By Northside Chronicle Staff

Avenues of Hope applications due by April 30

Applications for the first quarter Avenues of Hope, a program by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh to support multiple main streets across Pittsburgh, are due by April 30.

The program supports existing small businesses and residents along seven major business corridors in the city. On the Northside, two sections of Perrysville Avenue have been designated as one of those business corridors eligible for support. One section is centered around Perrysville’s intersections with Baytree Street, East Street and Mairdale Avenue, while the other is centered around Perrysville’s intersection with North Charles Street.

Eligible recipients include non-profits, community development organizations, business district organizations, small businesses and individuals such as business owners, property owners and partnering private entities.

Eligible activities for funding include, but are not limited to, rehabilitation of commercial properties, storefront and façade improvements, programs or services to support microbusinesses and vacant, blighted and/or underutilized property reclamation and stewardship, among other such options.

The maximum grant request is $200,000. Grants $50,000 and below do not require a match, while those above that amount have match requirements of 10% cash equity investment.

The program is funded through URA’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation from the City of Pittsburgh.

For more information, visit ura.org/pages/avenues- of-hope.

City Books accepting applications for writer-in-residence

City Books, located in West Allegheny, is now accepting applications for their Fall 2023 Writer-in-Residence program.

The City Books Writer’s Residency program provides an author with a “comfortable, creative space within the bookstore” in order to develop new writing or advance an existing project, according to a release from City Books.

The position is intended for local/regional writers living within driving distance of the bookstore. No housing is provided, but residents will receive a $500 stipend along

This flyer advertising that Makeshift Bikes has moved was sent in to The Chronicle. The community bike repair project now has its first permanent brick-and-mortar location at 431 E. Ohio St. Contributed photo

with other in-store benefits.

Deadline for Fall 2023 applications is midnight on April 30. Full details are available on City Books’ website, citybookspgh.com/apply/.

Makeshift Bikes opens permanent repair store

Makeshift Bikes, a Northside community bike repair project which started back in 2016, has opened its first permanent brick-and-mortar repair shop.

The project is now located at 431 E. Ohio St. The location opened in February and will serve as a spot for repair classes and where people can come in to get their bike fixed.

Classes are held Saturdays at 4 p.m. as long as at least two people have signed up by 5 p.m. on the Friday before. Classes last around two hours and will be hands-on.

For more information or to sign up for a class, visit makeshiftbikes.com. Makeshift can also be contacted by phone at (412) 586-5410.