Community Corner
🌱 Heinz History For Sale + Special Elections + Cheswick Trail
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Pittsburgh.
Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your new copy of the Pittsburgh Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...
- A piece of Heinz's Pittsburgh history is up for sale
- Friends of the Riverfront seeks public input on Cheswick trail
- Special elections in Pittsburgh could end Pennsylvania House impasse
More clouds than sun. High: 48 Low: 39.
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Here are the top stories in Pittsburgh today:
1) A piece of locally-owned Heinz's history is up for sale — but spoiler alert: it's not their giant ketchup bottles. Their red brick building on the North Side, which is now converted to apartments but once played a key role in the ketchup-making empire, is on the market. The 151-unit rental space has been listed on behalf of Cleveland-based MCM Company, Inc. with no asking price. The building's owner thought it was time to sell based on a favorable residential market.
2) Local voters will fill three vacancies in the state House of Representatives via special elections. The forthcoming results might be the deciding factor in ending a stalemate over majority controlthat has left the chamber in limbo for the past month. "If Democrats sweep all three districts, which they also won in November, it will give them a 102-101 majority, and will be the first time in 12 years that Republicans have not been able to determine what gets voted on." The three open seats occurred due to one lawmaker passing away, and two others being elected to a higher office.
3) The O'Fela African Lounge on Brownsville Road in Carrick was shut down by the Allegheny County Health Department, citing several health code violations in their decision. Most notably, the Health Departments report listed evidence of rats in the lounge. "Additionally, the bar was operating without a valid health permit and operating carbon monoxide equipment without proper ventilation." Finally, the space reportedly had improper wastewater disposal and plumbing issues.
4) Friends of the Riverfront, the nonprofit organization that oversees the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, is asking the local community to provide their input on plans to extend the trail through Cheswick. "The public can weigh in on potential designs during an open house Wednesday at the Cheswick Volunteer Fire Department." Specifically, the organization is looking for feedback related to the construction of a roughly one-mile segment that would connect Cheswick to Pittsburgh and, ultimately, to Washington, D.C. The expected pathway is for the trail to wind from Rachel Carson Park to the Harmar border. "This open house gives us a chance to talk through any questions or concerns," said Courtney Mahronich Vita, Friends' director of trail development.
(TribLIVE)
5) A local man is facing charges after being accused of stabbing another man with a pair of scissors. Police responded to an incident report that occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Monday at a home on Zephyr Avenue in Sheraden. When officers arrived, they found the victim inside the home with multiple stab wounds. A witness later told police that the accused attacker stabbed the victim with scissors after getting into an argument with him. Police were able to locate the scissors in question outside of the back door of the home.
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Today in Pittsburgh:
- Hero Appreciation Wednesdays (All Day)
- Taps & Apps Happy Hour (5 PM)
- Pittsburgh Radio Club — Plum Community Library (6 PM)
- Teen Anime and Manga Night — Brentwood Library (7 PM)
From my notebook:
- The Andy Warhol Museum: "Just announced: Opening on May 12, 'The Velvet Underground & Nico: Scepter Studio Sessions' highlights the Velvet Underground and the music from their first recording sessions in April 1966 at Scepter Studios in New York City." (The Andy Warhol Museum via Facebook)
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: "Join us, March 5, for a showcase event to see what makes Phipps one of the best event venues in Pittsburgh. Enjoy a spectacular evening at Phipps while meeting event planning experts, photographers, florists, musicians, bakers and others." (Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
- Carnegie Science Center: "Tickets are selling fast for 21+ Night: Vikings on Friday, Feb. 10. Don't miss the adults-only party before 'VIKINGS: Warriors of the North Sea' opens to the public! Sponsored by Penn Brewery Penn Weizen Bavarian Wheat." (Carnegie Science Center via Facebook)
- Grow Pittsburgh: "Join us for our 'How to Start a Community Garden' series, meant for both new and experienced community gardeners! This multiple-part series beginning Feb. 21 will cover topics from gathering a community team, building people power, design and more." (Grow Pittsburgh via Facebook)
- Port Authority of Allegheny County Police: "Always remember: Police Officer Sean Sluganski, McKeesport Police Department, Pennsylvania odmp.org/officer/26574" (Port Authority of Allegheny County Police via Facebook)
- The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: "We can't promise a Cam Heyward appearance, but you can catch Blue Man Group at the Benedum Center Feb. 17-19! ▶️ https://bit.ly/3RWtRJv" (The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust via Facebook)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.
— Rachel Tasker
About me: Rachel is a native Pennsylvanian with stops in Erie and State College before making Pittsburgh her home in 2020. She's got a background in a little bit of everything... from working in media newsrooms and public health to the 2016 Presidential election in Washington, D.C. and the 2019 Super Bowl where (surprise!) Tom Brady won... AGAIN. She loves good coffee, bad reality T.V., attending local events and trying new food in the 412. She resides in the South Hills.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pittsburgh Patch newsletter? Contact me at pittsburgh@patch.com
