Washington
Community
Development
Corporation
301 Shiloh Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-481-3220
eraup@mwcdc.org
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The Emerald Link Plan
You can print many of these documents by clicking on their titles in this column but you may need to download free) Adobe Acrobat® Reader first. If you need more information, contact us at the address on the top left.
The Grand View Scenic Byway Park
Project Background.
In the Spring of 2002 a project was launched. The MWCDC in its search for funding to repair the Mount Washington Overlook Park viewing platforms, which we locals call the 'pods', was informed in the Fall of 2001, that any Park under 200 acres in area is not considered a 'Regional Asset' as defined by the County of Allegheny's Regional Asset District (RAD) board.
During the course of an MWCDC meeting where RAD funding and the condition of the overlooks was the topic of discussion, Therese Dillman Moss, an MWCDC Board member, was inspired by a City of Pittsburgh Zoning map hanging on the wall at the 301 Shiloh St. office. That map showed a good deal of contiguous 'greenspace' in designated Parks, Greenways, City of Pittsburgh, PennDot and Port Authority property that encircled the whole of Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights. Terry mentioned to the assembled group, that if ALL of the public greenspace were added together, there could be enough total acreage to qualify as a Regional Asset. Using the Allegheny County Real Estate website, Terry completed a lot-by-lot calculation of the total amount of contiguous publicly owned acreage then published her research in a report to the Board of MWCDC. The total was well over 200 acres.
With that acreage report, a project was born.
What follows is a project diary intended to include the key project documents, in text and/or printable formats, meeting minutes, updates and photos of the Emerald Link project as it progresses and evolves. We ask those who are interested in this project to get involved as volunteers of the Open Space Task Force and as members of the MWCDC.
Latest Update
Trail Improvements Summer 2004 by SCA crews.
Mount Washington's Emerald Link Plan
The Seven Links of the Recreation/Education/Growth Project
Executive Summary
The Mount Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC) proposes the creation of a unified Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights green conservation area called the 'Emerald Link'. This project implements the vision of the Pennsylvania Statewide Greenways Program and Pittsburgh's Riverlife Task Force, for conservation, education, recreation, and economic growth. The Emerald Link encompasses 274 acres of publicly owned undeveloped property, 39% of which is now Public Park.
The Emerald Link adopts the “hub and spokes” approach to Greenways creation as recommended in the Implementation Strategies document published on July 8, 2002 by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The “hubs” are our neighborhood’s four (4) existing city parks, Grandview Park, Grandview Overlook Park, Olympia Park and Mount Washington (Dilworth) Park. The “spokes” are city-designated Greenways in Duquesne Heights, Mount Washington’s ‘Saddle’ and a trail connection from the woodlands abutting Olympia Park to Beechview’s Seldom Seen Greenway. The Greenways and corridors are natural spaces that link the parks.
The Emerald Link connects Mount Washington to the South Side, Allentown, Beechview and West End via walking trails. Regional trail plans such as the River Trail at Station Square and the nationwide Rails-to-Trails system will put Pittsburgh’s Emerald Link into a much larger network of corridors, hubs and spokes reaching into neighboring states.
In Section I, of this study describes the physical, historical and utilization background for each of the parks and green corridors that are components of the ‘Link’. Section II provides a detailed ownership and acreage description broken out for each block and lot that will comprise or be impacted by the Emerald Link urban trail. Section III lists the current zoning status for each block and lot. Attachments to this document include maps, designs, documentation of existing project plans, letters of support and approvals.
A key project element of the ‘Emerald Link’, renovation of the Grandview Walk, has begun. In December of 2002, the Gateway Entrance at Shiloh Street was completed. In 2003, the new Photography Park will be built at the west end of Grandview Avenue. Councilman Alan Hertzberg has allocated funds to Greenway remediation in the ‘Saddle’ portion of the Link. State Representative Michael Diven has provided first quarter 2003 funding for landscape at Mount Washington’s Woodruff Street entrance at Seldom Seen. The City of Pittsburgh’s 2003 budget includes "kick off" support for the total renovation of the lookout 'pods' at Grandview Overlook Park.
The Emerald Link urban trail will be; 1) an important recreational and educational asset to our existing residents; 2) an additional incentive for homebuilders, buyers and rehabbers; 3) an economic stimulator for Mount Washington businesses; and 4) a captivating experience for our 1.5 million tourists each year.
MISSION STATEMENT FINAL DRAFT
As approved by MWCDC Open Space Task Force on 11/22/03
Mission
To unify, improve and preserve the green and open spaces and the links between them around Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights.
Vision
Our initiative will preserve and dramatically improve the urban green and open spaces of Mount Washington/Duquesne Heights, which constitute a recognized community, city and regional asset. This initiative will contribute to the economic development and well being of the region; provide healthy, safe and accessible urban recreation areas; act as a model for high quality environmental planning; and attract tourism.
reported on March 14, 2006 by Ethan Raup MWCDC Executive Director
The Pittsburgh City Council voted unanimously today, March 14, 2006, to incorporate an additional 16 critical acres of open space into the Grandview Scenic Byway Park. With this action, the Grandview Scenic Byway Park now comprises nearly 264 acres and joins the ranks of Frick Park and Schenley Park as Pittsburgh’s fifth great regional park.
Today’s vote adds to the acreage of open space encircling Mt. Washington that had already been declared a new City Park on December 13, 2005, by unanimous vote of Council. These 16 acres were critical parcels of steep, landslide-prone wooded slopes once considered for housing development.
The Grand View Scenic Byway Park completely encircles Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights from Grandview Park on the east, across the face of the Mount, to the Duquesne Heights Greenway, Olympia Park and Mt. Washington Park on the back side of the mountain. Until consolidated into a park, this land had been a loose assortment of greenways, forested hillsides, neglected parcels, existing smaller parks and playing fields.
The 16 acres added today, along with the previous acreage, will be the focus of dramatic improvements that will enhance the beauty of these natural settings as well as offer unique recreational opportunities.
Councilman Dan Deasy expressed confidence that this park will have a significant impact on Pittsburgh residents now and in the future, “All of our beautiful City parks were created because of people with vision who understood how important parks are for the present and future generations of Pittsburgh. With the creation of the Grandview Scenic Byway Park, we are showing a similar vision and dedication for future generations,” said Deasy.
The Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC) has an agreement with the City of Pittsburgh to provide co-stewardship and planning for the new park. The MWCDC is currently working with area foundations, corporate and government sources for funding to restore and improve the natural habitat, create recreational opportunities and improve the visitor experience.
“This has been the culmination of seven years of effort by residents, foundations, environmental experts and the city to create a vision for this park. And we’re thrilled to see it taking shape,” said Lynne Squilla, President of the Board for the MWCDC. “We thank City Council, particularly Councilman Deasy, and both Mayor Murphy and Mayor O’Connor for supporting this park. Now begins the real work of making this a beautiful, attractive and beneficial asset to our entire community, city and region now and for years to come.”
MWCDC is a non-profit organization of the Mt. Washington/Duquesne Heights community created to balance area development, highlight natural and historic features and enhance the well-being of the people who work, reside and visit here.
From: Bernie Lynch; MWCDC Treasurer
Updates: 1-12-2006
Initially dubbed the "Emerald Link," this study area was officially made into the Grand View Scenic Byway Park (GVSBP), first by unanimous board vote in August by MWCDC, then by a unanimous vote of Pittsburgh City Council in December of 2005 on legislation presented by Mayor Tom Murphy.
This name reflects shared interests and resources with another prestigious designation - that of Pennsylvania Scenic Byway - awarded to the roadways with their scenic vistas which comprise this green space: Grandview Avenue, McArdle Roadway and East Sycamore Street. This legislation by the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh and passed by Council have now consolidated to create "the fifth great park" of the city of Pittsburgh.
Simultaneously the Mayor's legislation awarded Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation the identical agreement the city shares with The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. MWCDC will now act as both chief steward for the newly formed park in planning, fundraising and coordination of implementation. The newly elected Mayor, Bob O'Connor, will be furthering legislative efforts, with district 2 City Councilmember Dan Deasy, to amend the parcel list to include parcels excluded in the Saddle. This is anticipated to occur in January 2006.
From: Wendy Powers; MWCDC Executive Director
Updates: 9/30/2005
Grand View Scenic Byway Park@ City Council
The final vote on the request to establish the park and the moratorium on development passed unanimously on Tuesday, September 27th.
Emerald Link and Byway committees met this week. Notes will be forthcoming next week.
Funding applications to DCNR and PennDOT were submitted today [9/30/2005]requesting $250,000 and $276,000 respectively for initial implementation of the Master Implementation Plan and Corridor Management Plan.
From: Lynne Squilla [lsquilla@mindspring.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 2:59 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Bill 846 on Preservation/Conservation/Development
Dear Board and Emerald Link folks;
I got a message on my answering machine from Dan Sentz (City Planning), explaining that bill #846 before Council tomorrow is something that’s been in the works and is not meant to replace or override the other Hillside work in progress. Bill 846’s purpose is to add definitions of conservation and preservation, which did not exist in the current code – and to refine what’s meant by the term “development”. It is not defining policy, regulations or affecting mapping. I also had confirmation from one of the Hillside Steering Committee members that this bill is nothing to be alarmed about; that the more critical issue will be HOW preservation/conservation regulations are finally written into H zoning, based on the findings of the Hillside Committee’s experts. This is yet to come. A few of us may still want to attend the hearing tomorrow, just to keep track of what transpires and to urge the best possible definitions (see end of e-mail for how the bill reads):
Wednesday, January 12th
1:30 pm
Council Chambers , 5th Floor City-County Bldg. Wood Street
Call to be on the list to speak: (412) 255-2138
FYI, here’s an abbreviated transcript of the message Dan Sentz left me:
Bill 846 is unrelated to the Hillside work being done by Peduto & Hillside Steering Committee.
Zoning started this and it's only tangentially related. They will probably refer to these definitions when they rewrite regulations based on Hillside Committee related work.
This all got started a while ago because the existing definitions in Zoning Code for development are "weak" ... It now reads that development is anything requiring a permit, and they thought that was not succinct enough... So they borrowed more comprehensive language, from subsection of existing zoning -- (the Riverfront Overlay part of Code).
So, since they were already rewriting development definitions, they thought they would simultaneously work on good definitions for conservation and preservation.
This way, anyone who does anything to the code and with the code in future at least is using the same definition for development and the right distinction between conservation and preservation.
This is a minor part; This is not related to final Hillside outcomes. Repeats: these are just for agreeing upon definitions for development, conservation and preservation, not adding any regulations associated with H, or changing any maps.
412 255-2233 (Dan’s phone number if there are further questions.)
Lynne
..Body
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. Amending the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, Title Nine, Zoning, Article IX Measurements and Definitions, Chapter 926 Definitions, by changing the definition for development and adding definitions for preservation and conservation.
A. Amend Chapter 926, definition 67 as follows:
B. Development means [any activity for which a permit or other approval is required to be obtained from the Zoning Administrator.] the performance of any building, excavation, or mining operation, the making of any substantial change in the use or appearance of any structures or land, or the creation or termination of rights of access or riparian rights. The following activities or uses shall be taken for the purpose of this code to involve development as defined in this code unless expressly excluded by ordinance:
a. A change in type of use of a structure or land;
b. A reconstruction, alteration of the size, or substantial change in the external appearance of a structure or land;
c. A substantial increase in the intensity of use of land, such as an increase in the number of businesses, manufacturing establishments, offices or dwelling units;
d. Commencement of mining or excavation on a parcel of land;
e. Demolition of a structure or removal of substantial living trees;
f. Deposition of refuse, solid or liquid waste or fill on a parcel of land;
g. In connection with the use of land, substantial disturbance of existing vegetation, tree cover, site contours, or watercourses including, but not limited to, disturbance for roads, parking areas and structures;
h. Alteration of shore, bank or floodplain of a river, stream, or artificial body of water;
i. Re-establishment of a use which has been abandoned;
j. Departure from the use for which development permission has been granted, or failure to comply with the conditions of an ordinance or order granting the development permission under which the development was commenced or is continued.
A. Amend Chapter 926 by adding the following definitions:
1 Conservation means controlled, limited development; protection of basic conditions, qualities or attributes based on natural features, physiographic constraints, or legal covenants.
2 Preservation means maintenance in an existing or natural state in order to prevent environmental degradation of a functional or visual nature.
A. Amend Chapter 906.03.B (Special Definitions) by deleting the following definitions from that Chapter in their entirety:
B.
1.Conservation
2. Development
3. Preservation
Section 2. Any Ordinance or Resolution or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance, is repealed so far as the same affects this Ordinance.
From: Lynne Squilla [lsquilla@mindspring.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 8:31 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Saddle discussion by City Planners - the "Charette"
Green Supporters:
See below announcement. Nov. 20th Saddle Charette!
**PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU HAVE TO RSVP BY NOV. 10th OR SECURITY WON'T LET YOU INTO THE BUILDING!!**
It doesn’t appear to be an open public meeting, but we’ll find out for sure.
This is the City Planning meeting to discuss development potential on the hillside of Mt Washington (area known as the "Saddle.") This area is a pivotal piece of both our Emerald Link AND Scenic Byways.
Our concern is that they will present results of a year of study by experts that will support dotting this hillside with new development.
The MWCDC and residents fought off development plans in this area before - because new housing does not make sense from an economic, aesthetic or environmental standpoint.
Please attend or ask to be permitted to attend. Pass along the word to others who care about this issue.
Lynne Squilla
Chair, Open Spaces
Subject: Saddle Charette
CHARETTE ON THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN
THE SADDLE AREA OF MT. WASHINGTON
10 am – 4 pm
PNC FIRSTSIDE CENTER
FIRST AVENUE AND GRANT STREET (LUNCHROOM)
The City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning will be sponsoring the above to determine the potential for development in the Saddle Area of Mount Washington which is located roughly between East Sycamore Street, Neff Street/Williams Street, and the McArdle Roadway. Issues and the extent of the development potential, if any, will be discussed with Strada, a firm of multi disciplinary design professionals, leading the charette.
The location was chosen because of the excellent view of the site from that facility.
Please respond to me to confirm your attendance by 10 November 2004. A list of those attending must be given to the PNC Security Personnel and only those on that list will be permitted entry to the building.
In addition to the City Planning Commission and the Hillside Committee, listed above, the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation, the AIA, the Community Design Center, and pertinent individuals will be invited to attend.
There will be a lunch break with lunch on your own.
Thank you.
Dan Sentz
(412) 255-2233
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 12:47 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Open Space Task Force -- Various Updates
Dear Open Space Task Force,
* I'm attaching minutes from our working meeting with Western PA Conservancy (WPC) from 9/22/04.
* We are going to start scheduling walking tours of the entire Emerald Link during the next three months with WPC staff. If you would like to act as a "local guide" for any of these hikes, please let me know. This includes Grandview Park, Grandview Avenue, Duquense Heights Greenway, Mt. Washington Park, Olympia Park. In addition, the Natural Heritage staff of the WPC will be doing natural assessments of each "emerald" in the spring.
* This Thursday night will be a public meeting regarding the "Mayor's Next Great Park". This plan overlaps with the South part of the Emerald Link. Please attend so we can find out what's happening: South Hills Great Park Study Public Meeting, Thursday, September 30, 2004, Overbrook Community Center, 2406 Saw Mill Run Blvd, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. From the flyer -- "Dear City Resident, The City of Pittsburgh is interested in creating a large park and open space system in the Saw Mill Run Corridor. The Department of City Planning, along with LaQuatra Bonci & Assoc are currently engaged in an assessment of existing park facilities, designated greenways and other open land in the study area."
* Our next meeting will be Saturday, October 9th at 9:00 am (byway) and 10:15 (Emerald Link); I will send an agenda at the end of this week.
* We have a meeting scheduled with Walt Burlack of the Student Conservation Assoc on Thursday, October 14, 2004 to update him on Emerald Link and to learn more about using SCA volunteers. Terry Moss, Wendy and I will be attending. Please let me know if you want to come (chairs get first choice).
* Please let me know if you would like to volunteer for any Byway tasks. We need to get started immediately! Below is the sign-up information. Some folks have been "volunteered" in their absence. I will contact you individually to follow up on these items.
Thanks all! Valentina
Photos of the Byway
Ginny & Bob Gates, Bernie, Jim Dever
Traffic Counts
Staff & city
Document Cyclist Activity (Lance Armstrong, etc)
Neil M
Draft Brochure
Bernie, Lynne, staff
Conduct Survey
Tinsy, Armand, staff
Document Byway activity
Bebb, Allison
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Bernie
Letters of support
Staff, Allison
Physical Assessment
No volunteers yet
Write Corridor Management Plan/Application
Staff
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 10:11 PM
To:Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Upcoming meeting dates
Dear OSTF, Tomorrow I will be sending you documents for your review, including meeting minutes from the meeting this past Saturday. Today I would like to give you the following meeting information. The policy proposed at our last meeting was that in addition to Wendy and myself, two additional committee members could attend meetings with outside stakeholders, for a total of four people. Chair people (Al, Lynne, Paul) have first choice. Then committee members may attend if we have open spots. Here's the schedule as it currently stands:
- * Wednesday, September 22, 2004 -- meeting with Western PA Conservancy Attending for the MWCDC will be Wendy, myself and Al Nelson (EL Chair) Purpose of meeting is regular working meeting on Master Plan This meeting is not open to others but will include discussion about possible protocols for community involvement and checkpoints for future meetings
- * Thursday, September 23, 2004 -- meeting with Riverlife Task Force, 10 am - 11 am at their offices downtown Attending for the MWCDC will be Wendy and myself Purpose of meeting is to briefly update each other on our work Two other spots are available.
- * Friday, September 24, 2004 -- meeting with Allegheny Land Trust, 11:30 am at MWCDC offices This meeting is open to everyone and I encourage as many people as possible to attend Please let me know ASAP if you want to intend so we can decide whether to proceed with meeting Purpose of meeting is to discuss ALT's methods, purpose and discuss how we should approach land conservation on Emerald Link
- * Wednesday, September 29, 2004 -- tentative meeting with Bill Wadell of Pittsburgh City Real Estate Finance Dept, 11:00 am, at his office downtown Purpose of meeting is to review status of various specific parcels on Emerald Link Attending for the MWCDC will be myself and Allison Haley Three other spots are available
- * Week of October 11th in the morning -- tentative meeting with Walt Burlack of the Student Conservation Association Purpose of meeting is to update him on Emerald Link work and find out how we can take advantage of SCA volunteers Attending for the MWCDC will be Wendy, myself and Terry Moss (who also works at SCA)
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 5:13 PM
To:Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Open Space Task Force Follow up
Dear OSTF,
We had a small meeting on Saturday -- attending were Lynne, Al, Bebb, Bernie, Darla, Brad and myself. Despite our small group, we covered a lot of topics. I will send you the full minutes in the middle of this week. Our meeting lasted about 2-1/2 hours. In the meantime, I would like to update you on several immediate topics: * Meeting with Roy Kraynyk, Executive Director of the Allegheny Land Trust. We asked Roy Kraynyk, Executive director of the Allegheny Land Trust, not to attend our Saturday meeting b/c of weather. However, we would like him to meet as soon as possible. He is able to meet with you Friday the 24th at 11:30 at the CDC office. Neither Wendy nor I are available at this time. If you are available, please let me know ASAP. If we have enough folks, we will go ahead and hold that meeting. If not, we will schedule another time. Meeting topics are: introduction to ALT, how ALT conserves land, how Roy thinks we should approach land conservation in the Emerald Link in general, and how we should approach specific properties. * Attendance at meetings with other stakeholders (such as WPC, Riverlife Task Force, etc). After lengthy discussion, it was suggested that the committee recommend the following policy to the board. In addition to Wendy and myself, additional people will be limited to two or three. The committee chairs have first opportunity to attend (and will decide according to availability and relevance of meeting topic to their committee) and committee members will have second opportunity to attend. We need to balance openness/transparency and efficiency/appropriateness. Because we are under contract with the WPC to provide community participation, our relationship with them is special. The next meeting with WPC will only include Wendy, myself and Al Nelson so WPC has a chance to brainstorm about community involvement protocols for the Master Implementation Plan with us. Please comment on these suggested protocols to Lynne Squilla or Wendy. * Communications regarding meeting content. At each stakeholder meeting, one person will be minute taker (rotating basis). This person will prepare a one-page summary of the meeting (following a standard format) to be circulated to the entire group. This will facilitate communication. * Zoning issues. It became clear at the meeting that we need further discussion about the work plan for the Emerald Link committee. We essentially have two mandates -- support the writing of the Master Plan and protect land. The manner in which we protect land will be under further discussion with Roy. In addition to acquiring land that is available for purchase, land protection strategies may include promoting various zoning. We need to figure out how we will address these issues and how/if it overlaps with the Zoning committee, which I believe currently focuses primarily on project review.
More later. Thank you,
Valentina
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2004 1:22 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Follow up -- Byway and Emerald Link Committee Meetings
Dear Open Space Committees: Thank you for coming to our meetings of the Byway Committee and the Emerald Link Committee. They were very productive. I am attaching minutes for your review. I am also attaching a list of "special attention" properties. These are properties that I believe require our immediate attention for possible conservation or research. At the Emerald Link meeting, we agreed that it would be easier if the next two meetings are on the same day for people on both committees. So, it will be: Saturday, September 18th 9:00 - 10:15 Grand View Scenic Byway Committee topics: mission statement, committee participation, draft survey, committee work plan 10:15 - 11:30 Emerald Link Committee topics: committee work plan, land protection Please RSVP for the meeting on the 18th; if we have a lot of people, we may want to move the meeting to a larger space. The next MWCDC Board meeting will be this Thursday September 2nd. Our task force leaders (Al Nelson for Emerald Link and Paul Renne for Scenic Byway) will be nominated at this meeting. If anyone wants to co-chair one of these committees or volunteer to chair the Community Gardens committee, please let Wendy know as soon as possible. Wendy and I will be trying to schedule meetings with the following stakeholders in the next month: Riverlife Task Force, Student Conservation Association, Heinz History Center, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Western PA Conservancy (WPC on 9/16/04, 9:30 am). Please let me know if you have an interest in attending any of these meetings, or wish to pass along information you want to be conveyed at these meetings.
Thank you, Valentina
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com] Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 10:22 PM To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients Subject: Open Space follow up Dear OSTF, Thank you for your participation in last Saturday's meeting. I am attaching several items for your review: * Minutes from meeting * Contact lists for each committee I would appreciate it if you can take a look at the minutes and make sure I accurately represented your participation. Upcoming meetings are as follows: * Grandview Scenic Byway, Saturday 8/28 at 9:00 am (**draft agenda below) * Emerald Link, Monday 8/30 at 5:00 pm Today we had a kick-off meeting with the Western PA Conservancy to discuss the Master Plan. I will update the Emerald Link committee in detail at our meeting. However, I want you to know that Wendy and I discussed the problems with the Gazebo garden and maintenance at other gardens. The timing was perfect as WPC is currently doing site reviews of gardens that need to be re-worked so they will add the Gazebo garden to that list. They asked that someone from our end (Carol, Diane, Tom!) write them an email (to mwallace@paconserve.org) describing the specific problems with the garden to help them understand issues. It will not be necessary for us to hire a landscape designer/plant person on our own. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. If you cannot open attachments, email me back with your fax number. Thank you, Valentina p.s. We still need someone to step forward to volunteer to chair Community Gardens! Plus I need to build up that list with names of folks who have volunteered in the past.
------------------------------------ Grand View Scenic Byway Committee Meeting Agenda Saturday, August 28, 2004 9:00 - 10:30 am 1. Updates (30 minutes) Various Contract with SPC Meeting with City Planning Trash cans and trees Overlooks Meetings Byway URL Project schedule & budget 2. Committee Charter (45 minutes) Mission statement Work plan 3. Next Steps (15 minutes) Prioritize stakeholders list Work assignments
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 5:11 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: information for the Open Space/Byway Task Force meeting - Saturday 21st
Dear Committees,
I am attaching a proposal for the committee structure for Open Space Task Force, Byway Committee and Community Gardens Committee. Wendy has reviewed this. This is merely a PROPOSAL. I drafted this so we could use it as a starting point for discussion at our meeting on Saturday. You will note that under my proposal, we need four leaders:
- OSTF chair (a post-election board member) who does not chair a committee per se, but rather acts as the liaison between the board and the committees and has more of a project management role. this person needs to have good management skills and be able to represent all open space efforts to the board and to outsiders.
- Emerald link chair. This person chairs a committee and needs to be sort of an environmental or planner type of person who can help with long term plans and conservation.
- Byway chair. This person chairs a committee and needs to be a bridge builder (good at forging relationships with other nonprofits, govt, volunteers) and got at getting into the nitty gritty (working on actual potential improvements to grandview and the tourist experience).
- Gardens chair. This person chairs a committee and needs to be a gardener who is good at recruiting volunteers and having a green vision.
Please see attached spreadsheet for more detail. If you can't open file, email me your fax number and I'll fax it over. Also, below is the agenda for Saturday. Let me know if you want any changes. Looking forward to seeing you all at 10 am at CDC offices.
Thank you,
Valentina
Open Space Task Force & Grand View Scenic Byway Committees Meeting Agenda
Saturday, August 21, 2004
10:00 am - 11:30 am
1. Introductions (10 minutes)
2. Updates (15 minutes)
Emerald Link Scenic Byway
Anchor Greening Project
3. Discussion of Committee Structures & Leadership (30 minutes)
4. Crafting of Byway mission statement (20 minutes)
5. Next Steps (10 minutes)
Documents:
… Results of survey from community meeting 7/22/04 … Proposed committee structure … Proposed Grand View Scenic Byway Committee mission statement
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 5:13 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Open Space & Byway Task Forces meeting -- August 21st at 10:00 am
Dear Open Space Task Force & Byway Committee,
I would like to invite you to our next meeting:
Saturday, August 21st
10 am - 11:30 am
at MWCDC offices at Virginia & Shiloh (if we get too full, we'll relocate and stick a note on the door)
We have many important topics to discuss:
* Updates on work with Western PA Conservancy. The fence repair at McArdle & Grandview was scheduled to start this week. WPC is ready to install anchor greening project. We need to discuss a celebratory groundbreaking sort of event. We also need to update you on work on the Master Plan.
* Committee structure and leadership. As the workload grows, we can't expect Margaret to do it all! We will be discussing the relationship between the committees and the leadership positions. Several people have expressed an interest. Please consider taking on a leadership role.
* Next steps on Scenic Byway. The next deadline to apply for National Scenic Byway status is January 2005. After that date, the next application date will be January 2007. Wendy and I believe that we can be ready to apply in January 2005 but only with an enormous amount of effort between now and then, and with lots of volunteer help -- this means you!
* Our new intern. I would like to introduce Allison Hailey, our new intern from CMU Heinz school who will be helping us with all this work!
Please RSVP for the meeting so I can figure out if need a bigger space. If you can't attend the meeting but want me to call you to discuss these topics one-on-one, please let me know.
Thanks much,
Valentina
P.S. Please pass this information along to those who do not have email. I will also call those folks to let them know.
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 2:54 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Good News -- Open Space Task Force & Scenic Byway Committee
Dear All,
I have good news to report to you today:
* We received word that we have been approved for a $51,000 from the
PennDOT Scenic Byway program. This will allow us to do a Corridor
Management Plan for Grandview which will put us one step closer to
completion and allow us to apply for National Scenic Byway status.
We thank all of you who helped with the application and particularly
want to thank Ken Flack of SPC who championed our grant application
through the process. Ken will be the administrator of the grant so
we will be speaking with him this week to figure out next steps.
* The MWCDC Board approved an agreement between Western PA
Conservancy and the MWCDC defining our relationship for writing the
Master Implementation Plan for the entire Emerald Link. This was the
final step required by Heinz to release the $150K to WPC so we can
get started on our work.
Other items:
* This Thursday night July 22nd at 7pm there will be a community
forum that will briefly address the following topics: an update from
Jim West on his work for West Grandview, an update from me on the
Scenic Byway, and a presentation from SCA about trail projects. The
remainder of the meeting will be open discussion by community
members. Please come.
* After we get a bit more information on next steps from our project
partners, I will contact you with a date for the next meeting of our
committees. An important issue will be our committee structure and
leadership/membership. The Scenic Byway Committee in particular will
require significant volunteer hours.
* We are waiting for the City to do the fence repair (we were
expecting it to occur around July 4th) so WPC can start installing
the anchor greening project at McArdle and Grandview. We are hoping
we will not completely miss planting season.....
* We are investigating a new funding program called Home Town Streets
& Safe Routes to School. I need a volunteer or two to help me
understand safety issues regarding students walking/biking to school
in Mt. Washington.
Thanks all. Please contact me with any questions or concerns,
Valentina Vavasis
Emerald Link Consultant
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 1:18 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Grand View Scenic Byway Application
Dear Byway Team,
- I am attaching our original application (pdf format) to become a Scenic Byway for your information, courtesy of Shelley.
- As planned, we are applying to the PennDOT scenic byway program for $51,000. We are submitting our application this Friday the 25th. We have letters of support from Susan Golumb, Dir of City Planning, and Tinsy Lipchack, one of our members and the Director of the Convention & Visitor Bureau. To do the Corridor Management Plan and public process, we are estimating about 350 hours of staff/my time and about 1,500 volunteer hours over a year to eighteen months. We also will need money to do map production ($6,000) and a simple master plan/design standards $10,000. This request does not include detailed design work for our other work ("Photography" Park) which will go into our next request.
- We will be submitting this application tomorrow. If you want to receive a full copy of the draft for your review and comment, please email me immediately and I'll send it over.
- Also, Wendy and I are interested in learning more about a funding program through the State DNCR called Community Conservation Partnership Program. This is a grant program for planning, TA, acquisition and development for conservation, open space, greenways, trails. This program seems perfect for the Emerald Link and has an application deadline in October. There will be a seminar to learn about the program on July 14th 9:00 - 12:00 at a hotel near the airport. If any of you already know about this program or are planning to attend this seminar or wish to attend it, please let me know!
Thanks everyone,
Valentina
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 1:28 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Jim West Presentation
I learned today that Jim West will be presenting his project status/plans for his sculpture project for west Grandview to the MWCDC Board on July 8th and to the community at large on July 22nd at 7pm. I believe the details will be in the upcoming newsletter.
Thanks, Valentina
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 12:21 PM
To:Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Grand View Scenic Byway Committee follow up
1. Attachments to this email I am attaching two documents for your review:
- contact list for committee
- minutes from our meeting
Please review both. I did not take good notes during the meeting so this is just based on my memory. We do have the Scenic Byway application in the file but we haven't yet found the electronic copy. We will circulate shortly. (SH/SB, let us know if you have it or can point to it.)
2. Updates on the State funding applicationI spoke with Barbara this morning. She is going on vacation so we get an extra week -- application now due to her on the 23rd of June. Wendy and I will prepare application and gather letters of support. Barbara gave me these thoughts:
- 1) we shouldn't apply for $50K or $100K; we should instead budget what it will take to do the work and ask for that amount;
- 2) she wants us to apply for a Corridor Management Plan and make the additional design work a part of the Plan. She said the plan should be tailored to our work so we should just beef up the part of the Plan that includes whatever design work we feel we need;
- 3) we do not have a deadline to spend the money once we get it. so we can take the time to do a community process around design work.
- 4) she prefers to see fewer consultants and more in-house work; similarly, more practical things we can implement, less conceptual.
- 5) she wants us to demonstrate that we have looked at all other possible funding programs (which we have not) and she gave me some leads on other programs/people.
I asked Barbara today about spending some of this request to match money Jim has raised/contributed for his project. She prefers instead that we write his work into the CMP and then ask for implementation money later after the CMP is submitted (which may not work since he may be done before we finish the CMP). And on that note, please let me clarify my position on Jim's project. I applaud his efforts to make a contribution to the City and to sincerely garner the support of the community. I recently learned that he has received City support to install the sculpture pending a few more approvals and has hired a landscape architect to consider its placement. I think this is great! My only wish is that the sculpture is placed in such a way that if we did ever (in our dreams!) have a complete, community-supported design for Photography Park and the money to implement it (dreams!), that we can adjust the placement of his sculpture if needed. I hope that my comments at the meeting did not suggest that I do not support the project!
Finally, please speak your mind at meetings and inform me about ancient history and recent developments! My sole agenda is to forward the Emerald Link project. I welcome your input on all topics.
Thanks,
Valentina
Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 1:09 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Fwd: GOOD NEWS from Heinz Endowments
Dear Open Space Task Force,
GOOD NEWS!!!!!!
[Forwarded message from Jean Grogan of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.]
We have received official notice (a letter signed by Teresa Heinz) that the "Howard Heinz Endowment has approved a grant to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for $150,000" to "support planning for Mount Washington Emerald Link".
The grant agreement states that "Payment is contingent upon agreement on a detailed scope of work, budget, and shared project structure with Mt. Washington CDC".
Our immediate next step should be to develop and approve a written partnership agreement between WPC and MWCDC. I would suggest there also be a written agreement concerning the role of the Allegheny Land Trust.
Judy will be in touch about next steps. She is out of the office a few days this week, so it may be the end of the week before you hear from her.
I look forward to working together to make this planning process a success.
Jean
From:Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 10:12 AM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Update on Anchor Greening Project -- McArdle & Grandview
Dear Open Space Task Force,
This email is to update you on the status of the Anchor Greening Project.
* City Public Works is putting jersey barriers on the site as a temporary measure to allow WPC to safely install the plantings.
* City Engineering and Construction, with the help of Bill Urbanic, have put in a funding request to repair the fencing. The fencing will be repaired in the next few months.
* The oak tree that is dying will be removed by City Forestry this week.
WPC will be leaving a corridor without plantings next to the jersey barriers to allow the City to install the fencing later in the summer. Although this is not the ideal order of events, it is the best we can do - and I think, will work out fine in the end!
Further updates to come.
Thank you,
Valentina Vavasis
Emerald Link Project Coordinator
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 2:44 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Emerald Link updates
Dear Open Space Task Force,
There's a lot going on but most of it is mid-stream. So here are some midway updates:
* It looks like the City is going to fix the fence at the Anchor Greening site. Bill Urbanic has been helping to push this along as is Fred Reginella, Director of Engineering and Construction. I also spoke to Guy Costa who referred me to Fred. There is a funding proposal in at the City. I will let you know if I need help pushing this along. I will be discussing the schedule for the Anchor Greening installation with the WPC at a meeting tomorrow.
* We are working on formalizing the MWCDC relationship with the Western PA Conservancy (WPC) and the Allegheny Land Trust (ALT). We have documented our proposed relationship with WPC and submitted this to Heinz to support our $150K proposal for the master plan. We will hear from Heinz in mid-May. We are also working on formalizing our relations with the Allegheny Land Trust. To summarize, our primary relationship with WPC will be regarding the Anchor Greening project and the writing of the Master Plan (which will be about a 50%/50% work split). The ALT will take the lead on preserving/conserving any land that we identify as at-risk. The CDC board has agreed in general to this relationship which we are now nailing down to more specifics. Please let me know if you want to see further documentation on these relationships.
* The City has renewed a contract with LaQuatra Bonci Landscape architects to study the Mayor's "Next Great Park" which would run from the West End Circle SE down 51 toward Brookline. This study area is exactly within our Emerald Link study area. This is still a very general, big picture idea. I'm pretty sure the Emerald Link will be done before the "Next Great Park" but we are trying to coordinate so we can share information.
* The City hillside commission (made up of designers, govt people and green people including the ALT, Riverlife and Heinz Endowments) is undertaking a study by Perkins Eastman to study hillside preservation issues. This will also affect any EL properties that are hillsides (lots of them). We eagerly await the results of this study as it may later affect zoning or design principles on hillside land.
* Apparently, the Eastern portion of Grandview is going to be repaved with asphalt in the near future. Some of you have told me that, in light of City budget, any paving is better than no paving. And we realize the City is broke. But someday, we hope for concrete!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to share any information with the rest of the group. I will keep you posted and greatly appreciate all your hard work and concern.
Valentina Vavasis
Emerald Link Project Coordinator
From: Valentina [vvavasis@telerama.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1:10 PM
To: Emerald Link Task Force E-mail recipients
Subject: Emerald Link Updates
Dear Open Space Task Force,
Here are a few updates on Emerald Link work:
This Thursday night April 22nd at 7 pm, Klavon will be presenting the design we selected for the Anchor Greening project to the community at large. This presentation will be small part of a larger community agenda. In her introduction, Margaret will explain to the public that the Task Force had an extensive process to refine and select a design and indicate our support for the finished product. Please come to the meeting.
I had a positive conversation with Fred Reginella, Director of Engineering and Construction for the City, regarding the fence work on the anchor greening project. He asked me to contact him again this week to follow up. He sounded like he would try to make it happen. I'll keep you posted.
We had a discussion with Western PA Conservancy about fence design. They believe that the most efficient course of action is to get the City to repair their fence as it currently stands and then install the anchor greening project. Following that, we could have a more extensive design planning process around fence design for all of Grandview. At a later date, we hope to raise money from other sources to do a nicer fence, and potentially make it match whatever new fencing will run along the rest of Grandview in the future. This plan may change according to funding sources, etc.
On 4/15/04 we submitted additional information to Heinz (per their request) to enhance our $150K proposal for creation of the Master Implementation Plan. We will hear back from Heinz about this funding request in mid-May. We worked very closely with the Western PA Conservancy on preparing the Heinz information and, in doing so, had intensive discussions about how to improve communications between the two organizations. We established a set of principles for our work going forward such as mutuality, professionalism, communication, etc. It was a very good process and I believe, will set a good tone for moving forward. WPC has a new staff person, Judy Wagner, who will be working with Mark Wallace on the Emerald Link henceforth. Judy has extensive experience working with communities and is very enthusiastic about working on the Emerald Link project along with Mark.
We presented the Emerald Link project to Susan Golumb and staff at City Planning. We also presented the project to the Riverlife Task Force. Both were positive and gave us suggestions for making connections with others doing similar work around the City.
We are beginning our discussions with Allegheny Land Trust about strategies for land protection.
I'll keep you updated as we go along. Margaret and I did not think we needed to meet this month so I'll let you know when it's time for another meeting.
Thank you all.
Valentina Vavasis
Emerald Link Project Coordinator
MWCDC appreciates your interest in the Emerald Link and urges your support of this major undertaking.
Student Conservation Association Crews
Clear Trails in Grandview, Olympia and Mount Washington Parks
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) assigned 4 student crews to improve Mount Washington's parks this summer (2004). Students continued their work in Grandview Park, concentrating on further improvements to the Bigbee to the main Park trail. Preventative measures were taken to prevent erosion. Repairs were made to the stone staircases.
Olympia Park crews repaired storm damage to the trail beside the Chatham Village fence and extended that trail.
For the first time ever, an SCA crew was assigned to Mount Washington Park. Starting at Grace Street, the crew cleared the trail to the interior of the park. They were assisted by the McKinley Park crew and the roving 'experienced' crew of teens who had spent at least one previous season working with SCA. They enlisted the aid of PACleanways in clearing large debris, like discarded appliances and automobile parts. SCA crews helped PACleanways in their newest "Tire Round-up" project, an effort to remove hundreds of discarded tires that have been dumped in Mount Washington Park.
Gabriella, an SCA student working in the Olympia Park crew, visited the MWCDC July Community Forum 
and presented an overview of the SCA's work in our neighborhood parks. She eloquently described her sense of passion for urban greenspace, her love of the work and urged all of us not to take our parks and greenspaces for granted. July Forum attendees also had a chance to meet Jackie, the Olympia Park crew leader, and Heather, a Boggs Avenue resident and SCA employee.