Councilperson Kail-Smith Leads Sweeping Post-Agenda Meeting on Zoning and Housing Issues Currently Before Council.

Council Approves Funding for Penn Ave From Evaline to Graham and Considers Accepting a Settlement from the Finland Street Pedestrian Bridge Lawsuit.

Penn Avenue between Evaline and Graham streets is set for a full rebuild, from sidewalks to traffic lights. Now, council has approved an amended state agreement raising the total cost to about $12.3 million. The city is responsible for 20% of that. Meanwhile, council put off a proposed settlement over the demolished Finland Street pedestrian bridge for two weeks.

Council Debates Pros and Cons of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP), Details, and Timing.

Under a proposed program, eligible longtime homeowners whose taxes rose 50% after reassessment would pay only 25% more. For now, council is holding the bill until a public hearing, which isn't scheduled yet. One member worried about unknown financial effects while reassessment isn't imminent. But two others said passing it now could reassure older homeowners afraid of future tax increases.

Council considering property tax exemptions for longtime residents.

Rising values in redeveloping areas can mean higher property taxes for longtime homeowners. Now, the mayor has sent council a plan letting some defer or be exempt from those increases. It aims to keep low-income residents from being taxed out of their homes. Owners generally need at least 10 years of ownership and residency, among other rules.

Concerns raised about diversity amid changes to the Housing Authority Board.

The Housing Authority's board sets policy for an agency serving over 20,000 residents. The mayor has named three new members and reappointed one, pending council interviews. One council member questioned dropping a West End member, citing his diversity as an immigrant, LGBTQ+ person, and veteran. All four are people of color, and the council president agreed to schedule a discussion.

City to use state grants to improve intersection safety.

Two city intersections will get safety upgrades paid for by state grants. In North Oakland, Centre Avenue and North Dithridge Street will get a traffic light in place of a two-way stop. On the North Shore, East General Robinson and Sandusky streets will get a modernized traffic light. That project also includes a road diet meant to improve pedestrian safety.

Council Proposes New Hiring Process Following Interim Chief Ragland's Departure, a New Downtown Substance Abuse Center, and a Study to Reunite Manchester and Chateau—City Council Week of March 3.

Council Discusses Residents' Frustrations on Snow Removal with No Action Taken, Sidewalk Repair Program for Low-Income Residents to be Made Permanent—City Council Week of Feb 24.

Providing Fire and Emergency Management Services to Wilkinsburg.

The Pittsburgh Fire Department will provide fire and disaster management services to Wilkinsburg under a five-year deal. Council approved the agreement, which has a total cost of about $11.9 million. The two have had these deals since 2011, and the new one is retroactive to January 2024. Services include smoke detector installation and fire code enforcement, but each keeps its own emergency medical services.

Council to Use Future Tax Revenue to Fund Infrastructure for North Side Esplanade (Ferris Wheel) Development.

Most new tax revenue from a planned North Side development would be reinvested on-site and in Manchester. Right now, the area brings in $84,000 a year in taxes, and that's projected to reach $8 million after the project. Council gave preliminary approval to creating the tax financing district, with a final vote next Tuesday. Future apartments and shops will still need separate approvals.

Goodwill Authorized to Receive $200K to Run 2025 Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment Program.

Youth from low-income households can get summer jobs through the Learn and Earn program. This year, Goodwill of Southwestern PA is authorized to receive $200,000 to run it. The money covers only administrative costs and doesn't pay participants' wages. Over six weeks, participants earn about $7.25 an hour in fields like social services, media, and science.

Public Hearing on Adopting the Manchester-Chateau Transit Revitalization Investment District Phase 1 Implementation Plan.

The North Side's Manchester and Chateau neighborhoods could get apartments, shops, a hotel, and a Ferris wheel. The Phase 1 plan uses a financing district that taps future tax revenue for development near transit. After a public hearing, council will hold a preliminary vote on Feb. 19. County Council and the school board must also sign off.

$2.4 Million Funding for Downtown Ambassador Program To Be Approved.

Downtown has ambassadors who help visitors, respond to opioid overdoses, and call in police or social services. Council voted unanimously to extend the program's funding from $1.2 million over two years to $2.4 million over four years. At the Feb. 5 committee meeting, members praised its work. Several, though, worried whether the funding is sustainable, since other districts could benefit too.

Appointment of Chief of Police Held until Public Hearing.

Christopher Ragland, a Pittsburgh officer for over 30 years, has been interim police chief since October 2024. On Feb. 1, the mayor officially nominated him for chief. Now, council has approved a member's request for a public hearing before appointing him. The member cited concerns from constituents and the NAACP.

Pittsburgh Joining Allegheny County in Supporting Programming for Children, Youth, and Families.

Learn and Earn offers summer jobs to young people ages 14 to 21 from low-income households. Now, a one-year city and county pilot will help fund it and other youth and family programs. The city will put in $4.2 million and expects $5 million from the county. The partnership also opens the door to more state funding.

Three Referendums to Amend the Home Rule Charter Heading to Voters.

Come May, city voters will see three Home Rule Charter changes on the primary ballot. They'd add an anti-discrimination policy, limit the amendment process, and restrict private sale or lease of the water and sewer system. The first two respond to a local divestment group's push for its own referendum. Council members worry that group's measure would hamper the city's ability to do business.

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh to Receive $2 Million for Professional Services Relating to Eviction Prevention.

Tenants at risk of eviction can get landlord mediation and, if a case is filed, legal representation. Now, the Urban Redevelopment Authority is set to receive $2 million for those services. Last year, council let 20% of the Stop the Violence Fund go to tenant protection. To qualify, tenants must earn at or below 80% of the area median income.

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Potential Misuse of the Home Rule Charter Amendment Process.

A proposed charter change would bar using the amendment process to add duties beyond the city's lawful authority. Six council members voted for it, and three abstained. Two abstaining members worried it could freeze the city's scope or limit the power of council and residents. A public hearing is set for Feb. 3, with a final vote Feb. 4.

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Prohibiting Discrimination.

A proposed charter change would ban discrimination in how the city conducts its business. Since its first reading on Jan. 22, council has added sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and more to the protected groups. A council member said the new language better matches existing city policy. The measure won unanimous preliminary approval, and a final vote is set for Feb. 4.

Referendum to Amend the Home Rule Charter: Restricting the Lease and/or Sale of the City’s Water and Sewer System.

From 2012 to 2015, Veolia managed the city's water authority. That stretch included inaccurate billing and a chemical change allegedly linked to elevated lead levels. Now, council has unanimously recommended a charter change restricting the water and sewer system's lease or sale to private entities. A sponsor said it could prevent a repeat, and the final vote is Feb. 4.

Continuing Problems with NB Affordable Properties.

Since 2023, tenants of NB Affordable Properties in Homewood, West Mifflin, and elsewhere have reported bedbugs, rats, and no heat. So far, complaints to the company and federal housing officials have had little or no effect. A council member called a meeting with a member of Congress, city officials, and advocates. Speakers discussed inspections, which a council member said residents fear could lead to eviction.