Author: River Rat

A new Facebook group was created today to support the hotness of trash cans.

Students For Reliable Trash Cans

Basic Info
Type: Common Interest – Politics
Description: This is a group for students who think that safe and reliable trash cans are necessary for a higher quality of life for Pittsburghers. Businesses need them, students need them, and residents need them. We support taking care of business.   We finally got ‘em, now let’s show ‘em some love! Which trash can do you prefer?

Contact Info
Office: A city trash can near you
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Here are some additional pictures that are posted on the Facebook group…

Two Thumbs Up

This just in from the mayor’s office…

MAYOR’S PLAN FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT STREET LIGHTS UNDERWAY

Request for information sets timeline for aggressive process to implement cost-saving, green lighting strategy

Date: February 18, 2009
Contact: Joanna Doven, 412-255-2694
(mobile) 412-475-2387
joanna.doven@city.pittsburgh.pa.us

(PITTSBURGH) February 18, 2009 – Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced today that the City has issued a Request for Information (RFI), available on the City’s website, inviting street-lighting vendors to apply to participate in Pittsburgh’s first Energy-Efficient Streetlight Conversion pilot program.

The City currently operates 39,779 street lights using 2,293,748 kilowatts-per-hour, at a yearly cost of approximately $3,242,008. The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is hoping to shave up to 50-60 percent of that cost by replacing the lights with green technologies.

“This project is exciting because it has the potential to improve the quality of lighting in the City, expand our ‘greenprint’ and save taxpayer dollars,” Ravenstahl said. “It’s a win-win situation for taxpayers and the environment, and just the beginning of our efforts to be more energy-efficient.” (more…)

From Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Office this morning

PRESS RELEASE

MAYOR UNVEILS PLANS FOR MARKET SQUARE, HIGHLIGHTS PITTSBURGH’S GROWTH

Annual Meeting Showcases Record Development Numbers as New Projects Speak to Pittsburgh’s Resilience

PITTSBURGH, PA —Pittsburgh’s historic Market Square during the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s (PDP) Annual Meeting held this morning at the DoubleTree Hotel Pittsburgh City Center. 

More than $4 billion in investment is currently planned or already underway in Downtown’s Central Core which includes projects in the categories of office/retail, residential, mixed-use, educational/civic, park/trail and transportation. 

“While many cities across the country are struggling, Pittsburgh’s story is one of success and growth, as recognized by national media over the past year, and recognized here today,” Mayor Ravenstahl said.  “Record numbers in residential and commercial building permits point to the fact that Pittsburgh is experiencing its Third Renaissance.”

Speaking to an audience of more than 350 during the meeting, the Mayor pointed to data indicating the City’s positive position.

• City-wide, small-scale residential construction is increasing—total building permits for 1-2 family homes increased 44% from $43 million in 2006 to $62 million in 2008.
• Large-scale development permits increased 116% over the past two years.
• Large-scale building permit investment increased an average of 47% since 2006, compared to an average yearly decrease of 3% between 2001 and 2006.
• Of the $928 million in large-scale building permit investment in 2008, $757 million or 82% was invested in major projects (>$10 million in 2007 and 2008). 

And, the good news continues. About 5,000 people now call the Golden Triangle home, up from 2,128 in 2000.  That figure will only increase as 288 new units are set to come online over the next year.

(more…)