Green Street Park Community Design Workshop: A Success!

A huge thanks to everyone who came out for Thursday's design workshop with Lisa Vavro, Erik Boyer, and Joe Long from The Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh! Incredible ideas were shared by the community, leaving us excited about the future of Green Street Park as an inclusive, public Wilkinsburg space. Stay tuned for details regarding presentation of the final design renderings and next steps in our efforts to preserve the park.

If you were unable to attend, we would still appreciate your input. Your can share your ideas about the future of the park online here: CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY. Please send any questions or feedback to Friends of Green Street Park at savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com.

Green Street Park Community Design Workshop

You're invited!

What: Green Street Park Community Design Workshop
When: Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:00 PM
Where: Biddle's Escape Coffee Shop (401 Biddle Ave., Pittsburgh 15221--2nd floor)

How would you envision a Green Street Park of the future? What would the park look like? How could the park be used creatively? How might the park serve as a regional model for community engagement and sustainability?

Join Wilkinsburg neighbors and friends for a public design workshop to help advance the community-led initiative to revitalize Green Street Park. The session will be led by Lisa Kunst Vavro, the Sustainable Environments and Engaged Scholarship Manager from The Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh, and is co-sponsored by Friends of Green Street Park. A special thanks to Biddle's Escape for generously hosting the event!

While Akator Construction has filed to appeal the Borough Council's denial to develop Green Street Park, our community will remain diligent in efforts to uphold the law and preserve the park as a public space. Your involvement in the design workshop is crucial, as Ms. Vavro and her team will use the input from our community to generate a series of master concept plans for Green Street Park.

The design workshop will be held on the second floor of Biddle's Escape. If you would like additional information, please contact Friends of Green Street Park at savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com.

FOLLOW us on Twitter: @GreenSteetPark
LIKE us on Facebook: Save Green Street Park
LEARN about Green Street Park on our Blog: www.greenstreetpark.blogspot.com
VISIT Green Street Park at the intersection of Green St. and Mifflin Ave. in Wilkinsburg.
SIGN our Petition.
E-MAIL: savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com

#‎savegreenstreetpark‬ ‬‪#‎publicspacesforall‬ ‪#‎ThisPlaceMatters‬ ‪#‎ParksForAll

An Appeal Has Been Filed...What Comes Next?

What happened?

On May 4th, 2016 the Wilkinsburg Borough Council unanimously voted (with one abstention) to reject Akator Construction, LLC’s preliminary application for the subdivision and land development of Green Street Park (Block and Lot 176-F-170).  A packed room of Wilkinsburg citizens rallied the Council to deny the application and keep the land a park, one which has been a community landmark and protected public green space for over 60 years.  Many community members cited Green Street Park as an important part of their childhood and place where they now bring their own children to play, as well as their desires to move forward in revitalizing one of Wilkinsburg’s last remaining green spaces.  Friends of Green Street Park also raised the argument that to approve the subdivision and land development would be in violation of Sections 229-9 and 229-14 of Wilkinsburg’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, which state:

Section 229-9

“A. If any provision of this chapter imposes restrictions which are different from those imposed by any other applicable ordinance, regulation, or provisions of law, the provision that is more restrictive or which imposes higher standards shall control.

B. If the requirements of this chapter are different from those contained in any deed restrictions, covenants, or other private agreements, the requirements that are more restrictive or which impose higher standards shall govern, provided that the private provisions are lawful.”

Section 229-14

“…..Compliance with applicable municipal, county, state, or federal regulations shall be a requirement for any approval under the provisions of this chapter.”

Collectively, the Donated and Dedicated Property Act (DDPA), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) park conversion requirements and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) regulations regarding conversions, as well as the contract between the Borough and DCNR that restricts the Borough’s ability to develop the land without an approved conversion therefore support a well-founded rejection from the Council for development. Because the DDPA was not followed, the deed to the land is void and development would constitute an illegal conversion under the LWCF.  The citizens of Wilkinsburg are proud of the Council for following the law by rejecting Akator's subdivision and land development application.

Under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), the Council must inform an applicant (in this case Akator) of its decision and reasoning in writing within 45 days of the meeting in which the decision is made.  On May 6th, the Borough Solicitor informed Akator of the denial.  The applicant has 30 days from receiving the decision letter to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas under Wilkinsburg’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as well as Article X of the MPC. On May 27th, Akator filed to appeal the Borough Council’s denial to develop Green Street Park with the Court.

If Akator succeeds in its appeal, Green Street Park will once again be at risk.  It is important to ask the Borough Council to now defend its decision and promise made to the citizens of Wilkinsburg.  The denial supports the Wilkinsburg ordinance requirements that a subdivision and land development be consistent with state and federal laws, regulations, and private contracts.  Approval of the development would violate state and federal laws protecting public parks, as well as the Borough’s contract under the LWCF state assistance program.  Friends of Green Street Park can continue to work with non-profits and other community partners on a park revitalization initiative ONLY IF the Council works to defend its denial. 

What can you do?

The Wilkinsburg Borough Council already voted to deny the application.  It is important for the Council to now uphold its denial--not only in a public meeting, but also in the courtroom.  Please write, call, and e-mail your Council members immediately!  Urge them to provide the necessary support for their decision.  Implore them to defend the promise they made to you and your fellow citizens to reject the application to develop Green Street Park.  Tell them to defend their denial using Sections 229-9 and 229-14 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and urge their solicitor to contest the appeal.  Remind the Borough Council that the citizens of Wilkinsburg are vigilant and this community will remain diligent in its efforts to uphold the law and preserve Green Street Park as a public park.  Contact info for all Borough Council members can be found here.

"Qui tacet consentit."--Silence gives consent.

Small Acts, Multiplied by Millions of People, Can Transform the World...

"With all things and in all things, we are relatives." -Native American (Sioux) Proverb 

THIS JUST IN...the Wilkinsburg Borough Council voted to DENY the developer's subdivision and land development application for Green Street Park proceeding tonight's public hearing!!

We want to thank our friends and neighbors who spoke before the Council tonight. The voice of our community was more powerful than ever, with an overwhelming collection of perspectives regarding the importance of our park.

We are so grateful to the Borough Council for upholding its commitment to this community tonight. While there is still much work to be done, we look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with the Borough regarding the future of Green Street Park.

Stay tuned for updates!

#savegreenstreetpark #ThisPlaceMatters #ParksForAll #Wilkinsburg

Call For Action: Public Hearing on the Subdivision and Land Development of Green Street Park on May 4th

PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT THE MAY 4TH PUBLIC HEARING! Tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council to vote NO to the division of the Green Street Park land for private development!

What: Public Hearing on the Subdivision and Land Development of Green Street Park
Who: Wilkinsburg Borough Council 
When: Wednesday, May 4th @ 6:00 PM
Where: Wilkinsburg Borough Building, 605 Ross Avenue (Council Chambers on the 2nd floor)

Join friends, neighbors, and Friends of Green Street Park at the public hearing hosted by the Wilkinsburg Borough Council at 6 PM on May 4th to speak on behalf of the park. The Wilkinsburg Borough Planning Commission voted in February to OPPOSE the request by Akator Construction to subdivide and develop the Green Street Park land for private use, a move which serves as a strong recommendation to the Borough Council in regard to its vote.  The Borough Council is expected to vote on the request at the conclusion of the hearing on May 4th, so participation is critical.  

The voice of our community at this hearing is more crucial than ever! Let's help the Council appreciate why our park is an important community asset as a dedicated public space and why it deserves their attention.

YOUR VOICE can tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council that voting NO to the land division request is crucial to preserving Green Street Park. Remind the Borough Council as our elected officials that the park is protected under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and Donated and Dedicated Property Act, and that the sale and transfer of the property in 2015 were in direct violation of PA state law. Tell the Borough Council that our park belongs to the people and, as a dedicated public green space, plays a critical role in helping stabilize our neighborhood and building a more livable Wilkinsburg community. The Borough Council members need to hear why Green Street Park is such a special place for us all.

Sign-ups to speak will be available at the beginning of the meeting (5 min. max).  Check out these suggestions if you need a starting point for what to say. Please include your own voice and any info regarding the park which may be personally relevant. 

If you either or unable to attend, please consider contacting the Borough Council members directly (contact info can be found here). 

Visit our community blog to learn more about Green Street Park and ways to get involved.

Please make your voice heard.

"The Wilkinsburg Plan"--A Comprehensive Plan for Wilkinsburg Community Revitalization

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

"The Wilkinsburg Plan" is the strategic revitalization plan adopted by the Borough in 2010 which identifies the resources and processes necessary to help transform Wilkinsburg into a more livable community.  The elements of the plan detailed below relate primarily to environmental sustainability and are thus relevant to the current Green Street Park preservation efforts.  We hope that learning more about the Borough's position on green space and natural resource conservation will inspire and inform your voice to the Borough Council.  We are asking the Borough to demonstrate accountability regarding its legal obligations to preserve Green Street Park, as well as its commitment to upholding environmental sustainability.  A full copy of the comprehensive plan is available on the Borough website.

"The final comprehensive plan document should guide public policy in the areas of transportation, utilities, community facilities, land use, recreation, natural and historic resources, and housing." (p. 5)

"The use of land in a community affects many aspects of the daily lives of its residents and also reflects local demand factors. The mix of uses can affect the local tax base and the availability of goods and services, while the location of various uses can affect property values, where residents live, work, and play, and the accessibility of goods and services." (p. 47)

Green Street Park is designated as "Government" on the land use map provided. (p. 49)

"...most importantly, public input is the basis of sound public policy." (p. 55)

"Lack of parks, open space, and street trees" is listed as a weakness/threat to Wilkinsburg. (p. 71)

"Wilkinsburg will eliminate blight and vacancies to turn land into productive space, including green space, by encouraging a productive reuse focus." (p. 85)"Providing safe, well‐maintained recreation areas is particularly important in an urban environment and should be considered a valuable asset." (p. 94)

"...the Borough should consider applying for funds through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to undertake a parks plan that will address the preservation, maintenance and operation of the parks and recreation programming for the future." (p. 95)

"Create and implement a process to ensure that residents have access to clean and safe natural resources, recreation, and open spaces." (p. 102)

"Upgrade zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances to allow and encourage high density and a rich mix of land uses." (p. 161)

"The ideal strategy is one that represents the vision of the community, challenges the community to stretch beyond its limits, and is organized in a way that makes it achievable....most importantly, the strategy is strategically focused on a few critical action items that are certainly achievable through unity, responsibility, and accountability." (p. 179)

"Safe, Clean, and Green" is listed as the first of five high-priority strategies derived from the comprehensive planning process. (p. 182)

Safe, Clean, and Green High-Priority Strategies (The Wilkinsburg Plan, 2010)

April 6th Borough Council Planning Session Update

A big high-five to everyone who came out for last night's Borough Council planning session. We are grateful to our community members who spoke on behalf of Green Street Park. YOUR VOICE is critical to the success of this process!

We expect the Council to host a public hearing prior to voting on the developer's subdivision request in the coming weeks--this vote will be crucial! While the date for the hearing and vote has not been set, we encourage you to contact the Borough Council members directly to let them know that our park belongs to the people (contact info for all members can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/hfy4gpf).

You may find these suggestions helpful if you need a starting point for what to say: http://tinyurl.com/js9d57c. Please include your own voice and any info regarding the park which may be personally relevant. Tell the Borough that our park plays a critical role in stabilizing our neighborhood and building a more livable Wilkinsburg community.

Please make your voice heard...and stay tuned.

"Qui tacet consentit."--Silence gives consent.

REMINDER: ACTION NEEDED at the Borough Council Planning Session on APRIL 6TH!

PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council to vote NO to the division of the Green Street Park land for private development!

What: Wilkinsburg Borough Council Planning Session
When: Wednesday, April 6th @ 7:00 PM
Where: Wilkinsburg Borough Building, 605 Ross Avenue (Council Chambers on the 2nd floor)

Join friends, neighbors, and Friends of Green Street Park at the Borough Council meeting on April 6th to speak on behalf of the park.  We are expecting the Wilkinsburg Borough Council to vote on the land division request by Akator Construction before May 6th, so participation at this meeting is critical.  

YOUR VOICE can tell the Council that voting NO to the land division request is crucial to preserving Green Street Park. Remind the Borough Council as our elected officials that the park is protected under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and Donated and Dedicated Property Act, and that the sale and transfer of the property are in direct violation of PA state law. Tell the Borough Council that our park belongs to the people and, as a dedicated public green space, plays a critical role in helping stabilize our neighborhood and building a more livable Wilkinsburg community. The Borough Council members need to hear why Green Street Park is such a special place for us all.

Sign-up to speak at the planning session.  Sign-ups to speak will be available at the beginning of the meeting (5 min. max). 

You can use these suggested comments if you need a starting point for what to say at the meeting or as part of your correspondence with the Borough Council members.  We encourage you to include your own voice, as well as any information which may be personally relevant.

If you are unable to attend, please consider contacting the Borough Council members directly (contact info for all Borough Council members is available here). 

Please make your voice heard.

More information about ways to get involved in preserving the park is available here. 

Green Street Park: A History of Ownership and Status as Federal and State Protected Land

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF GREEN STREET PARK (SEE LINK BELOW--INCLUDES RELEVANT PUBLIC DOCUMENTS!)

In 1982, the Borough of Wilkinsburg was awarded a National Park Service (PA DCNR) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to improve and maintain the Green Street Park land for open space and outdoor recreational use. While the 1982 LWCF agreement officially secured the property as a protected public space, the use of Green Street Park by the community can be traced back to its purchase by the Wilkinsburg School District in 1905.  

Property ownership of Green Street Park was officially transferred from the Wilkinsburg School District to the Borough of Wilkinsburg in 1957.  The 1982 LWCF grant was awarded to the Borough of Wilkinsburg for park improvements.  The Wilkinsburg School District, however, sold the property to Akator Construction, LLC in July of 2015 for $71,000.  While the ownership of the park property at the time of sale remains questionable, the direct violation of the laws prohibiting the sale and transfer of designated public land as per the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCFA) and Donated and Designated Property Act (DDPA) is clear and of tremendous concern.  Given the provisions of the 1982 LWCF agreement, the Borough of Wilkinsburg and Wilkinsburg School District did not have the right to sell the property to a developer AND do not have the right to rezone the property for private development.

On January 28th, 2016, PA Governor Tom Wolf announced a $28 million Department of Conservation and Natural Resources investment to improve recreation and community revitalization efforts across Pennsylvania. "Our communities thrive economically when people want to stay and businesses want to grow, and these beautiful public spaces and new recreational areas help improve the quality of life across our commonwealth," stated Wolf.

Friends of Green Street Park questions why the park, as an existing public space designated through federal LWCF grant funding, is at risk of illegal development with the intent for private use at a time when the PA DCNR is dispensing similar assistance in vast quantities for statewide community revitalization efforts elsewhere.  In response to Governor Wolf's statement, we are eager to learn more about the plans which exist to ensure that revitalized community spaces can remain protected and designated for public use in the future.  

We look forward to helping the Borough Council understand that our park belongs to the people and, as a dedicated public green space, can continue to play a critical role in helping stabilize our neighborhood and building a more livable Wilkinsburg community.  As an alternative to unnecessary and illegal development, we hope to collaborate with the Borough on a design for Green Street Park as a public space which could instead advocate environmental equity, build community, improve public health, advance social justice--AND promote economic growth.  

View relevant public documents and learn more about the history and legal status of Green Street Park here: 

Green Street Park: A History of Ownership and Status as Federal and State Protected Land

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, announcing the $28 million DCNR investment towards 176 community revitalization efforts in January of 2016.  The projects receiving the assistance will help support new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize communities.

ACTION NEEDED: Tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council to Vote NO to the Subdivision of the Green Street Park Land on APRIL 6TH!

PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council to vote NO to the division of the Green Street Park land for private development!

What: Wilkinsburg Borough Council Planning Session
When: Wednesday, April 6th @ 7:00 PM
Where: Wilkinsburg Borough Building, 605 Ross Avenue (Council Chambers on the 2nd floor)

The Wilkinsburg Planning Commission voted in February to OPPOSE the request by Akator Construction to subdivide the Green Street Park property into six land parcels for private development. This vote serves as a strong recommendation to the Wilkinsburg Borough Council, which will cast a formal vote on the request before May 6th.

While the date for the official vote has not yet been announced, the voice of our community at upcoming Council meetings is critical. Let's help the Council appreciate why our park deserves their attention.

YOUR VOICE can tell the Wilkinsburg Borough Council that voting NO to the land division request is crucial to preserving Green Street Park. Remind the Borough Council as our elected officials that the park is protected under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and Donated and Dedicated Property Act, and that the sale and transfer of the property are in direct violation of PA state law. Tell the Borough Council that our park belongs to the people and, as a dedicated public green space, plays a critical role in helping stabilize our neighborhood and building a more livable Wilkinsburg community. The Borough Council members need to hear why Green Street Park is such a special place for us all.

Join friends, neighbors, and Friends of Green Street Park at the Borough Council meeting on April 6th to speak on behalf of the park. Sign-ups to speak will be available at the beginning of the meeting (5 min. max).

If you are unable to attend, please consider contacting the Borough Council members directly (contact info for all Borough Council members is available here). More information about ways to get involved in preserving the park is available here.

Please make your voice heard.

Yes, Hello? Wilkinsburg? It's Your Community Calling.

Powerful voices from the March 24th Save Green Street Park community meeting at Biddle's Escape! 

March 24th Community Meeting Update & Call For Action!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who came to our community meeting on March 24th at Biddle's Escape. We are incredibly grateful for your support, as your participation in this process will be critical to the future of Green Street Park!

The next Borough Council meetings are scheduled for April 6th and 13th--both at 7 PM. We are expecting the Borough Council to formally vote on the request of the developer to subdivide the park land at the April 13th meeting. The Planning Commission already voted to recommend that the Borough Council deny this request.

It is time for us to remind the Borough Council as our elected officials that Green Street Park is not for sale for private development. Remind them that Green Street Park is a protected park under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act and Donated and Dedicated Property Act. Tell them that Green Street Park belongs to the people of Wilkinsburg and must remain a dedicated public space for the residents of this community.  Let them know why this park is so special!

Please make your voice heard immediately.  See below to learn about ways you can help!

Green Street Park, at the corner of Green Street and Mifflin Avenue, is one of the few remaining parks and dedicated public spaces in Wilkinsburg, PA.

What Can You Do?

(1) CALL and WRITE to the Borough Council members TODAY to inform them that the sale of Green Street Park for private development is illegal and unacceptable, and explain why this critical public space is so important to you and our community.  Contact information for all members of the Borough Council is available here.

(2) PROTEST the sale of Green Street Park at the April 6th and 13th Wilkinsburg Borough Council Meetings (both at 7 PM, Wilkinsburg Borough Building @ 605 Ross Ave.). Sign-ups for 5-minute speaking slots will be available at the beginning of each meeting. NOTE: We expect the Borough to officially vote on the request of the developer to subdivide the park land on April 13th, so attendance at both meetings is encouraged.  Please come to both meetings to make our voice heard--the Borough Council needs to know why this park is such a special place for our community.

(3) ADD YOUR VOICE to our online petition.

(4) VISIT Green Street Park. Bring a picnic. Hang with friends. Enjoy a sunny afternoon outside with your favorite book. Post a photo of your time in the park to Facebook and Twitter (#savegreenstreetpark).

(5) STAY INFORMED and HELP SPREAD THE WORD about the details and events surrounding the Green Street Park initiative with your friends and neighbors:

FOLLOW us on Twitter: @GreenSteetPark

LIKE us on Facebook: Save Green Street Park

LEARN about Green Street Park on our Blog: www.greenstreetpark.blogspot.com

VISIT Green Street Park at the intersection of Green St. and Mifflin Ave. in Wilkinsburg.

SIGN our Petition.

E-MAIL: savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com

#‎savegreenstreetpark‬ ‬‪#‎publicspacesforall‬ ‪#‎ThisPlaceMatters‬ ‪#‎ParksForAll

Community Meeting on the Future of Green Street Park

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE FIRST-EVER COMMUNITY MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF GREEN STREET PARK!

Thursday, March 24th, 2016 at 7 PM

Biddle's Escape Coffee Shop

401 Biddle Ave. (@ S. Trenton)

The Borough of Wilkinsburg is considering the redevelopment of Green Street Park for private use. The sale and transfer of our community park to a private developer are in direct violation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, as well as the Donated and Dedicated Property Act.

Join friends, neighbors, and Friends of Green Street Park at the FIRST community meeting about the future of Green Street Park. LEARN about the history of the property and its legal status as a dedicated public park.  DISCUSS ways to protect this critically-important landmark and public green space.

Come one, come all! Community participation in this process is vital to its success and to the future of Wilkinsburg's public spaces!

All ages are welcome. Wilkinsburg Borough Council, Planning Commission, and School Board members are invited.  

PLEASE RSVP HERE. 

For more information, contact Friends of Green Street Park at savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com.

FOLLOW us on Twitter: @GreenSteetPark
LIKE us on Facebook: Save Green Street Park
LEARN about Green Street Park on our Blog: www.greenstreetpark.blogspot.com
VISIT Green Street Park at the intersection of Green St. and Mifflin Ave. in Wilkinsburg.
SIGN our Petition.
E-MAIL: savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com.

#‎savegreenstreetpark‬ ‬‪#‎publicspacesforall‬ ‪#‎ThisPlaceMatters‬ ‪#‎ParksForAll

Green Street Park: A Land and Water Conservation Fund Masterpiece

Check out this cool PA DCNR Grant Acquisition and Development Project Interactive Tool to explore Green Street Park and other local Land and Water Conservation Fund development sites. 

Zoom in to the corner of Green Street and Mifflin Avenue in Wilkinsburg (GPS coordinates -79.894291, 40.439381). Enable “LWCF Developments” on the legend.  Look for the yellow LWCF triangle over the Green Street Park property.

Public Spaces, Hot 'Hoods, and a Warm Welcome

Welcome to the Green Street Park blog, a Friends of Green Street Park initiative in support of efforts to protect a critically-endangered community park in Wilkinsburg. This blog will serve as an online space for communication surrounding the Green Street Park preservation initiative.

Stay tuned and, in the interim, check out THIS PIECE about Pittsburgh's best, future neighborhoods. Remember that parks are important assets in these hot Pittsburgh 'hoods with "great bones and bigger opportunities", too! Let's keep our green spaces green, Wilkinsburg.

FOLLOW us on Twitter: @GreenSteetPark
LIKE us on Facebook: Save Green Street Park
LEARN about Green Street Park on our Blog: www.greenstreetpark.blogspot.com
VISIT Green Street Park at the intersection of Green St. and Mifflin Ave. in Wilkinsburg.
SIGN our Petition.
E-MAIL: savegreenstreetpark@gmail.com.

“...the care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.” 

―Wendell Berry, The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays

#‎savegreenstreetpark‬ ‬‪#‎publicspacesforall‬ ‪#‎ThisPlaceMatters‬ ‪#‎ParksForAll