🌱 UPMC Hospital Safety Boost + Warming Sites + Housing Forum

Morning, neighbors! How was your weekend? It's me, Rachel Tasker, your host of the Pittsburgh Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including...

• LED lights, other exterior upgrades to boost safety at UPMC St. Margaret hospital
• Person found shot inside car in Pittsburgh's North Side dies at hospital
• City announces warming centers

Let's go!

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 42 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Pittsburgh:

1) UPMC's St. Margaret hospital campus in Aspinwall is undergoing upgrades to improve safety for patients, visitors and staff. A key component of the changes includes a switch to LED lights in the parking areas to improve visibility at night. "Other improvements at the Delafield Road site include American Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks, paved parking lots, new UPMC signs and a replacement canopy." Though some of the projects have already been completed, the remaining work is being done in phases to minimize inconveniences for the hospital.

(TribLIVE)

2) A person who was found shot inside of a vehicle in Pittsburgh's North Side died at the hospital. Police were called to the 600 block of Chautauqua Street just before 1:15 p.m. for reports of a male found unresponsive inside of a car. First responders reported that the victim had been shot in the head. After being taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police say the victim later died. There are no suspect descriptions at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

(WPXI Pittsburgh)

3) Amidst freezing winter temperatures, the city announced on Friday that warming shelters will be available in multiple locations. "The city is opening Beechview Healthy Active Living Community Center; Brighton Heights Healthy Active Living Community Center; Greenfield Healthy Active Living Community Center; Homewood Healthy Active Living Community Center; Sheraden Healthy Active Living Community Center; and South Side Market House Healthy Active Living Community Center as warming centers when the forecasted highs are predicted below 20 degrees." In addition, various recreation centers like West Penn, Brookline, Magee, Phillips are more will be open at select hours during forecasted cold weather for community members in need to come and get a break from the elements.

(TribLIVE)

4) An East Hills forum took place this weekend with a specific purpose: o help increase the number of Black homeowners in the Pittsburgh area. Data shows that the housing disparity between Black and white families is larger now than it was 50 years ago, which garnered the need for a free forum discussion that was open to the public. Specifically in the local area, 33.2% of Allegheny County homeowners are Black and 70.9% are white. "People who attended were given information about preparing for home ownership, helpful tools needed to maintain them, and information about why being a homeowner is so important."

(WPXI)

5) Drivers of both motor vehicles and bikes are at their wits' end with Pittsburgh's pot hole problem. Locals have reportedly been sending requests to Pittsburgh leaders to fill numerous potholes popping up across the region—namely on Coral Street in Bloomfield and around Riverview Park in Perry North. A 311 report stated "Horrible, car-busting potholes on S. Aiken," this week. Emily Bourne, a press officer with the Mayor's Office, said that the Department of Public Works fills potholes year-round.

(WXPI)

Today in Pittsburgh:

• Taps & Apps Happy Hour (5 PM)
• Cookbook Club - Northland Public Library (6 PM)
• Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange - Brentwood Library (7 PM)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA: "Here are the forecasted max temperatures over the next 7 days for 4 locations. The color of each tile will tell you if the forecast temperature is above or below normal. " (US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA via Facebook)
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: "Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Origin Stories takes a deeper look into the rich history of these fascinating plants! Discover facts about historic orchid expeditions and the value these beautiful blooms have held around the world. " (Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
• Carnegie Science Center: "Have fun with your friends on the Red Planet for Mars Teen Night on Wed., March 1! This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Lead support for Mars: The Next Giant Leap by Howmet Aerospace Foundation and PNC Foundation." (Carnegie Science Center via Facebook)
• City of Pittsburgh: "Our 2023 Lifeguard Job Interest Form is open! Let us know if you're interested, ask any questions you have, and get notified when we start hiring at https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/lifeguard-info" (City of Pittsburgh via Facebook)
• Bike Pittsburgh: "Calling all BikePGH Business Members and friends! Have a drink on us 🍻 We're hosting a Happy Hour on Thursday, February 9, 5:30-7:30pm at Trace Brewing." (Bike Pittsburgh via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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