Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh permitting problems | How one daycare had to struggle to reopen its playground
A playground popular with many children was held up by red tape for months in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood.
It’s a story at the confluence of disappointed children, a landslide, bureaucratic molasses, and a once vibrant playground in shambles.
Early last year, the playground at Little Village Learning Center on McNeilly Road was in a state of disrepair due to the fact that the land behind the fence was slowly but surely eroding – and did it ever.
“It was becoming questionable and felt a little unsafe,” said Ashley Landy, owner and director of Little Village Learning Center.
Now, it’s been going on 10 months since the kids at the learning center have been able to use the playground, and Landy said she knows what is needed.
“Right now, we need to build a retaining wall so that we can rebuild our playground,” she said.
As the kids go about their daily routines, confined to the building, Little Village secured funding and a contractor – then last March, they reached out to the city, and that’s where things got messy.
“[We were told] that it could take around 30 days, so our contractor was all-in and ready to go,” Landy recalled.
So, it got fixed, right? Well, the 30 days came and went.
“Every time we ask them about the permitting issues, they come back with another piece of paperwork that we need to submit, which takes another 45 days,” she said.
On Wednesday morning, we reached out to the city to try to get an understanding of what was going on, and just over three hours after we reached out, Little Village Learning Center was contacted by the city and told the permit was in the final stages of processing. We also got a lengthy email explaining the process.
For Landy, she just wants her 58 kids back on the playground.
“It’s crucial, they love to go outside and play and run around,” she said. “For them to just get a break from the building alone and get that fresh air, it’s definitely necessary.
Also, late on Tuesday, the center was notified that what was once an issue with the planned playground probably isn’t anymore, and more conversations on Grant Street will happen on Thursday. Landy said she hopes and would like to get the playground up and usable by early summer.
Finally, the question is, is what happened at Little Village the exception or the rule?
While you don’t want to call it the rule, but it is an issue. So much so that Mayor Corey O’Connor issued an executive order to take a look at and speed up the city’s permitting processes so that small businesses aren’t forced to wait months. He’s also setting up a development public liaison to serve as a point person for people who hit permitting road blocks.
Nothing seemed to go in Roman Wilson’s favor while Mike Tomlin led the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether it was battling through an injury-filled rookie season or struggling to find his footing in his second year, Wilson now finds himself on the roster bubble. He understands this could be his final opportunity to establish himself in Pittsburgh, and a coaching change may have given him a boost.
With Mike McCarthy now serving as head coach of the Steelers, Wilson has a fresh opportunity to reset his trajectory.
Any issues that may have lingered under Tomlin are now in the past. While it is unclear if the young playmaker will immediately build chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, a new coaching staff brings the potential for change. According to McCarthy, Wilson was also one of the first players to reach out after the hiring, which could signal a strong level of motivation moving forward.
“He was one of the first men to reach out. Just clearly ask what the expectation was of him, how I view him.” McCarthy said. “How I saw him fitting in as it rolls. He’s had a great offseason.”
Nothing will be handed to Roman Wilson, as Pittsburgh has completely overhauled its wide receiver group this offseason. DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard all appear set for significant roles on offense, which could leave Wilson in a difficult position. However, if he proves during training camp that he deserves playing time, McCarthy will not overlook his performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Roman Wilson might be turning a corner with HC Mike McCarthy
It will be up to Roman Wilson to prove he can be a starting caliber receiver throughout the preseason. If he fails to secure the fourth spot on the depth chart or better, his career could enter a critical stage. Time is quickly running out, but his level of talent is still clear. The hope is that with McCarthy as an offensive-minded head coach, Wilson will be in a better position to succeed.
Reaching a high level this season will not come easily for Wilson.
At times last year, it appeared that Aaron Rodgers did not look his way often in the passing game. There could be some tension between the two, which may have contributed to the Steelers bringing in multiple veteran receivers late last season. If that disconnect still exists, it could become another obstacle for Wilson as he tries to earn Rodgers’ trust and secure a larger role in the offense.
With McCarthy leading the coaching staff, he will look to unlock the full potential of Pittsburgh’s offense. Wilson could play an important role in helping address the unit’s ongoing struggles. Despite the talent ahead of him on the depth chart, his opportunity could grow significantly this season. He will need to earn his place, but there is a clear path for him to succeed.
Outside of Metcalf, Pittman Jr., and Bernard, Wilson should still have an opportunity to make plays this season.
If he is unable to carve out a role during the preseason, he could find himself on his way off the roster sooner than expected. However, the positive remarks from McCarthy should give him a boost of confidence entering what is shaping up to be a make-or-break campaign. This is his final opportunity to prove himself in Pittsburgh.
Follow
Enter your email and we’ll send a secure one-click link to sign in.
KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
With America celebrating its 250th birthday this summer, a major landmark in Pittsburgh will celebrate its 100th birthday.
Allegheny County announced a 100th Birthday Bash for the Andy Warhol Bridge on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato made the event official on Friday morning and said it will feature art, music, games, and more.
“Allegheny County’s history is filled with innovation and creativity, beautiful architecture, and talented homegrown artists, and the Andy Warhol Bridge encapsulates all of that in one iconic structure,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “I hope everyone will come down for a fun day of art, community, and a shared celebration of our history on June 27.”
Part of the celebration will be art projects hosted and led by the Andy Warhol Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Local artist Strawberry Luna will also create a special, commemorative poster celebrating the bridge’s history.
The Andy Warhol Bridge is the only bridge in the country to be named for a visual artist, according to Allegheny County.
“As our nation commemorates the U.S. Semiquincentennial, it is fitting that we recognize the oldest of the three Sister Bridges, which represent Pittsburgh’s tradition of innovation, ingenuity, and ‘we can do it’ spirit,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center. “These iconic bridges, painted in ‘Aztec Gold’ as an homage to the city’s official colors, are symbols of Pittsburgh’s vibrancy, culture, and most importantly, its people.”
Formerly known as the Seventh Street Bridge, it was renamed the Andy Warhol Bridge in 2005 to honor the famous artist as well as the 10th anniversary of the Andy Warhol Museum, which is two blocks away.
-
Los Angeles, Ca11 minutes agoMan stabbed to death after violent dog attack on Hollywood Walk of Fame
-
Detroit, MI31 minutes ago
Black Legacy Day to be celebrated May 30th in Detroit
-
San Francisco, CA41 minutes agoA 1906 fire burned 200,000 books. More than a century later, one was returned | CNN
-
Dallas, TX46 minutes agoCowboys news: More moves that Dallas could make this offseason
-
Miami, FL53 minutes agoHere’s a guide to the seven World Cup teams (and their fans) headed to Miami | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
-
Boston, MA56 minutes agoStormy Saturday, slightly sunnier Sunday – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoStorm threat for northeastern Colorado Saturday; sunny and warmer Sunday
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoWEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 options!
