District 1 News: Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone, I’d like to share an exciting update on the status of the Davis Avenue Bridge Reconstruction project. The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) has contracted with Gregori Construction Inc. for the construction of the bridge. Over the winter months, DOMI will be working with the contractor on material procurement and off-site fabrication of the bridge truss. On-site construction will begin in Spring 2024 and is expected to continue through the summer into early Fall 2024. I look forward to seeing this bridge reopen and to its reconnection of the Brighton Heights neighborhood to Riverview Park.

I’m also thrilled to share that City Council recently passed a resolution to increase the funding for the Davis Avenue Bridget Public Art project by an additional $24,000 for a total of $54,000. More details on the public art can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/davis-avenue-bridge/davis-avenue-bridge-public-art.

I want to thank the community for their patience with this project and for all the feedback they provided to the project manager. Full details can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/davis- avenue-bridge.

Currently, City Council is meeting twice daily to finalize the City of Pittsburgh’s budgetary allocations to essential services, personnel, and departments in the 2024 Capital and Operating Budgets. Council is considering about $12 million in proposals for capital projects within District 1, which is double the amount from 2023. I’m grateful to have worked with the administration to have allocated $1 million for the second phase of the current Chestnut Street Rehabilitation project, which was not originally included in the preliminary budget submitted in September.

Additional capital budget projects for District 1 that I want to highlight include over $550,000 for improvements throughout Riverview Park, $2 million towards the North Ave Safety and Signals project, $1 million for Cowley Recreation Center construction, and $1.6 million for the Spring Hill Park reconstruction. Council must pass a final balanced budget by Dec. 31. I encourage everyone to review both operating and capital budgets and attend any of the public hearings to provide feedback to my colleagues on City Council and to the Department Directors and Mayor’s Administration. Full details on the 2024 budgets can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/2024city-pittsburgh-budgets.

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for supporting my re-election campaign on Nov. 7 and helping me secure another four-year term on City Council. I look forward to continuing the work of representing and advocating for everyone who lives in my District.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter. My staff and I wish all of you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to hearing from you in 2024!