with several other companies he owns.  Dave embodies the entrepreneurial spirit as well as being someone who cares about Pottstown!

I had the honor of interviewing Dave a couple of years ago and got to know him.  I can think of no better person to buy the most significant piece of real estate in our downtown because I know Dave will make sure it prospers for years to come.

It sounds as though Borough Council is behind Dave’s plan to seek funding to buy the building.  I can only say I 110% support this venture and am glad to see that Borough Council and Jason appear willing to issue a letter of support.  Assisting Dave in securing the necessary financing would be one of the best investments this council could make for Pottstown’s revitalization!

Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up for Dave Walsh and Borough Council!

Positively Pottstown Provides Pottstown Small Businesses With SCORE Scholarships

Three cheers for Positively Pottstown blogger Sue Repko for her donation of two SCORE business seminar scholarships for any new or existing business in Pottstown!  SCORE is located in the New York Plaza building on High Street.  Attending these workshops would be invaluable in helping any business in Pottstown succeed!  Thanks for walking the talk Sue!!!  You can click on a link for Positively Pottstown on the right side of your screen under Big 5 Blogroll.

Read the full store here:

http://www.pottsmerc.com/articles/2010/12/10/business/srv0000010248120.txt?viewmode=fullstory