By Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone!

I’d like to provide a brief update regarding the North Avenue Safety and Signals project, which will upgrade traffic signal infrastructure and improve safety for pedestrians, drivers, and transit users along North Avenue from Arch Street to Middle Street. There is a community engagement meeting scheduled for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Location details are still being worked out and I highly recommend following the Engage Page for the most up-to-date details regarding the meeting and the project. It can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/north-avenue-signals-and-safety-project Currently, City Council is meeting twice daily to finalize the City of Pittsburgh’s budgetary allocations to essential services, personnel, and departments in the 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets. Council is considering about $11.5 million in proposals for capital projects within District 1. A few capital budget projects for D1 that I want to highlight include $1.5 million towards the East Ohio Street Streetscape project, $2 million towards the Swindell Bridge design, $1.2 million additional funds to complete the Spring Hill Park reconstruction, and $400,000 towards Lookout Park Playground upgrades. 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. I am committed to advocating for our community’s priorities as we move toward the final stages of the budget process. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about the budget process. Full details on the 2025 budgets can be found here: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/city-pittsburgh-budget-engagements.

I’m happy to share that residents can now apply for permits, licenses, and planning applications in-person! OneStopPGH’s in-person counter, located at 412 Boulevard of the Allies, allows for direct engagement with staff from the Department of City Planning, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, and the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections. This is a win for city residents, businesses, and developers who may need in-person assistance with applying for various permits and licenses. To learn more, go to pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/Permits-Licenses-and-Inspections/One-Stop-PGH.

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. 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 2025!