News Around the Neighborhood
AWCC Membership Meeting Agenda – June 9, 2026
The next Allegheny West Civic Council General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue – also accessible on Zoom.
7:30
Call to Order
7:35
Greetings and Introductions of New Neighbors
7:40
Reports of Elected Officials, City Departments, Organizations
-
City of Pittsburgh Zone 1 Police (Officer Defeo)
-
City of Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor’s Office (CJ Thorpe)
-
State Representative Aerion Abney’s Office (Tom Harnett)
-
Department of City Planning (Nazia Tarannum)
-
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (Erin Tobin)
-
Councilman Bobby Wilson’s Office (Bobby Wilson/Jordyn Gilliard/Julianne Hluska)
8:10
Guests and Presentations: Brandon Wilson – Urban Redevelopment Authority
8:35
Officer and Committee Reports
-
Minutes of Last Meeting (Tim Zinn, Secretary)
-
Treasurer’s Report (Chris Sweeney, Treasurer)
-
Communications Committee (Sarah Cook)
-
Friends of Allegheny West (Trish Burton)
-
Housing and Planning Committee (Tom Cihil)
-
Membership Committee (Yulia Bhonsle)
-
Property Committee (Aaron Bryan)
-
Ways and Means Committee (Jo Beatty)
-
Executive Committee Actions (Elizabeth Barbush)
8:50
Unfinished Business
8:55
New Business
9:05
Adjourn
Additions to the agenda can be made by emailing president@allegheywest.org.
President’s Message
Let the Summer Fun Begin!
It’s finally June, and with it comes the official kickoff to one of the most fun seasons in our neighborhood! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, it’s wine tour season! After months of anticipation (we’ve been counting down since Christmas!), a Tour & Tasting in Old Allegheny is finally happening this month on June 26 & 27. Hopefully this gorgeous weather we’ve been having stays around for a little while!
If you haven’t signed up to volunteer but would still like to be part of the fun, there’s still time! Don’t hesitate to reach out to Jo if you’re interested; read her note on page 3 for more information.. I will be helping out at Holmes Hall and would love some additional company!
Another sure sign that summer is back is the return of the Northside Farmers Market! The market is open every Friday from 3:00-7:00 pm at Allegheny Commons Park, located at the corner of East Ohio Street and Cedar Avenue. The market runs from May 29 through November 20, 2026, with a Happy Hour on the final Friday of each month. Free street parking is available along Cedar Avenue and Union Place during market hours. You can find a full list of vendors online here:
https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Farmers-Markets/Northside-Farmers-Market
Looking ahead, it’s again time for our Annual 4th of July Summer Block Party, happening on Saturday, July 4 at 4:00 pm on the 900 block of Beech Avenue. This is a beloved neighborhood tradition and one of my favorite ways to celebrate summer in Allegheny West. More details are available on page 3. As always, bring a lawn chair, a side dish, and get ready to enjoy some amazing fireworks afterwards!
Counseling and Wellness of Pittsburgh, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, is once again offering free Yoga in the Park every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM through August 26. Classes take place in the Commons Grove along Brighton Road and Ridge Avenue, across from Gus & Yia Yia’s stand. All are welcome! More information can be found here: https://counselingwellnesspgh.com/yoga-in-the-park
As a reminder, we will observe our annual summer recess during the months of July and August, which means there will be no General Membership Meetings during those months. I know you will miss them! Meetings, will resume in September when the weather begins to cool and we gather again for the fall season.
Cheers to a fantastic start to summer!
Elizabeth Barbush
President, Allegheny West Civic Counci
Join your Neighbors at the AWCC July Fourth Picnic
The picnic will be held on the 900 block of Beech Ave on Saturday, July 4th, 4:00 to 7:30pm. This year we’ll have an Apple Pie contest, a children & pets Independence Day costume parade, music and other fun activities. AWCC will provide burgers, hot dogs, and drinks; please bring a side dish or a dessert to share with others, and stick around to clean up afterwards if you’re able!
Tour and Tasting in Old Allegheny Information
Submitted by Joanne Beatty, Ways and Means Chair
One of our most anticipated traditions is just around the corner. We have a beautiful set of homes and gardens to feature this year along with wonderful food and wine pairings. The tour and tasting is a great opportunity to showcase our neighborhood while enjoying wine, delicious bites and the stunning historic architecture of old Allegheny West. This year’s tour will feature our very own parklet as a water hydration stop for docents and tour participants and it is looking splendid thanks to the efforts of Trish and the Friends of Allegheny West.
Although the 2026 tour is sold out, there are still opportunities to volunteer and be part of the fun. Please reach out to tours@alleghenywest.org if you are interested in helping Friday June 26th evening, Saturday June 27th afternoon and or evening. We are almost set with our raffle items but if you would still like to donate items please let myself or Carol know. Thank you Yulia for all your help to date with this important element of the tour.
Finally a huge shout out to Carol (amazing as ever), the tour committee members, all our wonderful vendors providing the food and wine and most of all our home owners who have agreed to be on the tour this year. It takes a village and ours is fantastic.
Don’t Miss the Roving Art Cart
Northside Parks Summer Update: Allegheny Commons
Follow @AlleghenyCommonsInitiative on Facebook or email ETobin@pittsburghparks.org to join the Allegheny Commons distribution list.
Pedestrian Bridge – Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026, with completion anticipated later this year or in Spring 2027.
Lake Elizabeth Cleanup – PPC’s annual cleanup engaged more than 90 volunteers and removed approximately 15 tons of muck and debris from the lake.
Patricia Rooney Fountain & Commons Trees – PPC continues to steward the fountain garden and care for young trees planted through capital projects and the commemorative tree program. The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works now manages most mechanical fountain maintenance, with PPC providing weekend and supplemental support as needed.
Outdoors for All – PPC is co-hosting this regional event with the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on August 15. Organizations and community members are welcome to host a table, lead an activity, or attend. Additional event details will be available in July.
North Promenade Project – Segment D – Schematic design was completed earlier this year for the promenade section extending from the George Washington Monument to Lake Elizabeth.
Forest Bathing Programs (PPC led)
• June 6, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Allegheny Commons
• June 20, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM — Riverview Park (Evening Walk)
• July 11, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Allegheny Commons
• July 18, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Riverview Park
Housing Opportunity Fund Survey | Open through June 15
Every year, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) launches a survey to hear from Pittsburgh residents about their housing needs. That survey is currently open through June 15. Responses from this survey will help to inform a spending plan for the Housing Opportunity Fund in 2027. As a City resident and stakeholder, we encourage you to take the survey and provide your input. We also need your help to spread the word about the survey. The more Pittsburgh residents participate in the survey, the better the HOF Advisory Board and staff can ensure housing programs will meet the needs of our communities.
What is the Housing Opportunity Fund?
The Housing Opportunity Fund is a trust fund that provides $10 million per year from the City of Pittsburgh to the URA to operate programs with a goal to both preserve and increase the amount of affordable and accessible housing in the city. Here are examples of what the fund has supported in previous years:
- Making it easier to buy a home
- Helping homeowners keep up with repairs
- Helping renters and homeowners stay in their homes through short term financial assistance during a crisis
- Providing free legal housing services such as legal representation, foreclosure prevention, and tangled title assistance
- Building or fixing up affordable rental housing
- Building or fixing up affordable for-sale housing
More About the Survey
Survey responses are kept anonymous and combined with others to create the final survey results. Results will be shared with the HOF Advisory Board, URA Board, and City Council to determine an approved spending plan for next year.
President’s Message
Happy May, Neighbors!
The long awaited NFL draft is over, the roads are all open again, and spring is in full bloom.
This month we get to celebrate with our first block party of the year: The Allegheny West Memorial Day Block Party! If you’re new to the neighborhood, this is a perfect opportunity to come out, meet your fellow Allegheny West neighbors, and enjoy some time together. Details for the block party can be found on page three of this Gazette. We hope to see you there! I’d also like to wish all the moms in our community a very Happy Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy a wonderful relaxing day surrounded by family and friends!
As a follow-up to last month’s Gazette, I want to share an update provided by the owner of Lefty’s regarding changes that have been implemented over the past 30 days. He reports that the following operational changes are now in effect:
- Closing time is now 11:00 pm, with last call at 10:40 pm
- All entertainment events have been canceled, including Saturday afternoon acoustic music, Wednesday comedy shows, and most private parties.
- The back patio area has been reduced by half, with seating closest to Galveston eliminated.
- Additional security has been added at the back bar and outdoor patio on weekends.
- Front windows will no longer be opened during operating hours.
- Staff now patrol the sidewalk area after last call to encourage patrons to leave safely and quietly.
- Security policies are being updated, including a more stringent banning policy.
- Jukebox volume has been significantly reduced, with new lower volume limits set by the vendor.
- Music is being censored to eliminate controversial lyrics.
- Large bags are no longer permitted, aligning with policies used at local sporting events and concerts.
- A revised happy hour menu is planned in the coming weeks — stay tuned for details.
- Lefty’s will now close on selected holidays, which were previously among their busiest days.
We will plan to discuss these changes at our upcoming general membership meeting.
Thank you to everyone in the neighborhood who continues to stay engaged, share feedback, and help make Allegheny West a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place to live.
Regards,
Elizabeth Barbush President, AWCC
2026 Tour and Tasting in Old Allegheny
Submitted by Jo Beatty, Chair, Ways & Means Committee
We are full steam ahead for the sold out Allegheny West 2026 wine and garden tour which will be held Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Over the next month we will be organizing volunteers, finalizing food and wine, supporting home owners and working through the final details. We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Carol or me via tours@alleghenywest.org. Thank you to those who have already reached out. Once again a reminder that Dan will again be leading the docents – thank you Dan!
Also a reminder that we are also seeking donations to include in the very popular raffle baskets which we do every year. Thank you to those of you who have confirmed donations already. As a reminder we are grateful for bottles of wine, gift cards, gift certificates on tour themed and locally sourced items. Please let us know if you would like to donate via tours@alleghenywest.org.
Many thanks in advance.
AWCC Membership Meeting Agenda – May 12, 2026
The next Allegheny West Civic Council General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, 971 Beech Avenue – also accessible on Zoom.
7:30
Call to Order
7:35
Greetings and Introductions of New Neighbors
7:40
Reports of Elected Officials, City Departments, Organizations
-
City of Pittsburgh Zone 1 Police (Officer Defeo)
-
City of Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor’s Office (CJ Thorpe)
-
State Representative Aerion Abney’s Office (Tom Harnett)
-
Department of City Planning (Nazia Tarannum and Melissa Hill)
-
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (Erin Tobin)
-
Councilman Bobby Wilson’s Office (Bobby Wilson/Jordyn Gilliard/Julianne Hluska)
-
City Controller’s Office (Rachael Heisler)
8:15
Guests and Presentations: Rick Krist, owner of Lefty’s
8:25
Officer and Committee Reports
-
Minutes of Last Meeting (Tim Zinn, Secretary)
-
Treasurer’s Report (Chris Sweeney, Treasurer)
-
Communications Committee (Sarah Cook)
-
Friends of Allegheny West (Trish Burton)
-
Housing and Planning Committee (Tom Cihil)
-
Membership Committee (Yulia Bhonsle)
-
Property Committee (Aaron Bryan)
-
Ways and Means Committee (Jo Beatty)
-
Executive Committee Actions (Elizabeth Barbush)
8:50
Unfinished Business
8:55
New Business
9:05
Adjourn
Additions to the agenda can be made by emailing president@allegheywest.org.