Developer Plans To Turn North Side’s Allegheny Center Into Technology Hub

A New York developer unveiled plans today to convert the Allegheny Center mall on the North Side into a technology hub and campus to be known as Nova Place.

The multimillion-dollar project being undertaken by Faros Properties will include an extensive renovation of the 1.2 million-square-foot complex, making it one of the largest redevelopment projects in the country, officials said.

Work will include upgraded offices, collaborative workspaces, new restaurants, a fitness center, a conference center and improved common areas.

In unveiling the changes, Faros announced that Innovation Works has signed a lease to occupy 12,000 square feet in the complex. The company will move from its current space in Pittsburgh to Allegheny Center next month and into permanent space in the fall.

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http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/05/21/Developer-to-turn-Allegheny-Center-into-a-technology-hub/stories/201505210194

Community College Of Allegheny County Puts $22M Into Building Renovations At North Side Campus

Some buildings at Community College of Allegheny County’s Allegheny Campus in the North Side are showing their age, which is prompting a $22 million renovation.

One of the goals of the Ridge Avenue Revitalization Project is for students to come to brighter, more modern spaces, said Donna Imhoff, president of the Allegheny Campus.

“We want them to have a really positive experience,” she said.

The three-phase revitalization project will include work at the Physical Education Building, West Hall and the Foerster Student Services Center.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/8082667-74/building-student-center#ixzz3Xs5iolp9
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Pittsburgh Police To Step Up Walking Patrols To Help Combat Wave Of Violence

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its neighborhoods labeled. For use primarily in the list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pittsburgh police will step up patrols in the city’s eastern neighborhoods to combat an uptick in homicides, many of which appear to be drug-related, officials said on Monday.

Homicide detectives were closing in on a suspect in one of several recent shootings in a North Side public housing complex, officials said.

Police Lt. Daniel Herrmann said police know “key actors” in a shooting on Wednesday that killed one man and injured another in the Northview Heights housing complex.

“We need more information to pull people off the street,” Herrmann said. “We know some of the key actors, but we don’t have enough to get a warrant yet.”

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New Mexican War Streets Grocer Connects With Pittsburgh North Side Neighborhood

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its neighborhoods labeled. For use primarily in the list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rob Collins believes he has the formula to reanimate a piece of lost history in the Mexican War Streets.

Collins is owner of the Allegheny City Market, a corner grocer that opened in Pittsburgh’s North Side last month in space formerly occupied by Doug’s Market.

Doug’s went out of business in January because of years of declining sales. Collins, however, envisions a more successful outcome.

“There’s no reason this place shouldn’t be a gold mine,” Collins said recently from behind the counter of his Arch Street shop. “It started off really slow, but it’s picking up. The last two days have been really busy.”

Collins, 46, of Manchester has worked in the grocery business for more than two decades. In 2010, he opened Bryant Street Market in Highland Park, which, he said, “is crushing it.”

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/5891864-74/collins-market-streets#ixzz2yp4GTuDA
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Pittsburgh’s Parking Kiosk System Pays Off

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The Pittsburgh Parking Authority doubled its daily parking meter take despite a few speed bumps in converting from the city’s coin-operated machines to solar-powered kiosks that take credit cards and require license plate numbers.

“I do think technology is the way to go, and we are looking to expand what we have,” said David Onorato, Pittsburgh Parking Authority’s executive director.

His agency has had to upgrade the system and educate customers about higher rates and new technology, an effort he said could continue this year as the authority rolls out a pay-by-smartphone application; it would allow customers to pay for their parking from anywhere. Parking officials in a few years could use handheld license plate scanners to log numbers instead of punching them in manually.

“Who doesn’t have a cellphone or smartphone these days?” said Dave Webb, 31, an information technology specialist who lives in the North Side and uses the kiosks. “In terms of technology, I’m glad the Parking Authority is embracing it. I hope they continue that trend.”

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Inaugural EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler To Draw Thousands

English: EQT Tower, Pittsburgh (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nearly 5,000 runners are expected to take part in Sunday’s inaugural EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, including participants from more than 30 states and five countries, two Olympians and four American men who have broken 48 minutes for the distance.

The race, which is staged by Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Inc., will begin near Station Square at 9 a.m. Sunday and finish Downtown, using a route similar to the one used for the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon. Participants will cross four bridges and go through the West End, North Side, Lawrenceville and the Strip District.

The addition of a $10,500 overall prize purse helped attract a strong field of elite runners, including Fernando Cabada, the former 25K American record holder, and three-time U.S. champion and Ian Burrell.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/outdoors/4962413-74/marathon-pittsburgh-mile#ixzz2jPccyzGu
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Man Dies In North Side Bar Shooting

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One man died and another was injured in a shooting at an East Allegheny bar early this morning.

Donald Lowry, 46, died at Allegheny General Hospital at 1:25 a.m., about 25 minutes after the shooting, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office. Another man, whose name has not been released, was treated at the hospital for a gunshot wound to the buttocks.

Pittsburgh police were called to JR’s Bar about 1 a.m. for a report that a man with a silver pistol shot Mr. Lowry multiple times, according to a news release from Major Crimes Lt. Daniel Herrmann.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/man-dies-in-north-side-bar-shooting-708107/#ixzz2i5o1jncH

Pittsburghese Song A Hit On YouTube

‘Personal Issues’ Keeping Pittsburgh Mayor Ravenstahl Away From Recent Public Events

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Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has raised questions in missing several public and political events in recent days.

Wednesday night, he was a no-show at a candidates’ night at Perry Traditional Academy in his North Side political base, and a public explanation from his close friend, Kevin Quigley, only added to the uncertainty created by his absences.

Just after city Controller Michael Lamb, one of Mr. Ravenstahl’s rivals for the Democratic nomination for mayor, spoke to Democratic committee members, Mr. Quigley, a city Public Works Department official who is also a ward leader, rose to speak in Mr. Ravenstahl’s place.

He offered an intriguing but finally opaque apology and explanation for the candidate’s absence:

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/personal-issues-keeping-ravenstahl-away-from-recent-public-events-677204/#ixzz2MEa8vLHa