Skate park group cleans up courts in Dormont
Thursday, July 21, 2011
By Zak Koeske
Three years ago this month, brothers Vincent and Stephen Pitcher died in a drowning accident on a family outing surrounded by the things they loved -- friends, family and the great outdoors.
Last week, friends and family gathered outdoors to put in work to realize something else the young men would have loved -- a skate park in their hometown of Dormont.
The brothers were fans of skateboarding and other so-called extreme
sports.
As part of its annual Mission Possible service project last week, youth group troops from the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church teamed up with Pitcher Park volunteers to clean up the overgrown tennis courts on Memorial Drive.
As specified in the April 5, 2010, motion approved by Dormont council, the Pitcher Park group must renovate the Memorial Drive tennis courts before proceeding with the construction of the skate park on Banksville Road and Dormont Avenue, where they would be building over three community tennis courts.
Mary Pitcher, the young men's mother, who has spearheaded the skate park project, said many from the UP Church, where both her sons were youth group members, asked to help with the required tennis court refurbishment.
She called their act of service a perfect example of the true community
spirit she had hoped to inspire by building a skate park in her children's honor.
About 10 to 15 volunteers spent every day last week ripping out the poison ivy and poison oak that blanketed the fenced-in asphalt courts.
Contractor Chris McGee, a Dormont resident, spent the week fixing a corner of the court where the foundation was sagging due to a drainage problem.
Jim Jenkins Lawn and Garden Center on Painters Run Road and Cassandra's Florals on West Liberty Avenue donated a tree, flowers and assorted shrubbery to beautify the small hillside that leads up to the court.
Accounting for donations, Mrs. Pitcher estimated that the project cost her organization about $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.
But opponents of the skate park have been calling on Mrs. Pitcher to spend more. Because the motion approving the skate park states that Pitcher Park must perform a "reconstruction of the existing tennis courts on Memorial Drive before ground breaking on Banksville Road may begin," they say that a refurbishment of the courts is not enough.
"This is going to cost in the ballpark of $200,000," posted skate park
opponent Daniele Ventrusca, on an online forum. "This money needs to be raised and the tennis courts need to be rebuilt prior to ground breaking on the Banksville site. While this is a nice gesture and I am glad they are removing the poison ivy, it is a waste of money to do anything else."
Others have complained that the Memorial Drive tennis courts are not
regulation size and would not serve as suitable replacements for the three tennis courts that would be lost on Banksville Road.
Councilwoman Heather Schmidt, who wrote the approved motion, said she wants to put such ideas to rest.
"We never once said we wanted them to tear the tennis courts out and build them from scratch," she said. Ms. Schmidt said that tearing out the courts would be a waste of money and that the refurbishment was suitable, as long as the courts were deemed structurally sound by an engineer.
Councilwoman Laurie Malka, who voted in favor of the skate park last year, said the courts' size was never discussed and that, regulation or not, the Memorial Drive courts had served the community for decades.
Mr. McGee, a longtime proponent of Pitcher Park, said he thought it was a shame that certain community members would stop at nothing to keep the park from coming to fruition.
"Let's just get along," he said last Thursday, standing across from Mrs.
Pitcher during a work break. "Let's just get the project done. It's for the community, it's for a good cause, it's for her kids."
The creation of the 15,000-square-foot skate park, which is expected to cost $400,000 to $450,000, must be completed within five years of April 5, 2010 -- the day it was approved.
The Pitcher Park group's next fundraiser, a cornhole (bean bag toss)
tournament at Legacy Lanes on Curry Road in Baldwin Borough, is scheduled for Aug. 20.
Zak Koeske, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read
more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11202/1161811-55-0.stm#ixzz1T2DIylo8
Last week, friends and family gathered outdoors to put in work to realize something else the young men would have loved -- a skate park in their hometown of Dormont.
The brothers were fans of skateboarding and other so-called extreme
sports.
As part of its annual Mission Possible service project last week, youth group troops from the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church teamed up with Pitcher Park volunteers to clean up the overgrown tennis courts on Memorial Drive.
As specified in the April 5, 2010, motion approved by Dormont council, the Pitcher Park group must renovate the Memorial Drive tennis courts before proceeding with the construction of the skate park on Banksville Road and Dormont Avenue, where they would be building over three community tennis courts.
Mary Pitcher, the young men's mother, who has spearheaded the skate park project, said many from the UP Church, where both her sons were youth group members, asked to help with the required tennis court refurbishment.
She called their act of service a perfect example of the true community
spirit she had hoped to inspire by building a skate park in her children's honor.
About 10 to 15 volunteers spent every day last week ripping out the poison ivy and poison oak that blanketed the fenced-in asphalt courts.
Contractor Chris McGee, a Dormont resident, spent the week fixing a corner of the court where the foundation was sagging due to a drainage problem.
Jim Jenkins Lawn and Garden Center on Painters Run Road and Cassandra's Florals on West Liberty Avenue donated a tree, flowers and assorted shrubbery to beautify the small hillside that leads up to the court.
Accounting for donations, Mrs. Pitcher estimated that the project cost her organization about $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.
But opponents of the skate park have been calling on Mrs. Pitcher to spend more. Because the motion approving the skate park states that Pitcher Park must perform a "reconstruction of the existing tennis courts on Memorial Drive before ground breaking on Banksville Road may begin," they say that a refurbishment of the courts is not enough.
"This is going to cost in the ballpark of $200,000," posted skate park
opponent Daniele Ventrusca, on an online forum. "This money needs to be raised and the tennis courts need to be rebuilt prior to ground breaking on the Banksville site. While this is a nice gesture and I am glad they are removing the poison ivy, it is a waste of money to do anything else."
Others have complained that the Memorial Drive tennis courts are not
regulation size and would not serve as suitable replacements for the three tennis courts that would be lost on Banksville Road.
Councilwoman Heather Schmidt, who wrote the approved motion, said she wants to put such ideas to rest.
"We never once said we wanted them to tear the tennis courts out and build them from scratch," she said. Ms. Schmidt said that tearing out the courts would be a waste of money and that the refurbishment was suitable, as long as the courts were deemed structurally sound by an engineer.
Councilwoman Laurie Malka, who voted in favor of the skate park last year, said the courts' size was never discussed and that, regulation or not, the Memorial Drive courts had served the community for decades.
Mr. McGee, a longtime proponent of Pitcher Park, said he thought it was a shame that certain community members would stop at nothing to keep the park from coming to fruition.
"Let's just get along," he said last Thursday, standing across from Mrs.
Pitcher during a work break. "Let's just get the project done. It's for the community, it's for a good cause, it's for her kids."
The creation of the 15,000-square-foot skate park, which is expected to cost $400,000 to $450,000, must be completed within five years of April 5, 2010 -- the day it was approved.
The Pitcher Park group's next fundraiser, a cornhole (bean bag toss)
tournament at Legacy Lanes on Curry Road in Baldwin Borough, is scheduled for Aug. 20.
Zak Koeske, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read
more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11202/1161811-55-0.stm#ixzz1T2DIylo8
Meeting on proposed Pitcher Park in Dormont is set
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11139/1147560-55.stm#ixzz1MoLOtOeo
Thursday, May 19, 2011
By Zak Koeske
Anyone who has design ideas for Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in Dormont can suggest them next Thursday at the initial design meeting on the park.
Representatives from the skate park design firm Grindline Skateparks Inc. of Seattle will be at the 7 p.m. meeting in Dormont Public Library.
Former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher of Scott has spearheaded the effort to build a skate park in Dormont to honor her sons, Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest.
The creation of the 15,000-square-foot skate park at Banksville Road and Dormont Avenue has been a divisive issue among Dormont residents, with some opposing it, in part, because they fear it will be unsightly and will lower property values.
Council narrowly approved the project in April 2010. It allocated the land where the Banksville Road tennis courts are located for the park, with the stipulation that the tennis courts be relocated to Memorial Drive and that the project be completed within five years of April 5, 2010.
Mrs. Pitcher said she expects at least 100 people to attend the design
kickoff meeting next Thursday. She noted that the purpose of the meeting is to "bring like-minded, positive people who are in favor of skate parks, to listen, ask questions and provide input on the skate park."
Last year, Grindline representatives flew to Pittsburgh to provide a general presentation of their design capabilities to the organization creating the park.
"It was really cool," Mrs. Pitcher said. "The stuff that they can do --
really, your imagination is the limit. Whatever you can imagine, they can do."
She noted, however, that her primary focus is to get the basic park
built.
"If we can do it without a lot of extras for now, then maybe we can add
extras down the road with continuing fundraisers," she said.
Next Thursday's meeting will be the first of several to be held with
Grindline.
Ken Schultz, a Bridgeville native now living in Arizona, donated $40,000 to cover the cost of Grindline's final design and construction drawings. Mr. Schultz could not be reached for comment, but Mrs. Pitcher said he learned of the project from professional skateboarder Mike Valley at a Tony Hawk Foundation function and felt compelled to contribute.
The Tony Hawk Foundation previously provided $10,000 in grant funding for the project, which Mrs. Pitcher said is expected to cost $400,000 to $450,000.
In addition to the Tony Hawk and Ken & Carol Schultz Foundation grants,
support for the park will come from fundraisers, in-kind donations and corporate
sponsorships, Mrs. Pitcher said.
Zak Koeske, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read
more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11139/1147560-55.stm#ixzz1MoLIkK5U
By Zak Koeske
Anyone who has design ideas for Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in Dormont can suggest them next Thursday at the initial design meeting on the park.
Representatives from the skate park design firm Grindline Skateparks Inc. of Seattle will be at the 7 p.m. meeting in Dormont Public Library.
Former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher of Scott has spearheaded the effort to build a skate park in Dormont to honor her sons, Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest.
The creation of the 15,000-square-foot skate park at Banksville Road and Dormont Avenue has been a divisive issue among Dormont residents, with some opposing it, in part, because they fear it will be unsightly and will lower property values.
Council narrowly approved the project in April 2010. It allocated the land where the Banksville Road tennis courts are located for the park, with the stipulation that the tennis courts be relocated to Memorial Drive and that the project be completed within five years of April 5, 2010.
Mrs. Pitcher said she expects at least 100 people to attend the design
kickoff meeting next Thursday. She noted that the purpose of the meeting is to "bring like-minded, positive people who are in favor of skate parks, to listen, ask questions and provide input on the skate park."
Last year, Grindline representatives flew to Pittsburgh to provide a general presentation of their design capabilities to the organization creating the park.
"It was really cool," Mrs. Pitcher said. "The stuff that they can do --
really, your imagination is the limit. Whatever you can imagine, they can do."
She noted, however, that her primary focus is to get the basic park
built.
"If we can do it without a lot of extras for now, then maybe we can add
extras down the road with continuing fundraisers," she said.
Next Thursday's meeting will be the first of several to be held with
Grindline.
Ken Schultz, a Bridgeville native now living in Arizona, donated $40,000 to cover the cost of Grindline's final design and construction drawings. Mr. Schultz could not be reached for comment, but Mrs. Pitcher said he learned of the project from professional skateboarder Mike Valley at a Tony Hawk Foundation function and felt compelled to contribute.
The Tony Hawk Foundation previously provided $10,000 in grant funding for the project, which Mrs. Pitcher said is expected to cost $400,000 to $450,000.
In addition to the Tony Hawk and Ken & Carol Schultz Foundation grants,
support for the park will come from fundraisers, in-kind donations and corporate
sponsorships, Mrs. Pitcher said.
Zak Koeske, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read
more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11139/1147560-55.stm#ixzz1MoLIkK5U
DORMONT Skate park fundraisers continue
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11097/1137713-55.stm
A March 19 pasta dinner fundraiser inched a Dormont skate park closer to becoming a reality. About 225 guests paid $7 each to attend the dinner, which was hosted by the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.
Additional funds were raised through auctions at the event, for a total contribution of about $2,100. All proceeds will go toward construction of Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in honor of brothers Stephen Pitcher, 19, and Vincent Pitcher, 21, who drowned in 2008 during a family camping trip to Allegheny National Forest.
The Pitcher brothers grew up in Dormont and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School.
The fundraising effort needs to raise $500,000 in five years for the project to become a reality. The five-year window is in accordance with Dormont code. Fundraising began in 2010.
The park is slated to be built on the tennis courts site by Dormont Pool on Banksville Road.
So far, the project has raised $20,000, with $5,000 paying for designs. An attorney was also hired because the project has gotten opposition from some council members and residents.
Mary Pitcher, mother of the late brothers, blames the controversy for the withdrawal of a tax-exempt fiscal conduit to administer funds and perform other administrative functions for the project.
"We are pursuing other avenues at this time," the Scott woman said about nonprofit status.
Upcoming fundraising events include the second annual `Dormont Dungeon' at Halloween on the tennis courts, and possibly an international food festival in the summer.
Last year's Halloween haunted house drew 700 to 800 attendees.
Despite the financial and tax-exempt hurdles ahead, Mrs. Pitcher remains confident.
To donate, stop in any PNC Bank to contribute to the `Pitcher Park Memorial Fund,' or visit the website: www.pitcherpark.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11097/1137713-55.stm#ixzz1J2q0muOX
Additional funds were raised through auctions at the event, for a total contribution of about $2,100. All proceeds will go toward construction of Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in honor of brothers Stephen Pitcher, 19, and Vincent Pitcher, 21, who drowned in 2008 during a family camping trip to Allegheny National Forest.
The Pitcher brothers grew up in Dormont and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School.
The fundraising effort needs to raise $500,000 in five years for the project to become a reality. The five-year window is in accordance with Dormont code. Fundraising began in 2010.
The park is slated to be built on the tennis courts site by Dormont Pool on Banksville Road.
So far, the project has raised $20,000, with $5,000 paying for designs. An attorney was also hired because the project has gotten opposition from some council members and residents.
Mary Pitcher, mother of the late brothers, blames the controversy for the withdrawal of a tax-exempt fiscal conduit to administer funds and perform other administrative functions for the project.
"We are pursuing other avenues at this time," the Scott woman said about nonprofit status.
Upcoming fundraising events include the second annual `Dormont Dungeon' at Halloween on the tennis courts, and possibly an international food festival in the summer.
Last year's Halloween haunted house drew 700 to 800 attendees.
Despite the financial and tax-exempt hurdles ahead, Mrs. Pitcher remains confident.
To donate, stop in any PNC Bank to contribute to the `Pitcher Park Memorial Fund,' or visit the website: www.pitcherpark.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11097/1137713-55.stm#ixzz1J2q0muOX
Tennis courts double as a dungeon in Dormont Thursday, October 28, 2010 By Margaret Smykla
The last haunted house Mary Pitcher visited was the iconic Noah's Ark at Kennywood Park when she was 3 years old.
"I was crying and screaming so much they had to take me out the emergency exit," the Scott woman recalled of her time at the legendary amusement park in West Mifflin.
Friend Danielle Graham is just as faint-hearted when it comes to creepy goings-on.
"I hate haunted houses, but I love the cause. So I'll suck it up and do what I have to do," said Ms. Graham, of South Side.
The women used their imaginations and skills to put together the first Dormont Dungeon fundraiser on an eerily transformed tennis court near Dormont Pool on Banksville Road.
It is being held from 7 to 11 p.m. though Saturday, rain or shine. The cost is $5, with all proceeds to go to building the Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in honor of Mrs. Pitcher's two late sons, Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21, who drowned during a family camping trip to Allegheny National Forest in 2008.
The park is slated to be built on the tennis courts site.
Mrs. Pitcher has five years to raise $500,000 through fundraisers, donations and grants for the project to become a reality. The five-year window is in accordance with Dormont code.
She and her supporters are in the process of applying for nonprofit status. They are paying to rent the courts for the fundraiser, said Dormont council President Kim Lusardi.
The younger Pitcher brothers grew up in Dormont and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School.
"I think they would have loved it," said Mrs. Pitcher of the fright-themed fundraiser.
"All my boys decorated our front yard. They grabbed stuff from around the house and made it spooky," she said.
Her other sons, Jonathan, 28, and Brady, 26, designed the dungeon attraction, which included lining the courts with black plastic to partition eight rooms, such as a clown room with evil clowns; a baby zombie room; and a room containing a coffin donated by Laughlin Funeral Home.
Ms. Graham, dressed up as a gypsy, acts as storyteller with a script she wrote "to enhance the scare factor."
Doughnuts, hot chocolate and coffee, are available for purchase.
One visitor the dungeon can count on is Ms. Lusardi.
"I have a 13-year-old who wants to go," she said.
"It's a neat idea, and I'm anxious to see how they incorporate this into the tennis courts and make a haunted house," she said.
Margaret Smykla, freelance writer; suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on October 28, 2010 at 6:22 am Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10301/1098528-55.stm#ixzz14c28T8ya
"I was crying and screaming so much they had to take me out the emergency exit," the Scott woman recalled of her time at the legendary amusement park in West Mifflin.
Friend Danielle Graham is just as faint-hearted when it comes to creepy goings-on.
"I hate haunted houses, but I love the cause. So I'll suck it up and do what I have to do," said Ms. Graham, of South Side.
The women used their imaginations and skills to put together the first Dormont Dungeon fundraiser on an eerily transformed tennis court near Dormont Pool on Banksville Road.
It is being held from 7 to 11 p.m. though Saturday, rain or shine. The cost is $5, with all proceeds to go to building the Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark in honor of Mrs. Pitcher's two late sons, Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21, who drowned during a family camping trip to Allegheny National Forest in 2008.
The park is slated to be built on the tennis courts site.
Mrs. Pitcher has five years to raise $500,000 through fundraisers, donations and grants for the project to become a reality. The five-year window is in accordance with Dormont code.
She and her supporters are in the process of applying for nonprofit status. They are paying to rent the courts for the fundraiser, said Dormont council President Kim Lusardi.
The younger Pitcher brothers grew up in Dormont and graduated from Keystone Oaks High School.
"I think they would have loved it," said Mrs. Pitcher of the fright-themed fundraiser.
"All my boys decorated our front yard. They grabbed stuff from around the house and made it spooky," she said.
Her other sons, Jonathan, 28, and Brady, 26, designed the dungeon attraction, which included lining the courts with black plastic to partition eight rooms, such as a clown room with evil clowns; a baby zombie room; and a room containing a coffin donated by Laughlin Funeral Home.
Ms. Graham, dressed up as a gypsy, acts as storyteller with a script she wrote "to enhance the scare factor."
Doughnuts, hot chocolate and coffee, are available for purchase.
One visitor the dungeon can count on is Ms. Lusardi.
"I have a 13-year-old who wants to go," she said.
"It's a neat idea, and I'm anxious to see how they incorporate this into the tennis courts and make a haunted house," she said.
Margaret Smykla, freelance writer; suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on October 28, 2010 at 6:22 am Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10301/1098528-55.stm#ixzz14c28T8ya
Young members give fresh outlook to councils, school boards
hursday, October 07, 2010
y Candy Woodall
hursday, October 07, 2010
y Candy Woodall
As debate about a proposed skate park dominated Dormont council meetings earlier this year, junior Councilman Matt Drabick learned an important lesson.
"Problems in small communities can become as divisive as those on the national stage," said Matt, a senior at Keystone Oaks High School.
Keystone Oaks is one of the districts throughout the South Hills that find opportunities for teenage constituents to have a political voice -- often before they have the right to vote.
Matt had a front-row seat to hours of comment and controversy that surrounded the skate park plans. Although he didn't have a vote, he was able to share his perspective.
"I have nothing against skate parks. I just think it would be a little large for our community," he said.
Dormont is fully developed and densely populated, he said, and tennis courts along Banksville Road would need to be relocated to accommodate the skate park.
Proposed by former resident Mary Pitcher in honor of her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Kinzua Reservoir, plans for Pitcher Park were approved by council in a 4-3 vote in April.
Matt, who earned a perfect score in math and reading on the SAT, plans to attend college for engineering, not politics. But his seven months on Dormont council have enabled him to see the value in knowing what is going on in the community.
"I do see the importance of being an informed citizen," he said.
Fellow senior Michaela Stump attended her second meeting this week as Green Tree's junior council member.
She said she'd like to see a more effective recycling program in the borough and facilities improvements at Green Tree's Wilson Pool, where she works.
And her perspective matters, said Mark Sampogna, president of Green Tree council. He said previous junior council members have inspired change in the borough, including the recent revamping of the hockey facilities in Green Tree Park.
"It's an honor to be a junior council member," Michaela said, but she doesn't intend to pursue politics as a career. She hopes to study biochemistry and pre-med.
"I'm not interested in being a senator or anything like that. I just think young people should be more politically active. A lot of federal mandates that are being decided now are going to affect us when we're older. If we start getting involved now, it will be better for us later," she said.
Fellow Keystone Oaks senior Michelle Yanda will be sworn in this month as the junior council member for Castle Shannon.
She said she's not sure what specific projects she will try to get involved in with her borough, but she'd like to encourage further beautification efforts there.
Michelle is an athlete, has earned academic excellence, belongs to several school organizations and volunteers with her church. She credits her family with providing a strong foundation and plans to study engineering.
"I'd like a stable job that will enable me to help the environment, possibly with a civil engineering degree, designing green buildings," she said.
She sees politics being part of her future, even if it's not a career.
"I definitely would like to be part of my local council someday," she said.
Keystone Oaks principal Scott Hagy said students interested in the junior council seats are ultimately chosen by the borough councils. The programs in the three boroughs within his district offer opportunities for both the students and the communities, he said.
"It allows students to get involved and give back to the community, and it gives the councils a younger perspective on borough issues," he said.
Upper St. Clair School District also offered a nonvoting board seat to a student this year, and junior Michael Boyas was introduced at the September meeting as the student board representative.
"So much of the business we conduct affects students, and we felt we should expand the role of students on the board," superintendent Patrick O'Toole said.
Michael was chosen by the high school's student council and will begin working more with the board this month.
Mt. Lebanon school board doesn't have a junior member, but students are heard at board meetings.
Student council representatives from the high school and two middle schools give reports at board meetings. Students have frequently shared their opinions with school directors on a $113 million plan to renovate and add to the aging high school, according to Cissy Bowman, district spokeswoman.
"Even though the students don't have a seat on the school board or Mt. Lebanon council, they still have a voice," she said.
The Peters school district this year added a law and government internship program at the high school.
Teacher Ashley Vollmer, who leads the program, said students are paired with professional mentors, who typically are local lawyers and politicians. Students work in the classroom Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and learn in the field Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Last week at Canon-McMillan, 12th graders in law and government classes discussed politics, social media and Marcellus Shale legislation with state Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil.
Mr. White recalled that when he was 23, he was the youngest Cecil supervisor in the township's history.
He suggested that students who are interested in being more involved with their local governments first go to meetings or talk with council members and to "know what you're advocating for."
Local leaders want to hear what students have to say, he said, adding that he didn't think twice about speaking last week to several classes of students, most of whom are too young to vote for him. "Whether or not they're registered to vote, they're still constituents," he said.
One-on-one time with students "helps personalize government to kids," said state Rep. David Levdansky, D-Forward.
If students are interested in a career in politics, he said, they should look for paid and unpaid internships in local politicians' offices.
Getting involved early in their lives will help students feel like they are part of government, said U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
"If you're a student and you have something to say, say it. But know what you're talking about. Research the issues," he said.
"One of the great things about being young is that you don't need to make solid decisions. You just need to be informed."
Candy Woodall, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10280/1093162-55.stm#ixzz11huflmJT
"Problems in small communities can become as divisive as those on the national stage," said Matt, a senior at Keystone Oaks High School.
Keystone Oaks is one of the districts throughout the South Hills that find opportunities for teenage constituents to have a political voice -- often before they have the right to vote.
Matt had a front-row seat to hours of comment and controversy that surrounded the skate park plans. Although he didn't have a vote, he was able to share his perspective.
"I have nothing against skate parks. I just think it would be a little large for our community," he said.
Dormont is fully developed and densely populated, he said, and tennis courts along Banksville Road would need to be relocated to accommodate the skate park.
Proposed by former resident Mary Pitcher in honor of her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Kinzua Reservoir, plans for Pitcher Park were approved by council in a 4-3 vote in April.
Matt, who earned a perfect score in math and reading on the SAT, plans to attend college for engineering, not politics. But his seven months on Dormont council have enabled him to see the value in knowing what is going on in the community.
"I do see the importance of being an informed citizen," he said.
Fellow senior Michaela Stump attended her second meeting this week as Green Tree's junior council member.
She said she'd like to see a more effective recycling program in the borough and facilities improvements at Green Tree's Wilson Pool, where she works.
And her perspective matters, said Mark Sampogna, president of Green Tree council. He said previous junior council members have inspired change in the borough, including the recent revamping of the hockey facilities in Green Tree Park.
"It's an honor to be a junior council member," Michaela said, but she doesn't intend to pursue politics as a career. She hopes to study biochemistry and pre-med.
"I'm not interested in being a senator or anything like that. I just think young people should be more politically active. A lot of federal mandates that are being decided now are going to affect us when we're older. If we start getting involved now, it will be better for us later," she said.
Fellow Keystone Oaks senior Michelle Yanda will be sworn in this month as the junior council member for Castle Shannon.
She said she's not sure what specific projects she will try to get involved in with her borough, but she'd like to encourage further beautification efforts there.
Michelle is an athlete, has earned academic excellence, belongs to several school organizations and volunteers with her church. She credits her family with providing a strong foundation and plans to study engineering.
"I'd like a stable job that will enable me to help the environment, possibly with a civil engineering degree, designing green buildings," she said.
She sees politics being part of her future, even if it's not a career.
"I definitely would like to be part of my local council someday," she said.
Keystone Oaks principal Scott Hagy said students interested in the junior council seats are ultimately chosen by the borough councils. The programs in the three boroughs within his district offer opportunities for both the students and the communities, he said.
"It allows students to get involved and give back to the community, and it gives the councils a younger perspective on borough issues," he said.
Upper St. Clair School District also offered a nonvoting board seat to a student this year, and junior Michael Boyas was introduced at the September meeting as the student board representative.
"So much of the business we conduct affects students, and we felt we should expand the role of students on the board," superintendent Patrick O'Toole said.
Michael was chosen by the high school's student council and will begin working more with the board this month.
Mt. Lebanon school board doesn't have a junior member, but students are heard at board meetings.
Student council representatives from the high school and two middle schools give reports at board meetings. Students have frequently shared their opinions with school directors on a $113 million plan to renovate and add to the aging high school, according to Cissy Bowman, district spokeswoman.
"Even though the students don't have a seat on the school board or Mt. Lebanon council, they still have a voice," she said.
The Peters school district this year added a law and government internship program at the high school.
Teacher Ashley Vollmer, who leads the program, said students are paired with professional mentors, who typically are local lawyers and politicians. Students work in the classroom Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and learn in the field Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Last week at Canon-McMillan, 12th graders in law and government classes discussed politics, social media and Marcellus Shale legislation with state Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil.
Mr. White recalled that when he was 23, he was the youngest Cecil supervisor in the township's history.
He suggested that students who are interested in being more involved with their local governments first go to meetings or talk with council members and to "know what you're advocating for."
Local leaders want to hear what students have to say, he said, adding that he didn't think twice about speaking last week to several classes of students, most of whom are too young to vote for him. "Whether or not they're registered to vote, they're still constituents," he said.
One-on-one time with students "helps personalize government to kids," said state Rep. David Levdansky, D-Forward.
If students are interested in a career in politics, he said, they should look for paid and unpaid internships in local politicians' offices.
Getting involved early in their lives will help students feel like they are part of government, said U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
"If you're a student and you have something to say, say it. But know what you're talking about. Research the issues," he said.
"One of the great things about being young is that you don't need to make solid decisions. You just need to be informed."
Candy Woodall, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10280/1093162-55.stm#ixzz11huflmJT
South Park postpones vote on indoor skate park Thursday, September 09, 2010 By Candy Woodall
South Park residents will have to wait another month to find out if an indoor skate park is being built along Broughton Road.
Plans -- which received a favorable recommendation by the township's planning commission and backlash from residents -- will not be voted on by South Park supervisors at the board meeting on Tuesday.
"We received a letter that the property owners wanted it tabled until October," township manager Karen Fosbaugh said.
That vacant lot at the corner of Broughton Road and Park Street was purchased by Wecki, Inc. in May for $46,500, according to Allegheny County property records.
Wecki Inc.'s owners, Greg and Tracy Derewecki, tabled plans until October while finalizing details of a curb cut permit with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The Dereweckis bought the lot to build an indoor skate park and move their business, Ms. Derewecki said.
She and her husband own and operate South Park Board Room, a snowboard and skateboard supply store at 6409 Brownsville Road. The Dereweckis lease that space.
They plan to move that business to the proposed indoor skate park, which is estimated to cost $50,000 to $100,000. She said they have been financing their plans with their own funds and bank loans.
Mrs. Derewecki said the couple wants to build an indoor skate park because "there's nowhere to do indoor skateboarding around here, and so kids are doing it in places where they're not really allowed to."
The facility will include a small concession stand and will be equipped to host small skateboarding tournaments, she said.
Residents along Broughton Road, where the Dereweckis reside, have complained about extra traffic on an already-busy road.
On average, 17,000 vehicles travel daily on the span of Broughton between Route 88 and Curry Hollow Road where the skate park is slated to be built, said PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick.
But that number can fluctuate from 9,800 to 26,000 vehicles a day, depending on rush hour and different events, he said.
Ms. Derewecki said her proposed business would bring in an additional 50 vehicles a day, but it wouldn't be during rush hour.
"We're going to be open from noon to 9 p.m., so people really wouldn't be coming and going at rush hour," she said.
Lifelong South Park resident Sheri Horton likes the concept but is still "extremely opposed" to the plans, she said.
"The idea is OK, but put it somewhere else," she said.
Ms. Horton has lived on Broughton Road for 44 years, and her property line meets that of the vacant lot owned by Wecki Inc.
She said she can't imagine plans that allow for only 11 parking spaces at the facility ever working out on such a busy road.
"The extra noise, the overflow of kids that will be loitering and possibly skateboarding into the street is going to be a safety issue in an already heavily-traveled area," Ms. Horton said.
Ms. Derewecki said most of her business patrons will be getting dropped off and that they won't be "hanging out outside."
Lee Brula, who has lived on Greenwood Drive for 50 years, agreed with Ms. Horton.
She said she takes Villa Avenue -- which meets Broughton Road across from the site of the proposed skate park -- to go to the store and doctor's office.
"Sometimes you sit there for 6 minutes before you can turn onto Broughton Road. What's it going to be like where there's a business there," she said.
Ms. Brula hoped to have some of those questions answered by a PennDOT traffic study.
But no traffic study is being done, Ms. Fosbaugh said.
Ms. Brula said she's not opposed to the project. She just doesn't want it on Broughton Road.
"I think it's a great thing for the kids, but they need to put it in an area where it won't affect the residents," she said.
Plans for an outdoor skate park in Dormont have been met with similar backlash.
Funded by donations and grants, and sought by former resident Mary Pitcher, the proposed Pitcher Park was approved by Dormont council 4-3 in April.
The park is named for Ms. Pitcher's sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Kinzua Reservoir.
Cost estimates for the planned Pitcher Park are between $500,000 and $800,000. Dormont council gave Ms. Pitcher five years to have the funding and plans in place.
Preliminary plans have the park occupying the space along Banksville Road where the tennis courts are located. Upon construction of the park, those courts would be relocated.
Candy Woodall, freelance: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Plans -- which received a favorable recommendation by the township's planning commission and backlash from residents -- will not be voted on by South Park supervisors at the board meeting on Tuesday.
"We received a letter that the property owners wanted it tabled until October," township manager Karen Fosbaugh said.
That vacant lot at the corner of Broughton Road and Park Street was purchased by Wecki, Inc. in May for $46,500, according to Allegheny County property records.
Wecki Inc.'s owners, Greg and Tracy Derewecki, tabled plans until October while finalizing details of a curb cut permit with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The Dereweckis bought the lot to build an indoor skate park and move their business, Ms. Derewecki said.
She and her husband own and operate South Park Board Room, a snowboard and skateboard supply store at 6409 Brownsville Road. The Dereweckis lease that space.
They plan to move that business to the proposed indoor skate park, which is estimated to cost $50,000 to $100,000. She said they have been financing their plans with their own funds and bank loans.
Mrs. Derewecki said the couple wants to build an indoor skate park because "there's nowhere to do indoor skateboarding around here, and so kids are doing it in places where they're not really allowed to."
The facility will include a small concession stand and will be equipped to host small skateboarding tournaments, she said.
Residents along Broughton Road, where the Dereweckis reside, have complained about extra traffic on an already-busy road.
On average, 17,000 vehicles travel daily on the span of Broughton between Route 88 and Curry Hollow Road where the skate park is slated to be built, said PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick.
But that number can fluctuate from 9,800 to 26,000 vehicles a day, depending on rush hour and different events, he said.
Ms. Derewecki said her proposed business would bring in an additional 50 vehicles a day, but it wouldn't be during rush hour.
"We're going to be open from noon to 9 p.m., so people really wouldn't be coming and going at rush hour," she said.
Lifelong South Park resident Sheri Horton likes the concept but is still "extremely opposed" to the plans, she said.
"The idea is OK, but put it somewhere else," she said.
Ms. Horton has lived on Broughton Road for 44 years, and her property line meets that of the vacant lot owned by Wecki Inc.
She said she can't imagine plans that allow for only 11 parking spaces at the facility ever working out on such a busy road.
"The extra noise, the overflow of kids that will be loitering and possibly skateboarding into the street is going to be a safety issue in an already heavily-traveled area," Ms. Horton said.
Ms. Derewecki said most of her business patrons will be getting dropped off and that they won't be "hanging out outside."
Lee Brula, who has lived on Greenwood Drive for 50 years, agreed with Ms. Horton.
She said she takes Villa Avenue -- which meets Broughton Road across from the site of the proposed skate park -- to go to the store and doctor's office.
"Sometimes you sit there for 6 minutes before you can turn onto Broughton Road. What's it going to be like where there's a business there," she said.
Ms. Brula hoped to have some of those questions answered by a PennDOT traffic study.
But no traffic study is being done, Ms. Fosbaugh said.
Ms. Brula said she's not opposed to the project. She just doesn't want it on Broughton Road.
"I think it's a great thing for the kids, but they need to put it in an area where it won't affect the residents," she said.
Plans for an outdoor skate park in Dormont have been met with similar backlash.
Funded by donations and grants, and sought by former resident Mary Pitcher, the proposed Pitcher Park was approved by Dormont council 4-3 in April.
The park is named for Ms. Pitcher's sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Kinzua Reservoir.
Cost estimates for the planned Pitcher Park are between $500,000 and $800,000. Dormont council gave Ms. Pitcher five years to have the funding and plans in place.
Preliminary plans have the park occupying the space along Banksville Road where the tennis courts are located. Upon construction of the park, those courts would be relocated.
Candy Woodall, freelance: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Mt Lebanon hosts concert during mission week
Thursday, July 08, 2010
By Jill Thurston
Mt Lebanon hosts concert during mission week Thursday, July 08, 2010 By Jill Thurston Phil Keaggy Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church will host a free concert with guitarist and musician Phil Keaggy at 7 p.m. next Thursday at the church, 255 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon, as part of its Mission Possible III trip into the community to serve neighbors.
"We were looking for an artist who could appeal to those outside the church, but one whose life witnessed to the Christian message. Phil Keaggy fits the bill," said event organizer and associate pastor Steve Aguzzi.
A free-will offering will be taken; money raised benefits Family Guidance, a local ministry that works to strengthen families and help at-risk youth.
"Phil Keaggy is a respected guitarist and vocalist in the music community. He's played with some very big names including Eric Clapton," Mr. Aguzzi said.
Mr. Keaggy's band, Glass Harp, opened for the Kinks and Yes during the 1970s in his home state of Ohio. He left to pursue a solo career in 1972 and won his first Dove award from the Christian music industry in 1988 for his instrumental album, The Wind and the Wheat.
His 30-year solo career includes more than 50 albums, and his style ranges from rock 'n' roll to instrumental.
The free concert is underwritten by the church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Parking also is available in the St. Bernard and Mt. Lebanon Methodist church parking lots.
Another part of the church's outreach this year is a free barbecue picnic and concert with the church's worship band and Brother Renz and Friends at 6 p.m. Monday at Dormont Park to help build a skateboard park in memory of the young Pitcher brothers, residents of Dormont who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip.
For more on that story, visit www.post-gazette.com and type Pitcher Park in the search box.
"Both of these large events are geared to reach out to the community," Mr. Aguzzi said.
As in past years, service work is planned throughout mission week, including:
• A replenishment blood drive on Tuesday at the church for a Mt. Lebanon youth diagnosed with leukemia;
• Repair and maintenance work on three area houses;
• Free morning sports camp for the week for children in second through eighth grades;
• Early morning coffee for commuters passing the church Monday through Friday. Times will vary;
• Carnival for Head Start children at Brookline Church and trash pickup in that community;
• Choral presentations at local nursing homes;
• Coupon clipping by church seniors for a military base in Germany adopted by the church;
• Handyman team for smaller household jobs.
During the mission week last year, about 300 volunteers turned out.
"I think it's amazing that for this week our church gets outside of itself and goes into the community to serve," said Noelle Conover, mission coordinator. "The reason I keep coming back is because we are called to serve in love, and I think that's what we do well during this week."
To participate in the blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, or the sports camp, call 412-531-3387.
Jill Thurston, freelance: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10189/1071170-55.stm?cmpid=neighborhoods.xml#ixzz0t6MxRu49
"We were looking for an artist who could appeal to those outside the church, but one whose life witnessed to the Christian message. Phil Keaggy fits the bill," said event organizer and associate pastor Steve Aguzzi.
A free-will offering will be taken; money raised benefits Family Guidance, a local ministry that works to strengthen families and help at-risk youth.
"Phil Keaggy is a respected guitarist and vocalist in the music community. He's played with some very big names including Eric Clapton," Mr. Aguzzi said.
Mr. Keaggy's band, Glass Harp, opened for the Kinks and Yes during the 1970s in his home state of Ohio. He left to pursue a solo career in 1972 and won his first Dove award from the Christian music industry in 1988 for his instrumental album, The Wind and the Wheat.
His 30-year solo career includes more than 50 albums, and his style ranges from rock 'n' roll to instrumental.
The free concert is underwritten by the church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Parking also is available in the St. Bernard and Mt. Lebanon Methodist church parking lots.
Another part of the church's outreach this year is a free barbecue picnic and concert with the church's worship band and Brother Renz and Friends at 6 p.m. Monday at Dormont Park to help build a skateboard park in memory of the young Pitcher brothers, residents of Dormont who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip.
For more on that story, visit www.post-gazette.com and type Pitcher Park in the search box.
"Both of these large events are geared to reach out to the community," Mr. Aguzzi said.
As in past years, service work is planned throughout mission week, including:
• A replenishment blood drive on Tuesday at the church for a Mt. Lebanon youth diagnosed with leukemia;
• Repair and maintenance work on three area houses;
• Free morning sports camp for the week for children in second through eighth grades;
• Early morning coffee for commuters passing the church Monday through Friday. Times will vary;
• Carnival for Head Start children at Brookline Church and trash pickup in that community;
• Choral presentations at local nursing homes;
• Coupon clipping by church seniors for a military base in Germany adopted by the church;
• Handyman team for smaller household jobs.
During the mission week last year, about 300 volunteers turned out.
"I think it's amazing that for this week our church gets outside of itself and goes into the community to serve," said Noelle Conover, mission coordinator. "The reason I keep coming back is because we are called to serve in love, and I think that's what we do well during this week."
To participate in the blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, or the sports camp, call 412-531-3387.
Jill Thurston, freelance: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10189/1071170-55.stm?cmpid=neighborhoods.xml#ixzz0t6MxRu49
A newsmaker you should know: Dormont's new assistant manager likes hands-on public service
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By Margaret Smykla
If time is money, as the saying goes, then Dormont's new assistant manager, Ian McMeans, 24, could prove to be a steal.
He does not waste time. Three months after graduating from Allegheny College in Meadville with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2008, he began studies at Carnegie Mellon University's H. John Heinz III College.
As part of his training toward a master's degree in public policy, he interned at the Business Development Center of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh from summer 2009 to April 2010.
DORMONT POPULATION: 8,420
STATISTICS: Eight-tenths of a square mile; elevation: 1,190 feet.
TAXES: Millage rate of 14 mills was last raised in 2006. Each mill generates $266,413.95.
HISTORY: Dormont was originally formed as a borough from parts of Scott and Union townships, with an order of incorporation signed on March 31, 1909. The first election of borough officials was held 27 days later.
MEDIAN AGE: Median resident age: 36.3 years.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Estimated median household income: $49,599
HOME WORTH: The assessed median value of a home in Dormont is $73,900, which translated to $2,956 in county, municipal and school district property taxes in 2009.
YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: "The biggest misconception about Dormont is that we're all old people. There are a lot of great programs for kids here, like summer day camps, tyke hikes, Little League, basketball and tennis courts, and more. Our 1.5 million-gallon pool is one of the biggest in the United States ... ," said borough assistant manager Ian McMeans.
DETAILS: 412-561-8900; www.boro.dormont.pa.us
The week of final exams at CMU -- early May -- he began his new Dormont position. The $35,000-a-year post was a relatively new one; Dormont hasn't had an assistant manager for a number of years. But council said manager Gino Rizza's workload merited an assistant.
Mr. McMeans' next stop? The altar, where he will marry college sweetheart Silica Weary on July 10.
What he likes best about his job also sums up the last few whirlwind years.
"One day to the next is never the same. I'm also doing a bunch of different things, which definitely keeps me on my toes," said the Dormont resident.
His typical day at work is anything but.
"I do whatever the manager wants me to do. I could be researching grants, while the next day I'm at a construction meeting for a project we're doing. You never know," he said.
Last week, Mr. McMeans attended a Local Government Academy conference on public safety.
"There's definitely a wealth of knowledge out there, talking to other managers. It was great to tap into that," he said.
Mr. McMeans said he particularly enjoys the hands-on aspect of public service.
"I get to interact with people and become more directly involved with implementation. And I like the accountability of taking responsibility as opposed to a consultant who comes and leaves," he said.
While he had an interest in government as a child growing up in Saxonburg, he did not attend his first council meeting until Meadville council decided to take away some college street parking.
When fraternity members, including Mr. McMeans, told council during a meeting that the action would not solve the overall parking problem, council relented.
What he learned after attending Dormont council meetings, however, was that it is not usually that easy.
"It's interesting to see how it all works with the debate process and approval. I'm also impressed by how open council is to listen to the public," he said.
That was tested in the recent debate over a skate park, which he described as "a very contentious issue." In April, council approved municipal property near Banksville Road as a site to build the multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking.
The park, estimated at $500,000 to $800,000 would be funded by donations and grants that would be sought by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build the park in memory of her deceased sons.
Council gave Mrs. Pitcher five years to have funding and plans in place.
"To me, there's not a lot for 16- to 35-year-olds to do here," said Mr. McMeans, who travels to Bridgeville to play roller hockey. "So this is a draw for young people here."
As to whether the hotly debated skate park issue is dividing the community, he said, "You're not going to get 100 percent support on anything."
Mr. McMeans sees the most pressing problems facing Dormont as these age-old ones:
• Limited parking, "especially if "something big is going on";
• A big rental population, about 40 percent, "who are less inclined to maintain property."
But with so many assets -- light rail access to nearby Downtown; a thriving business district; Dormont Park; one of the state's two largest swimming pools; a vibrant historical society; a walkable community --the borough, he said, is poised to become an even better place to live.
One potential avenue is the state's Main Street program designed to enhance business districts with streetscape upgrades and other rehabilitation projects.
As for his dream job, he would like to stay in the area and work in an economic development aspect of local government.
But, for once, he is in no rush.
"I would like to improve the lives of others. This is a good starting position as I can learn how local government works," he said.
Margaret Smykla, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10175/1067818-55.stm#ixzz0ziGxNrK4
He does not waste time. Three months after graduating from Allegheny College in Meadville with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2008, he began studies at Carnegie Mellon University's H. John Heinz III College.
As part of his training toward a master's degree in public policy, he interned at the Business Development Center of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh from summer 2009 to April 2010.
DORMONT POPULATION: 8,420
STATISTICS: Eight-tenths of a square mile; elevation: 1,190 feet.
TAXES: Millage rate of 14 mills was last raised in 2006. Each mill generates $266,413.95.
HISTORY: Dormont was originally formed as a borough from parts of Scott and Union townships, with an order of incorporation signed on March 31, 1909. The first election of borough officials was held 27 days later.
MEDIAN AGE: Median resident age: 36.3 years.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Estimated median household income: $49,599
HOME WORTH: The assessed median value of a home in Dormont is $73,900, which translated to $2,956 in county, municipal and school district property taxes in 2009.
YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: "The biggest misconception about Dormont is that we're all old people. There are a lot of great programs for kids here, like summer day camps, tyke hikes, Little League, basketball and tennis courts, and more. Our 1.5 million-gallon pool is one of the biggest in the United States ... ," said borough assistant manager Ian McMeans.
DETAILS: 412-561-8900; www.boro.dormont.pa.us
The week of final exams at CMU -- early May -- he began his new Dormont position. The $35,000-a-year post was a relatively new one; Dormont hasn't had an assistant manager for a number of years. But council said manager Gino Rizza's workload merited an assistant.
Mr. McMeans' next stop? The altar, where he will marry college sweetheart Silica Weary on July 10.
What he likes best about his job also sums up the last few whirlwind years.
"One day to the next is never the same. I'm also doing a bunch of different things, which definitely keeps me on my toes," said the Dormont resident.
His typical day at work is anything but.
"I do whatever the manager wants me to do. I could be researching grants, while the next day I'm at a construction meeting for a project we're doing. You never know," he said.
Last week, Mr. McMeans attended a Local Government Academy conference on public safety.
"There's definitely a wealth of knowledge out there, talking to other managers. It was great to tap into that," he said.
Mr. McMeans said he particularly enjoys the hands-on aspect of public service.
"I get to interact with people and become more directly involved with implementation. And I like the accountability of taking responsibility as opposed to a consultant who comes and leaves," he said.
While he had an interest in government as a child growing up in Saxonburg, he did not attend his first council meeting until Meadville council decided to take away some college street parking.
When fraternity members, including Mr. McMeans, told council during a meeting that the action would not solve the overall parking problem, council relented.
What he learned after attending Dormont council meetings, however, was that it is not usually that easy.
"It's interesting to see how it all works with the debate process and approval. I'm also impressed by how open council is to listen to the public," he said.
That was tested in the recent debate over a skate park, which he described as "a very contentious issue." In April, council approved municipal property near Banksville Road as a site to build the multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking.
The park, estimated at $500,000 to $800,000 would be funded by donations and grants that would be sought by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build the park in memory of her deceased sons.
Council gave Mrs. Pitcher five years to have funding and plans in place.
"To me, there's not a lot for 16- to 35-year-olds to do here," said Mr. McMeans, who travels to Bridgeville to play roller hockey. "So this is a draw for young people here."
As to whether the hotly debated skate park issue is dividing the community, he said, "You're not going to get 100 percent support on anything."
Mr. McMeans sees the most pressing problems facing Dormont as these age-old ones:
• Limited parking, "especially if "something big is going on";
• A big rental population, about 40 percent, "who are less inclined to maintain property."
But with so many assets -- light rail access to nearby Downtown; a thriving business district; Dormont Park; one of the state's two largest swimming pools; a vibrant historical society; a walkable community --the borough, he said, is poised to become an even better place to live.
One potential avenue is the state's Main Street program designed to enhance business districts with streetscape upgrades and other rehabilitation projects.
As for his dream job, he would like to stay in the area and work in an economic development aspect of local government.
But, for once, he is in no rush.
"I would like to improve the lives of others. This is a good starting position as I can learn how local government works," he said.
Margaret Smykla, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10175/1067818-55.stm#ixzz0ziGxNrK4
A newsmaker you should know: Mom determined to see skate park become a reality
Thursday, May 20, 2010
By Ken McCarthy
Money was tight while Mary Pitcher was raising her four boys in Dormont, so, she said, she had to find ways to entertain them without breaking the bank.
"A lot of times, we'd put their skateboards in the back of the van and we'd just go," she said.
Now Mrs. Pitcher is trying to save parents in the Dormont area such trips. She's been the driving force behind plans to build a multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking in honor of her two late sons.
Dormont council in early April approved the site for the proposed park by a 4-3 vote. The park is slated to be built where the tennis courts presently are located along Banksville Road.
Mary Pitcher AGE: 55
HOMETOWN: Scott
OCCUPATION: Mother; antiques dealer
NOTABLE OTHER ROLES: Helped start the a branch of the national Graves Disease Foundation at St. Clair Hospital
EDUCATION: College and real estate courses
FAMILY: Sons Jonathan, 28, and Brady, 26
BOOKS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: "Heaven," by Randy Alcorn
WHAT'S PLAYING ON YOUR TV: "Law and Order"
PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: "I enjoy the outdoors."
GUILTY PLEASURE: Desserts and chocolate
FAVORITE ENTERTAINMENT: "Going to auctions."
DREAM JOB: "Being a mom."
Some, however, oppose the park, and they have not gone away quietly. They were back at council's meeting this month, expressing their concerns and asking for a re-vote.
But Mrs. Pitcher said she's steadfast in her resolve to get the project completed.
"I'm going to see this through no matter what," she said. "This was done out of love for the community and for my sons who loved the community."
Mrs. Pitcher's sons, Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends. The family lived in Dormont at the time, and the brothers were graduates of Keystone Oaks High School.
Mrs. Pitcher said she started the project to help herself and others heal from the tragedy.
"There are thousands of people who want this and are behind this project," she said. "It's only a few certain people who are against it."
But, she said, those people are making it difficult to proceed. She said it's especially hard when the attacks get personal.
"You start to wonder when it's time to walk away, but the reason I love Dormont and that my sons loved Dormont was because of the people and their huge hearts, and I'm still finding that to be true. People have my back through this."
Mrs. Pitcher said her main objective now is to raise the money to get the park off the drawing board and into Dormont.
The park is estimated to cost $500,000 to $800,000. It would be funded by donations and grants -- not taxpayer dollars.
"They are trying to distract us from raising the money," she said. "We have to set aside emotion, which is very difficult for me."
She said her main objective is to provide a safe place for youngsters in the South Hills to play so they'll be off the streets and out of the parking lots.
People have a misconception of skaters, she said, because of the way they look and dress.
"But there are bankers with tattoos and piercings. I know attorneys who have longer hair than mine," she said.
She said she hoped the project and her story will remind parents to find time each day to spend with their kids, no matter what.
"That way, if something should happen, you'll have no regrets," she said. "I have no regrets at all. I'm trying to deal with this every single day. I go to sleep praying every night."
Councilwoman Laurie Malka said she didn't know Mrs. Pitcher before the skate park issue.
"I contacted Mary to see if we could move this issue from gossip because we were getting comments and concern from residents," she said.
"After one phone conversation, I felt like I had known her for years; she is this genuine woman who has been through an incredible loss, and instead of hating the world, she is putting her time and efforts into giving to others."
"What you have is a wonderful woman who cares about kids, whether they're in Dormont or California," Ms. Malka said.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details. First published on May 20, 2010 at 5:49 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10140/1059420-55.stm?cmpid=neighborhoods.xml#ixzz0poae56IG
"A lot of times, we'd put their skateboards in the back of the van and we'd just go," she said.
Now Mrs. Pitcher is trying to save parents in the Dormont area such trips. She's been the driving force behind plans to build a multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking in honor of her two late sons.
Dormont council in early April approved the site for the proposed park by a 4-3 vote. The park is slated to be built where the tennis courts presently are located along Banksville Road.
Mary Pitcher AGE: 55
HOMETOWN: Scott
OCCUPATION: Mother; antiques dealer
NOTABLE OTHER ROLES: Helped start the a branch of the national Graves Disease Foundation at St. Clair Hospital
EDUCATION: College and real estate courses
FAMILY: Sons Jonathan, 28, and Brady, 26
BOOKS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: "Heaven," by Randy Alcorn
WHAT'S PLAYING ON YOUR TV: "Law and Order"
PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: "I enjoy the outdoors."
GUILTY PLEASURE: Desserts and chocolate
FAVORITE ENTERTAINMENT: "Going to auctions."
DREAM JOB: "Being a mom."
Some, however, oppose the park, and they have not gone away quietly. They were back at council's meeting this month, expressing their concerns and asking for a re-vote.
But Mrs. Pitcher said she's steadfast in her resolve to get the project completed.
"I'm going to see this through no matter what," she said. "This was done out of love for the community and for my sons who loved the community."
Mrs. Pitcher's sons, Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends. The family lived in Dormont at the time, and the brothers were graduates of Keystone Oaks High School.
Mrs. Pitcher said she started the project to help herself and others heal from the tragedy.
"There are thousands of people who want this and are behind this project," she said. "It's only a few certain people who are against it."
But, she said, those people are making it difficult to proceed. She said it's especially hard when the attacks get personal.
"You start to wonder when it's time to walk away, but the reason I love Dormont and that my sons loved Dormont was because of the people and their huge hearts, and I'm still finding that to be true. People have my back through this."
Mrs. Pitcher said her main objective now is to raise the money to get the park off the drawing board and into Dormont.
The park is estimated to cost $500,000 to $800,000. It would be funded by donations and grants -- not taxpayer dollars.
"They are trying to distract us from raising the money," she said. "We have to set aside emotion, which is very difficult for me."
She said her main objective is to provide a safe place for youngsters in the South Hills to play so they'll be off the streets and out of the parking lots.
People have a misconception of skaters, she said, because of the way they look and dress.
"But there are bankers with tattoos and piercings. I know attorneys who have longer hair than mine," she said.
She said she hoped the project and her story will remind parents to find time each day to spend with their kids, no matter what.
"That way, if something should happen, you'll have no regrets," she said. "I have no regrets at all. I'm trying to deal with this every single day. I go to sleep praying every night."
Councilwoman Laurie Malka said she didn't know Mrs. Pitcher before the skate park issue.
"I contacted Mary to see if we could move this issue from gossip because we were getting comments and concern from residents," she said.
"After one phone conversation, I felt like I had known her for years; she is this genuine woman who has been through an incredible loss, and instead of hating the world, she is putting her time and efforts into giving to others."
"What you have is a wonderful woman who cares about kids, whether they're in Dormont or California," Ms. Malka said.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details. First published on May 20, 2010 at 5:49 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10140/1059420-55.stm?cmpid=neighborhoods.xml#ixzz0poae56IG
Site OK'd for memorial skateboard park in Dormont
Thursday, April 08, 2010
By Ken McCarthy
A change in the makeup of Dormont council did the trick for Mary Pitcher and her plans for a skate park in memory of her two sons, who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
After months of sometime rancorous discussion, council Monday night approved municipal ground near Banksville Road as the site to build the multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking.
The town's tennis courts are on that site and will be relocated.
The park, estimated to cost $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars.
Council in October voted 5-2 against the original skate park proposal by Mrs. Pitcher, who owns an antique shop in the town but now lives in Scott.
On Monday, council newcomers Joan Hodson and Heather Schmidt, along with council President Kim Lusardi and Vice President Laurie Malka, voted to approve the plan. Ms. Malka and Ms. Lusardi cast votes in favor of the plan in the fall.
The three dissenters on the issue -- councilmen Eugene Barilla, Drew Lehman and John Maggio -- did not go without a fight.
Mr. Lehman said he received 14 e-mails on the subject in the past week and all but one were against the plan.
"Dormont does not want this skate park," he said.
Mr. Lehman tried to conduct an informal straw poll among the standing-room-only crowd in the meeting room, but Ms. Lusardi struck her gavel and told him he was out of order. He also wanted to know who would pay to relocate the municipal tennis courts.
Some officials estimated it would cost about $70,000 to relocate each of the tennis courts to Memorial Drive.
Ms. Schmidt said grant money and donated funds would be sought for that work and no taxpayer dollars would be spent.
Mr. Lehman said the borough needs to be careful about how it spends its money to keep its property taxes in check.
"You're trying to bull-rush this through," he said. "You're doing something that will hurt this town and you don't care."
But Ms. Malka said Mr. Lehman did not raise any of those issues at previous meetings when the skate park was discussed.
Mrs. Pitcher plans to donate the park and a memorial wall to the borough. She's been raising funds for the project but said she was limited in how much she could do without a site approval in place.
Some in the crowd questioned how Dormont would be able to maintain the park when it is struggling to maintain the facilities it already has.
Plans are for money to be raised by the Pitcher Park Foundation to be used in a maintenance fund.
Mr. Maggio said the borough's comprehensive plan does not include a skate park. He said only about 14 percent of the borough's population falls in the age range of those who would typically use such a facility.
"That's a lot of money and a lot of energy for very few people," he said.
There is no timetable for construction, but council said Mrs. Pitcher has five years to have funding and plans in place.
Mrs. Pitcher's sons, Vincent and Stephen, graduates of Keystone Oaks High School, drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10098/1048614-55.stm#ixzz0kid95IKY
By Ken McCarthy
A change in the makeup of Dormont council did the trick for Mary Pitcher and her plans for a skate park in memory of her two sons, who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
After months of sometime rancorous discussion, council Monday night approved municipal ground near Banksville Road as the site to build the multi-use park for skateboarding, skating and biking.
The town's tennis courts are on that site and will be relocated.
The park, estimated to cost $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars.
Council in October voted 5-2 against the original skate park proposal by Mrs. Pitcher, who owns an antique shop in the town but now lives in Scott.
On Monday, council newcomers Joan Hodson and Heather Schmidt, along with council President Kim Lusardi and Vice President Laurie Malka, voted to approve the plan. Ms. Malka and Ms. Lusardi cast votes in favor of the plan in the fall.
The three dissenters on the issue -- councilmen Eugene Barilla, Drew Lehman and John Maggio -- did not go without a fight.
Mr. Lehman said he received 14 e-mails on the subject in the past week and all but one were against the plan.
"Dormont does not want this skate park," he said.
Mr. Lehman tried to conduct an informal straw poll among the standing-room-only crowd in the meeting room, but Ms. Lusardi struck her gavel and told him he was out of order. He also wanted to know who would pay to relocate the municipal tennis courts.
Some officials estimated it would cost about $70,000 to relocate each of the tennis courts to Memorial Drive.
Ms. Schmidt said grant money and donated funds would be sought for that work and no taxpayer dollars would be spent.
Mr. Lehman said the borough needs to be careful about how it spends its money to keep its property taxes in check.
"You're trying to bull-rush this through," he said. "You're doing something that will hurt this town and you don't care."
But Ms. Malka said Mr. Lehman did not raise any of those issues at previous meetings when the skate park was discussed.
Mrs. Pitcher plans to donate the park and a memorial wall to the borough. She's been raising funds for the project but said she was limited in how much she could do without a site approval in place.
Some in the crowd questioned how Dormont would be able to maintain the park when it is struggling to maintain the facilities it already has.
Plans are for money to be raised by the Pitcher Park Foundation to be used in a maintenance fund.
Mr. Maggio said the borough's comprehensive plan does not include a skate park. He said only about 14 percent of the borough's population falls in the age range of those who would typically use such a facility.
"That's a lot of money and a lot of energy for very few people," he said.
There is no timetable for construction, but council said Mrs. Pitcher has five years to have funding and plans in place.
Mrs. Pitcher's sons, Vincent and Stephen, graduates of Keystone Oaks High School, drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10098/1048614-55.stm#ixzz0kid95IKY
Skateboard park approved for Dormont Tuesday, April 06, 2010 By Ken McCarthy
Skateboarders in the South Hills may soon have a new place to skate.
By a 4-3 vote, Dormont council Monday approved plans by former resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build a skate park in the borough to honor her two late sons.
The meeting was at time contentious with council's three men all vehemently opposed.
"Dormont does not want this skate park," said council member Drew Lehman.
But the four female members -- Kim Lusardi, Laurie Malka, Joan Hodson and Heather Schmidt -- all voted in favor of putting the park along Banksville Road where the tennis courts currently sit.
Council voted against the park in October but Ms. Hodson and Ms. Schmidt joined the board this year after winning seats in the November election.
There is no timetable for construction of the park, but council said Mrs. Pitcher has five years to have funding and plans in place.
Mrs. Pitcher's sons Vincent and Stephen drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
Ken McCarthy is a freelance writer
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10096/1048281-100.stm?cmpid=localstate.xml#ixzz0kLZ3IPfk
By a 4-3 vote, Dormont council Monday approved plans by former resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build a skate park in the borough to honor her two late sons.
The meeting was at time contentious with council's three men all vehemently opposed.
"Dormont does not want this skate park," said council member Drew Lehman.
But the four female members -- Kim Lusardi, Laurie Malka, Joan Hodson and Heather Schmidt -- all voted in favor of putting the park along Banksville Road where the tennis courts currently sit.
Council voted against the park in October but Ms. Hodson and Ms. Schmidt joined the board this year after winning seats in the November election.
There is no timetable for construction of the park, but council said Mrs. Pitcher has five years to have funding and plans in place.
Mrs. Pitcher's sons Vincent and Stephen drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir in 2008 while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
Ken McCarthy is a freelance writer
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10096/1048281-100.stm?cmpid=localstate.xml#ixzz0kLZ3IPfk
Opinions split on new plan for Dormont skate park
Thursday, April 01, 2010
By Ken McCarthy
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10091/1047057-55.stm#ixzz0jrPavBUD
Members of Dormont council are still divided about the merits of permitting a skate park in the borough.
At council's Monday meeting, some members were concerned about plans for such a park as proposed by Mary Pitcher of Scott, a former Dormont resident who runs an antique business there.
Mrs. Pitcher wants a skate park built in honor of her two sons -- Vincent and Stephen -- who drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir, while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
In recent months, her plans have been rejected by the borough and the Keystone Oaks school board.
Her sons were graduates of Keystone Oaks High School.
The dialogue about a park has been going on for months.
Monday, Councilman Drew Lehman said he is concerned about Mrs. Pitcher's most recent plan to put the park along Banksville Road where borough tennis courts are located.
"I don't see that much support for it," he said.
Mr. Lehman said he is concerned about the borough basically turning over a plot of land to the group without a feasibility study being done. He also said it was unclear who would pay to relocate the tennis courts to Memorial Drive.
He also said that it didn't appear that Mrs. Pitcher had done much fundraising since she last approached the board six months ago.
"I don't see a lot of raising awareness," he said.
Council member John Maggio agreed.
"We're faced with difficult budget issues," he said. "It would not be prudent to take on unknown expenses, and I'd hate to see our park disturbed."
He said the tennis courts on Banksville Road are used extensively.
But Councilwoman Joan Hodson said it wouldn't hurt for the borough at least to look at the idea.
"I have reservations, but I'm willing to listen," she said. "I don't understand why we're being so close minded on this, and I'm frustrated."
Council also questioned Mrs. Pitcher about the idea that Beechview officials may have a site for the park.
But she maintains that the skate park is needed more in Dormont.
Mrs. Pitcher said it would be located hundreds of feet from homes, but near the borough's other recreational facilities, and use of those facilities would likely increase.
She said the Banksville location has existing parking and lighting. No green space would be touched under the new plan, she said.
The park, estimated to cost from $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars.
Mrs. Pitcher said the park recently received grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation and The American Ramp Co. and has received promises for additional funds as soon as a permanent location is agreed upon.
She said it is difficult to apply for grants without a site.
Mrs. Pitcher asked council to vote on the proposal at Monday's meeting, but council did not say whether it would be put on the agenda.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10091/1047057-55.stm#ixzz0jrLjyNnp
At council's Monday meeting, some members were concerned about plans for such a park as proposed by Mary Pitcher of Scott, a former Dormont resident who runs an antique business there.
Mrs. Pitcher wants a skate park built in honor of her two sons -- Vincent and Stephen -- who drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir, while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
In recent months, her plans have been rejected by the borough and the Keystone Oaks school board.
Her sons were graduates of Keystone Oaks High School.
The dialogue about a park has been going on for months.
Monday, Councilman Drew Lehman said he is concerned about Mrs. Pitcher's most recent plan to put the park along Banksville Road where borough tennis courts are located.
"I don't see that much support for it," he said.
Mr. Lehman said he is concerned about the borough basically turning over a plot of land to the group without a feasibility study being done. He also said it was unclear who would pay to relocate the tennis courts to Memorial Drive.
He also said that it didn't appear that Mrs. Pitcher had done much fundraising since she last approached the board six months ago.
"I don't see a lot of raising awareness," he said.
Council member John Maggio agreed.
"We're faced with difficult budget issues," he said. "It would not be prudent to take on unknown expenses, and I'd hate to see our park disturbed."
He said the tennis courts on Banksville Road are used extensively.
But Councilwoman Joan Hodson said it wouldn't hurt for the borough at least to look at the idea.
"I have reservations, but I'm willing to listen," she said. "I don't understand why we're being so close minded on this, and I'm frustrated."
Council also questioned Mrs. Pitcher about the idea that Beechview officials may have a site for the park.
But she maintains that the skate park is needed more in Dormont.
Mrs. Pitcher said it would be located hundreds of feet from homes, but near the borough's other recreational facilities, and use of those facilities would likely increase.
She said the Banksville location has existing parking and lighting. No green space would be touched under the new plan, she said.
The park, estimated to cost from $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars.
Mrs. Pitcher said the park recently received grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation and The American Ramp Co. and has received promises for additional funds as soon as a permanent location is agreed upon.
She said it is difficult to apply for grants without a site.
Mrs. Pitcher asked council to vote on the proposal at Monday's meeting, but council did not say whether it would be put on the agenda.
Ken McCarthy, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10091/1047057-55.stm#ixzz0jrLjyNnp
Dormont solicitor held blameless for action over sign posting
Thursday, November 05, 2009
By Zak Koeske
Dormont solicitor Deron Gabriel, who came under fire last month for questioning some political signs in an antique shop in the borough, has been exonerated of any wrongdoing by council following its consultation with the Local Government Academy, an independent nonpartisan group that educates public officials.
The West Liberty Avenue antique shop in question is owned by Mary Pitcher, whose nonprofit foundation wants to build a skate park in Dormont in memory of her two young sons, extreme sports enthusiasts who accidentally drowned last year.
Mr. Gabriel's actions came to council's attention during a Sept. 28 council meeting when Mrs. Pitcher, a former resident now of Scott, accused the solicitor of inappropriately contacting New Sun Rising, the sponsor of her non-profit, to report partisan political signs in the window of her shop.
One of the signs listed council members and how each was expected to vote on the much anticipated skate park measure, while the other sign advocated the write-in of private resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current council member Eugene Barilla.
A picture of council president John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of Burger King's "The King" mascot also was framed and displayed in the shop window.
Mrs. Pitcher has since voluntarily removed the signs and the picture. But she disputes that they had to be; she said her shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park foundation. She called Mr. Gabriel's action an underhanded attempt to get her foundation stripped of its nonprofit status and, in effect, stand in the way of the park.
The skate park was rejected in a 5-2 vote on Oct. 5, the following week.
Mr. Gabriel admitted that he had contacted the nonprofit, but said it was to protect Mrs. Pitcher and the foundation by allowing the group a chance to comply with IRS regulations that prohibit partisan political activity. He said some residents -- whom he would not identify -- were planning to file a formal complaint and had brought the issue to his attention.
At the time, Mayor Tom Lloyd questioned Mr. Gabriel's involvement and told him that he had "overstepped his role as solicitor."
He directed that in the future Mr. Gabriel bring all such matters to council before taking personal action. And, Councilwoman Laurie Malka said council was planning further investigation.
The finance and legal committee held a closed meeting on Oct. 15, for which Scott Wolovich of New Sun Rising submitted a statement about his interaction with the solicitor.
At Monday night's agenda meeting, Mrs. Malka said "we had a brief review ... but it turned into more of a discussion of the process that we have as a council as to how we go about acting on certain things.
"The finance and legal department is going to [review our business procedures] so that we're sure that any actions that we are taking are done with the knowledge of all of council."
At its December voting meeting, council hopes to adopt new procedures that will require borough officials to act only on the knowledge of council, rather than independently.
Mr. Gabriel, who has been on the job for the past year, said he will bring all issues to council's attention before taking any action.
Mrs. Pitcher's most recent proposal to build the skate park on Keystone Oaks school property was rejected by the school board on Oct. 12, but she said she is not giving up her fight.
The park, estimated to cost anywhere from $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants.
n See coverage of municipal elections, including victories of candidates who support Pitcher Park, Page S-7.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010917-55.stm?cmpid=news.xml#ixzz0W0NLPvWX
The West Liberty Avenue antique shop in question is owned by Mary Pitcher, whose nonprofit foundation wants to build a skate park in Dormont in memory of her two young sons, extreme sports enthusiasts who accidentally drowned last year.
Mr. Gabriel's actions came to council's attention during a Sept. 28 council meeting when Mrs. Pitcher, a former resident now of Scott, accused the solicitor of inappropriately contacting New Sun Rising, the sponsor of her non-profit, to report partisan political signs in the window of her shop.
One of the signs listed council members and how each was expected to vote on the much anticipated skate park measure, while the other sign advocated the write-in of private resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current council member Eugene Barilla.
A picture of council president John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of Burger King's "The King" mascot also was framed and displayed in the shop window.
Mrs. Pitcher has since voluntarily removed the signs and the picture. But she disputes that they had to be; she said her shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park foundation. She called Mr. Gabriel's action an underhanded attempt to get her foundation stripped of its nonprofit status and, in effect, stand in the way of the park.
The skate park was rejected in a 5-2 vote on Oct. 5, the following week.
Mr. Gabriel admitted that he had contacted the nonprofit, but said it was to protect Mrs. Pitcher and the foundation by allowing the group a chance to comply with IRS regulations that prohibit partisan political activity. He said some residents -- whom he would not identify -- were planning to file a formal complaint and had brought the issue to his attention.
At the time, Mayor Tom Lloyd questioned Mr. Gabriel's involvement and told him that he had "overstepped his role as solicitor."
He directed that in the future Mr. Gabriel bring all such matters to council before taking personal action. And, Councilwoman Laurie Malka said council was planning further investigation.
The finance and legal committee held a closed meeting on Oct. 15, for which Scott Wolovich of New Sun Rising submitted a statement about his interaction with the solicitor.
At Monday night's agenda meeting, Mrs. Malka said "we had a brief review ... but it turned into more of a discussion of the process that we have as a council as to how we go about acting on certain things.
"The finance and legal department is going to [review our business procedures] so that we're sure that any actions that we are taking are done with the knowledge of all of council."
At its December voting meeting, council hopes to adopt new procedures that will require borough officials to act only on the knowledge of council, rather than independently.
Mr. Gabriel, who has been on the job for the past year, said he will bring all issues to council's attention before taking any action.
Mrs. Pitcher's most recent proposal to build the skate park on Keystone Oaks school property was rejected by the school board on Oct. 12, but she said she is not giving up her fight.
The park, estimated to cost anywhere from $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants.
n See coverage of municipal elections, including victories of candidates who support Pitcher Park, Page S-7.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010917-55.stm?cmpid=news.xml#ixzz0W0NLPvWX
Election 2009/South: Voters create some upsets in local races
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010929-55.stm#ixzz0W0xa7mOA
Dormont For the past half-year, businesswoman and former resident Mary Pitcher has worked tirelessly to get a skate park, which she wants to call Pitcher Park, built in town as a memorial to her two sons. But council will not give her permission.
Tuesday's election may have changed all that.
A slate of candidates Mrs. Pitcher endorsed on her Facebook page -- in effect, a Pitcher Park ticket -- was nearly all elected Tuesday. The Allegheny County election bureau lists council winners as Democrats Laurie Malka, Heather Schmidt and Eugene Barilla, along with Republican Joan Hodson. In addition, Republican Tom Lloyd was re-elected as mayor.
These were Mrs. Pitcher's picks.
Mr. Lloyd was challenged by Democrat John Maggio, a vocal park opponent. On her Facebook posting, Mrs. Pitcher urged voters to "stand up to John Maggio."
The Pitcher Park ticket's only casualty was write-in candidate Jeff Fabus.
The results bode well for Mrs. Pitcher's chances. The park, build under the aegis of a foundation, would be built with private funds, not tax dollars.
Ms. Schmidt, an attorney and former skateboarder, has long been a supporter of Pitcher Park, often speaking on its behalf before council. She said she wants to poll residents on the subject.
Ms. Lusardi and Ms. Malka are park supporters. Ms. Hodson has indicated that she is open to the issue, but wants more information. She would be the swing vote.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010929-55.stm#ixzz0WOCASXUW
Tuesday's election may have changed all that.
A slate of candidates Mrs. Pitcher endorsed on her Facebook page -- in effect, a Pitcher Park ticket -- was nearly all elected Tuesday. The Allegheny County election bureau lists council winners as Democrats Laurie Malka, Heather Schmidt and Eugene Barilla, along with Republican Joan Hodson. In addition, Republican Tom Lloyd was re-elected as mayor.
These were Mrs. Pitcher's picks.
Mr. Lloyd was challenged by Democrat John Maggio, a vocal park opponent. On her Facebook posting, Mrs. Pitcher urged voters to "stand up to John Maggio."
The Pitcher Park ticket's only casualty was write-in candidate Jeff Fabus.
The results bode well for Mrs. Pitcher's chances. The park, build under the aegis of a foundation, would be built with private funds, not tax dollars.
Ms. Schmidt, an attorney and former skateboarder, has long been a supporter of Pitcher Park, often speaking on its behalf before council. She said she wants to poll residents on the subject.
Ms. Lusardi and Ms. Malka are park supporters. Ms. Hodson has indicated that she is open to the issue, but wants more information. She would be the swing vote.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010929-55.stm#ixzz0WOCASXUW
Keystone Oaks school board rejects request for land to house skate park
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09302/1009087-55.stm#ixzz0VLPp7QFw
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09302/1009087-55.stm#ixzz0VLPp7QFw
Decision on field's use for skate park won't come soon
Thursday, October 15, 2009
By Zak Koeske
A decision from Keystone Oaks school board about a proposed Kelton Field location for the much-debated Pitcher Park Memorial Skate Park is still months away, said Jim Cromie, a district spokesman.
"Anything that comes from any of our residents, we take seriously and we'll look at, but we haven't had time to look at this specific project at all. It won't be a prompt decision by any means," he said.
Mary Pitcher, a former Dormont resident now living in Scott, wants a skate park built to honor her two sons, who died in a drowning accident last year. The Pitcher brothers -- Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21 -- were enthusiasts of the so-called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking.
The Kelton Field location for the skate park is the brainchild of Dormont Mayor Tom Lloyd, who first proposed the site at a borough council meeting in August, as an alternative to the proposed Dormont Park location near Memorial Drive.
Mr. Lloyd said he initially floated the idea to Keystone Oaks School District Superintendent William Urbanek over a routine lunch date of Dr. Urbanek and mayors of the thee towns that make up the district -- Castle Shannon, Dormont and Green Tree.
Dr. Urbanek asked Mr. Lloyd to have Mrs. Pitcher submit a proposal for the school board's consideration.
Last week, Mrs. Pitcher submitted a proposal to the school board to, "build and donate to the Borough of Dormont/Keystone Oaks School District an admission-free community skate park to be constructed on Kelton Avenue on the land now commonly known as 'Kelton Field' to be used by skateboarders, bikers and bladers from Dormont, the surrounding communities and visitors to the park for many years to come and to memorialize Vincent & Stephen Pitcher."
Mrs. Pitcher's original skate park proposal, which specified two locations on borough land -- one in Dormont Park about 240 feet from homes on Memorial Drive; the other on Banksville Road, in place of some borough tennis courts -- was defeated by a 5-2 Dormont council vote on Oct. 5.
The land specified for this latest proposal is solely under the school district's jurisdiction, and is not affected by Dormont council's prior decision. Funding for the park would come from donations.
Mrs. Pitcher is skeptical that the new proposal will work.
"Personally, I don't know that it would happen there because they use that field for soccer for children, although it'd be perfect," she said. "I've been told that the school may be willing to give [the land] to us because they owe [the borough] land from another deal that they made."
That deal, as explained by Mr. Lloyd, involved a promise made a decade ago by a previous superintendent to replace a baseball field that was lost when the borough allowed the district to construct Dormont Elementary.
Mr. Lloyd said that he plans to speak with members of the school board and hopes that they will give Mrs. Pitcher's skate park proposal adequate consideration. But he is unsure if the promise of the previous superintendent still carries any weight.
Mrs. Pitcher said she is still keeping her options open with the borough and intends to give her proposal to the borough's planning commission.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske may be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read more: http://postgazette.com/pg/09288/1005554-55.stm#ixzz0U8rWqWH4
By Zak Koeske
A decision from Keystone Oaks school board about a proposed Kelton Field location for the much-debated Pitcher Park Memorial Skate Park is still months away, said Jim Cromie, a district spokesman.
"Anything that comes from any of our residents, we take seriously and we'll look at, but we haven't had time to look at this specific project at all. It won't be a prompt decision by any means," he said.
Mary Pitcher, a former Dormont resident now living in Scott, wants a skate park built to honor her two sons, who died in a drowning accident last year. The Pitcher brothers -- Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21 -- were enthusiasts of the so-called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking.
The Kelton Field location for the skate park is the brainchild of Dormont Mayor Tom Lloyd, who first proposed the site at a borough council meeting in August, as an alternative to the proposed Dormont Park location near Memorial Drive.
Mr. Lloyd said he initially floated the idea to Keystone Oaks School District Superintendent William Urbanek over a routine lunch date of Dr. Urbanek and mayors of the thee towns that make up the district -- Castle Shannon, Dormont and Green Tree.
Dr. Urbanek asked Mr. Lloyd to have Mrs. Pitcher submit a proposal for the school board's consideration.
Last week, Mrs. Pitcher submitted a proposal to the school board to, "build and donate to the Borough of Dormont/Keystone Oaks School District an admission-free community skate park to be constructed on Kelton Avenue on the land now commonly known as 'Kelton Field' to be used by skateboarders, bikers and bladers from Dormont, the surrounding communities and visitors to the park for many years to come and to memorialize Vincent & Stephen Pitcher."
Mrs. Pitcher's original skate park proposal, which specified two locations on borough land -- one in Dormont Park about 240 feet from homes on Memorial Drive; the other on Banksville Road, in place of some borough tennis courts -- was defeated by a 5-2 Dormont council vote on Oct. 5.
The land specified for this latest proposal is solely under the school district's jurisdiction, and is not affected by Dormont council's prior decision. Funding for the park would come from donations.
Mrs. Pitcher is skeptical that the new proposal will work.
"Personally, I don't know that it would happen there because they use that field for soccer for children, although it'd be perfect," she said. "I've been told that the school may be willing to give [the land] to us because they owe [the borough] land from another deal that they made."
That deal, as explained by Mr. Lloyd, involved a promise made a decade ago by a previous superintendent to replace a baseball field that was lost when the borough allowed the district to construct Dormont Elementary.
Mr. Lloyd said that he plans to speak with members of the school board and hopes that they will give Mrs. Pitcher's skate park proposal adequate consideration. But he is unsure if the promise of the previous superintendent still carries any weight.
Mrs. Pitcher said she is still keeping her options open with the borough and intends to give her proposal to the borough's planning commission.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske may be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
Read more: http://postgazette.com/pg/09288/1005554-55.stm#ixzz0U8rWqWH4
Dormont mayor scolds solicitor during council meeting
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
By Zak Koeske
Dormont Mayor Tom Lloyd confronted borough solicitor Deron Gabriel at last night's crowded council meeting regarding accusations levied against him last week by a former resident.
During last week's council meeting, Mary Pitcher, of Scott, accused Mr. Gabriel of inappropriately contacting New Sun Rising, the sponsor of her non-profit organization that seeks to build a skate park in Dormont, to complain about partisan political signs displayed in the window of Mrs. Pitcher's antique shop along West Liberty Avenue. Mrs. Pitcher said she considered Mr. Gabriel's actions an underhanded attempt to get the foundation stripped of its non-profit status.
Mr. Gabriel responded that he contacted the non-profit sponsor "in an effort to protect Ms. Pitcher and New Sun Rising by allowing this 501(c)(3) an opportunity to comply with the IRS regulations prohibiting partisan political activity."
He said residents who were planning to file a formal complaint against Mrs. Pitcher had brought the issue to his attention. He said he simply passed along the information because he felt it was his responsibility as an officer of the court to bring what he perceived as legal infractions to light.
Mayor Lloyd last night repeatedly questioned Mr. Gabriel about the identity of the concerned members of the community who initially brought the issue to his attention. It had been speculated that these concerned citizens actually were members of council.
When asked directly whether members of council were involved, Mr. Gabriel said "I was provided information from members of the community, Dormont residents."
Mayor Lloyd responded, "It bothers me that you would take direction from members of the community to do something like that. It seems to me that you've overstepped your role as a solicitor ... since you won't say who actually directed you to do that, and if you're going to stick to your statement that it was done by members of the community, then it seems to me that's not the role of a solicitor. And I just believe that was wrong."
Mayor Lloyd then asked that in the future if a private citizen presented Mr. Gabriel with a complaint, he bring the matter to all members of the council before taking any personal action.
According to council member Laurie Malka, council is planning further investigation into the matter.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09279/1003387-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml#ixzz0U8eqXJIb
By Zak Koeske
Dormont Mayor Tom Lloyd confronted borough solicitor Deron Gabriel at last night's crowded council meeting regarding accusations levied against him last week by a former resident.
During last week's council meeting, Mary Pitcher, of Scott, accused Mr. Gabriel of inappropriately contacting New Sun Rising, the sponsor of her non-profit organization that seeks to build a skate park in Dormont, to complain about partisan political signs displayed in the window of Mrs. Pitcher's antique shop along West Liberty Avenue. Mrs. Pitcher said she considered Mr. Gabriel's actions an underhanded attempt to get the foundation stripped of its non-profit status.
Mr. Gabriel responded that he contacted the non-profit sponsor "in an effort to protect Ms. Pitcher and New Sun Rising by allowing this 501(c)(3) an opportunity to comply with the IRS regulations prohibiting partisan political activity."
He said residents who were planning to file a formal complaint against Mrs. Pitcher had brought the issue to his attention. He said he simply passed along the information because he felt it was his responsibility as an officer of the court to bring what he perceived as legal infractions to light.
Mayor Lloyd last night repeatedly questioned Mr. Gabriel about the identity of the concerned members of the community who initially brought the issue to his attention. It had been speculated that these concerned citizens actually were members of council.
When asked directly whether members of council were involved, Mr. Gabriel said "I was provided information from members of the community, Dormont residents."
Mayor Lloyd responded, "It bothers me that you would take direction from members of the community to do something like that. It seems to me that you've overstepped your role as a solicitor ... since you won't say who actually directed you to do that, and if you're going to stick to your statement that it was done by members of the community, then it seems to me that's not the role of a solicitor. And I just believe that was wrong."
Mayor Lloyd then asked that in the future if a private citizen presented Mr. Gabriel with a complaint, he bring the matter to all members of the council before taking any personal action.
According to council member Laurie Malka, council is planning further investigation into the matter.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09279/1003387-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml#ixzz0U8eqXJIb
Pitcher Park president accuses Dormont solicitor of dirty tricks
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
By Zak Koeske
A brief and otherwise uneventful Dormont Borough council meeting last night was overshadowed by a public statement made by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who accused the borough's solicitor of underhandedly attempting to have the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation stripped of its non-profit status.
Mrs. Pitcher said solicitor Deron Gabriel, under the guise of a "concerned citizen," called and sent multiple e-mails to New Sun Rising, Pitcher Park's 501(c)(3) sponsor, to complain about signs displayed in the window of Mrs. Pitcher's antique shop along West Liberty Avenue.
One of the signs listed the seven Dormont council members and each one's expected vote on the much anticipated skate park measure, while the other sign satirically advocated the write-in of private resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current council member Eugene Barilla. A picture of council president John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of Burger King's "The King" mascot also was framed and displayed in the shop window.
Mr. Gabriel said that he reported the shop's window signs because they represented a form of political campaigning -- an action non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations must avoid.
Mrs. Pitcher disputed that the signs had to be removed, explaining that her antique shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park foundation. She expressed anger that Mr. Gabriel did not identify himself as the solicitor of Dormont when he contacted New Sun Rising. She said she believes Mr. Gabriel's actions are in violation of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.
Mr. Gabriel responded by saying that as an officer of the court, he is bound to bring legal infractions to light.
"This was done in an effort to protect Ms. Pitcher and New Sun Rising by allowing this 501(c)(3) an opportunity to comply with the IRS regulations prohibiting partisan political activity ... this was a legal issue which was brought to my attention by residents and it was simply forwarded on appropriately in an effort to stave off a formal complaint from being filed.
"I made it very clear to [Scott Wolowich, of New Sun Rising] that I was simply passing along to him evidence brought to my attention, but that the decision was solely his as to whether to take the signs down or not."
Amidst this brewing controversy, council will vote Monday to decide the future of the skate park. The proposal is headed by Mrs. Pitcher to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned in July 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.net/pg/09272/1001664-100.stm#ixzz0U8cTSPJd
By Zak Koeske
A brief and otherwise uneventful Dormont Borough council meeting last night was overshadowed by a public statement made by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who accused the borough's solicitor of underhandedly attempting to have the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation stripped of its non-profit status.
Mrs. Pitcher said solicitor Deron Gabriel, under the guise of a "concerned citizen," called and sent multiple e-mails to New Sun Rising, Pitcher Park's 501(c)(3) sponsor, to complain about signs displayed in the window of Mrs. Pitcher's antique shop along West Liberty Avenue.
One of the signs listed the seven Dormont council members and each one's expected vote on the much anticipated skate park measure, while the other sign satirically advocated the write-in of private resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current council member Eugene Barilla. A picture of council president John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of Burger King's "The King" mascot also was framed and displayed in the shop window.
Mr. Gabriel said that he reported the shop's window signs because they represented a form of political campaigning -- an action non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations must avoid.
Mrs. Pitcher disputed that the signs had to be removed, explaining that her antique shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park foundation. She expressed anger that Mr. Gabriel did not identify himself as the solicitor of Dormont when he contacted New Sun Rising. She said she believes Mr. Gabriel's actions are in violation of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.
Mr. Gabriel responded by saying that as an officer of the court, he is bound to bring legal infractions to light.
"This was done in an effort to protect Ms. Pitcher and New Sun Rising by allowing this 501(c)(3) an opportunity to comply with the IRS regulations prohibiting partisan political activity ... this was a legal issue which was brought to my attention by residents and it was simply forwarded on appropriately in an effort to stave off a formal complaint from being filed.
"I made it very clear to [Scott Wolowich, of New Sun Rising] that I was simply passing along to him evidence brought to my attention, but that the decision was solely his as to whether to take the signs down or not."
Amidst this brewing controversy, council will vote Monday to decide the future of the skate park. The proposal is headed by Mrs. Pitcher to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned in July 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.net/pg/09272/1001664-100.stm#ixzz0U8cTSPJd
Dormont council rejects skate park plan McCoy: Plan vague, but options open
Thursday, October 08, 2009
By Zak Koeske
Dormont Council has voted down a pitch to build a skate park in the borough -- but the issue is far from over.
Undeterred by Monday night's 5-2 vote to reject Pitcher Park, the plan's originator, Mary Pitcher, said that she is not giving up her fight to bring such a venue to the South Hills.
Mrs. Pitcher, a former borough resident now living in Scott, wants a skate park as a memorial to honor her two sons who died in a drowning accident last year. The Pitcher brothers -- Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21 -- were enthusiasts of the so-called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking.
Mrs. Pitcher, who runs her family's antique shop in the borough's downtown, also said that young people in the borough need such a venue.
Some residents, however, do not agree, fearing the park would be unsightly and would lower property values.
The park is estimated to cost between $500,000 to $800,000 to build and would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars. However, costs of maintenance and insurance would fall to taxpayers.
The issue has been percolating since late July, when local landscape architect John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, presented plans for the park to council.
This week Mrs. Pitcher said she has also submitted a proposal to the Keystone Oaks school board requesting that the district set aside land for such a park. Her sons were graduates of Keystone Oaks.
And she maintained that she is not done talking with Dormont council members about the issue.
Monday, more than 60 people, including many children wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "Pitcher Park" and carrying signs, filled council chambers to wait for the vote.
Mrs. Pitcher was one of many from both sides of the issue who spoke.
"If we can save even one child from being killed, hurt, turning to drugs or drinking out of sheer boredom, it will be worth the challenge of raising $600,000 to build this park," she said.
When the motion "to allow a skate park to be built in the Borough of Dormont, funded by Grants and Fundraising of Pitcher Park Group" was eventually brought before council for a vote, it failed.
The two swing votes that doomed the park plan were cast by council members Tim McCoy and Blair Brockmeyer. Both men favored the idea of bringing a skate park to Dormont but took issue with some of the finer details.
"The motion was too open-ended. There needed to be a lot more specificity. If it comes back next month with more parameters and more specifics, then I would probably vote in favor," Mr. McCoy said.
He offered an alternative, seemingly popular proposal that would scale down the size of the existing Dormont Pool, leaving space there that he said could be used for a skate park.
Mr. Brockmeyer, who called Mr. McCoy's alternative proposal a "great idea," said he voted down the skate park motion because he didn't like any of the three plans that had been presented.
Mr. Buerkle's initial plan would have placed the skate park in Dormont Park about 60 feet from residences on Memorial Drive. After hearing complaints from concerned Dormont residents, he proposed two subsequent sites: One, in Dormont Park about 240 feet from the homes on Memorial Drive; the other on Banksville Road, in place of some borough tennis courts.
"I'm a little disappointed that after all this time, Mr. McCoy didn't come up with that idea before this and approach somebody before I spent $5,000 on designs and had John Buerkle do all that work," Mrs. Pitcher said.
She also said she is hopeful that next month's election will significantly alter the composition of the council because neither Mr. McCoy nor Mr. Brockmeyer are seeking re-election.
Park supporter Lauren Karabasz said she would work to effect change in Dormont by getting more young adults engaged in the political process, with the hope of electing a council more agreeable to the skate park proposition.
"I'm going to get a lot of young people involved. There are a lot of people that I hope are eventually [voted off council] because they don't have the best interests of the young community, and it's a shame," she said.
After Monday's meeting, council member Kim Lusardi, another park supporter, announced that she would be resigning as chair of the property, supplies and planning committee, citing a lack of respect from the council and solicitor.
But she added that council's ruling on the skate park did not factor into her decision.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://postgazette.com/pg/09281/1003681-55.stm#ixzz0U8kzQOLi
By Zak Koeske
Dormont Council has voted down a pitch to build a skate park in the borough -- but the issue is far from over.
Undeterred by Monday night's 5-2 vote to reject Pitcher Park, the plan's originator, Mary Pitcher, said that she is not giving up her fight to bring such a venue to the South Hills.
Mrs. Pitcher, a former borough resident now living in Scott, wants a skate park as a memorial to honor her two sons who died in a drowning accident last year. The Pitcher brothers -- Stephen, 19, and Vincent, 21 -- were enthusiasts of the so-called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking.
Mrs. Pitcher, who runs her family's antique shop in the borough's downtown, also said that young people in the borough need such a venue.
Some residents, however, do not agree, fearing the park would be unsightly and would lower property values.
The park is estimated to cost between $500,000 to $800,000 to build and would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars. However, costs of maintenance and insurance would fall to taxpayers.
The issue has been percolating since late July, when local landscape architect John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, presented plans for the park to council.
This week Mrs. Pitcher said she has also submitted a proposal to the Keystone Oaks school board requesting that the district set aside land for such a park. Her sons were graduates of Keystone Oaks.
And she maintained that she is not done talking with Dormont council members about the issue.
Monday, more than 60 people, including many children wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "Pitcher Park" and carrying signs, filled council chambers to wait for the vote.
Mrs. Pitcher was one of many from both sides of the issue who spoke.
"If we can save even one child from being killed, hurt, turning to drugs or drinking out of sheer boredom, it will be worth the challenge of raising $600,000 to build this park," she said.
When the motion "to allow a skate park to be built in the Borough of Dormont, funded by Grants and Fundraising of Pitcher Park Group" was eventually brought before council for a vote, it failed.
The two swing votes that doomed the park plan were cast by council members Tim McCoy and Blair Brockmeyer. Both men favored the idea of bringing a skate park to Dormont but took issue with some of the finer details.
"The motion was too open-ended. There needed to be a lot more specificity. If it comes back next month with more parameters and more specifics, then I would probably vote in favor," Mr. McCoy said.
He offered an alternative, seemingly popular proposal that would scale down the size of the existing Dormont Pool, leaving space there that he said could be used for a skate park.
Mr. Brockmeyer, who called Mr. McCoy's alternative proposal a "great idea," said he voted down the skate park motion because he didn't like any of the three plans that had been presented.
Mr. Buerkle's initial plan would have placed the skate park in Dormont Park about 60 feet from residences on Memorial Drive. After hearing complaints from concerned Dormont residents, he proposed two subsequent sites: One, in Dormont Park about 240 feet from the homes on Memorial Drive; the other on Banksville Road, in place of some borough tennis courts.
"I'm a little disappointed that after all this time, Mr. McCoy didn't come up with that idea before this and approach somebody before I spent $5,000 on designs and had John Buerkle do all that work," Mrs. Pitcher said.
She also said she is hopeful that next month's election will significantly alter the composition of the council because neither Mr. McCoy nor Mr. Brockmeyer are seeking re-election.
Park supporter Lauren Karabasz said she would work to effect change in Dormont by getting more young adults engaged in the political process, with the hope of electing a council more agreeable to the skate park proposition.
"I'm going to get a lot of young people involved. There are a lot of people that I hope are eventually [voted off council] because they don't have the best interests of the young community, and it's a shame," she said.
After Monday's meeting, council member Kim Lusardi, another park supporter, announced that she would be resigning as chair of the property, supplies and planning committee, citing a lack of respect from the council and solicitor.
But she added that council's ruling on the skate park did not factor into her decision.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://postgazette.com/pg/09281/1003681-55.stm#ixzz0U8kzQOLi
Dormont hears final pitches for Pitcher Park
Monday, October 05, 2009
By Vivian Nereim, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
With Dormont Council set to vote tonight on a proposed skateboard park, debate continues as to whether it would be a boon to local teenagers or an incursion on precious green space in the densely populated borough.
To 62-year-old John Varnum, who lives across the street from a proposed site for Pitcher Park, the park would be an unsightly expense.
"Can you imagine the devaluation of our homes?" he asked.
But to council member Laurie Malka, the park is a much-needed facility that would make Dormont a destination, bringing business to the borough.
And to Mary Pitcher of Scott, the former Dormont resident who conceived the idea, the park is a remembrance and a gift: a way to honor her skateboard- and BMX bike-loving sons Stephen and Vincent, who drowned during a camping trip last year.
Ms. Pitcher has gathered more than 1,100 signatures on a petition in favor of the park. The proposal has met both enthusiasm and outrage over the past months.
There are two suggested sites for Pitcher Park: one about 240 feet from homes on Memorial Drive near Dormont Park and the other replacing tennis courts along Banksville Road.
The seven-member borough council will vote tonight to either abandon the proposal or move forward. Council President John Maggio said he did not know which way the vote would swing.
"This is killing me," Ms. Pitcher said. "I really just hope the council sees the importance of this for the children in the community."
The park, which council estimates will cost $500,000 to $800,000 to build, would be funded by donations and grants, but the costs of maintenance and any insurance the borough decided to purchase would fall to taxpayers.
Some council members and residents questioned the financial feasibility of the plan.
"We don't have the money," said council member Blair Brockmeyer. "We're going to run out of money by the end of year."
Dormont resident Jaime Keaney said the borough needs new sewers and better roads, not a recreational facility.
Others said they were troubled by idea of siphoning the borough's scant green space.
"They're talking about half a football field of concrete poured. That's a monstrosity," said Brian Drummond, 50, of Dormont, who pointed out graffiti and cigarette butts in an album of photographs he had taken of a similar park in South Park.
Council Vice President Drew Lehman said he was not opposed to the idea of a skate park in the community but does not like the idea of one "on Dormont property, on public land, in the park itself."
Council member Tim McCoy noted that Dormont has memorialized only three people in its park system: two men who spent decades working on baseball and recreational issues in the borough, and a former longtime mayor.
"Ms. Pitcher is trying to keep the memory of her sons alive, and I'm not sure a skate park is the way to do it," he said.
Ms. Malka and Ms. Pitcher both argued that the park would provide a safe place for local teenagers.
Ms. Pitcher said the Dormont Junction bus and light-rail stop attracts skateboarders from as far away as New Kensington, adding that Pitcher Park would give them a legitimate location for their sport.
"I think that it's a wonderful opportunity for our community," said Ms. Malka. "There's really not a lot for kids in the 12-to-17 age group to do in Dormont."
Standing outside his home on Memorial Drive, Mr. Keaney, who has a 3-year-old son, disagreed.
"There's already a lot to do here," he said. "We don't have a lot of green space left for kids just to run around."
Staff writer Jonathan D. Silver contributed. Vivian Nereim can be reached at vnereim@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1413 .
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09278/1003096-55.stm#ixzz0U8je39Hs
By Vivian Nereim, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
With Dormont Council set to vote tonight on a proposed skateboard park, debate continues as to whether it would be a boon to local teenagers or an incursion on precious green space in the densely populated borough.
To 62-year-old John Varnum, who lives across the street from a proposed site for Pitcher Park, the park would be an unsightly expense.
"Can you imagine the devaluation of our homes?" he asked.
But to council member Laurie Malka, the park is a much-needed facility that would make Dormont a destination, bringing business to the borough.
And to Mary Pitcher of Scott, the former Dormont resident who conceived the idea, the park is a remembrance and a gift: a way to honor her skateboard- and BMX bike-loving sons Stephen and Vincent, who drowned during a camping trip last year.
Ms. Pitcher has gathered more than 1,100 signatures on a petition in favor of the park. The proposal has met both enthusiasm and outrage over the past months.
There are two suggested sites for Pitcher Park: one about 240 feet from homes on Memorial Drive near Dormont Park and the other replacing tennis courts along Banksville Road.
The seven-member borough council will vote tonight to either abandon the proposal or move forward. Council President John Maggio said he did not know which way the vote would swing.
"This is killing me," Ms. Pitcher said. "I really just hope the council sees the importance of this for the children in the community."
The park, which council estimates will cost $500,000 to $800,000 to build, would be funded by donations and grants, but the costs of maintenance and any insurance the borough decided to purchase would fall to taxpayers.
Some council members and residents questioned the financial feasibility of the plan.
"We don't have the money," said council member Blair Brockmeyer. "We're going to run out of money by the end of year."
Dormont resident Jaime Keaney said the borough needs new sewers and better roads, not a recreational facility.
Others said they were troubled by idea of siphoning the borough's scant green space.
"They're talking about half a football field of concrete poured. That's a monstrosity," said Brian Drummond, 50, of Dormont, who pointed out graffiti and cigarette butts in an album of photographs he had taken of a similar park in South Park.
Council Vice President Drew Lehman said he was not opposed to the idea of a skate park in the community but does not like the idea of one "on Dormont property, on public land, in the park itself."
Council member Tim McCoy noted that Dormont has memorialized only three people in its park system: two men who spent decades working on baseball and recreational issues in the borough, and a former longtime mayor.
"Ms. Pitcher is trying to keep the memory of her sons alive, and I'm not sure a skate park is the way to do it," he said.
Ms. Malka and Ms. Pitcher both argued that the park would provide a safe place for local teenagers.
Ms. Pitcher said the Dormont Junction bus and light-rail stop attracts skateboarders from as far away as New Kensington, adding that Pitcher Park would give them a legitimate location for their sport.
"I think that it's a wonderful opportunity for our community," said Ms. Malka. "There's really not a lot for kids in the 12-to-17 age group to do in Dormont."
Standing outside his home on Memorial Drive, Mr. Keaney, who has a 3-year-old son, disagreed.
"There's already a lot to do here," he said. "We don't have a lot of green space left for kids just to run around."
Staff writer Jonathan D. Silver contributed. Vivian Nereim can be reached at vnereim@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1413 .
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09278/1003096-55.stm#ixzz0U8je39Hs
PITCHER PARK DECISION DUE MONDAY IN DORMONT
Thursday, October 01, 2009
By Zak Koeske
Whether a professionally designed skate park will be built in Dormont is expected to be decided Monday.
Borough council is set to vote on Pitcher Park, a proposed skate park that has drawn controversy and debate.
Former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher has led the effort to build the park to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and enthusiasts of what are called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and in-line skating.
In an emotional address to Dormont council Monday, Mrs. Pitcher reiterated the purpose behind her campaign and described the latest controversy arising from the project, which has been opposed by some residents who do not want the park near their homes.
"People have [asked] me, 'Why are you doing this for Dormont?' Because I lived here for 27 years. My sons loved everybody in Dormont, and despite all of this stuff going on in the background from certain people, I want to do this for Dormont."
Mrs. Pitcher accused Dormont solicitor Deron Gabriel of underhandedly attempting to strip the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation of its nonprofit status.
She said Mr. Gabriel called and sent e-mails to New Sun Rising, Pitcher Park's nonprofit sponsor, to complain about signs displayed in the window of her antique shop on West Liberty Avenue. She said Mr. Gabriel did not identify himself as the solicitor of Dormont when he contacted the nonprofit.
One of the signs listed the seven Dormont council members and how each was expected to vote on the skate park. Another satirically advocated the write-in election of resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current Councilman Eugene Barilla. Another displayed a photo of council President John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of the Burger King mascot, "The King."
Mr. Gabriel responded that he reported the signs because they represented a form of political campaigning -- an action that nonprofit, or 501(c)(3), organizations must avoid. As an officer of the court, he said, he was bound to bring legal infractions to light.
Mrs. Pitcher disputed that the signs had to be removed, saying her shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation.
On Sept. 23, Pitcher Park designer John Buerkle presented revised plans for the park in an attempt to address concerns about his original plan, which would have placed the park 60 feet from some homes on Memorial Drive.
Mr. Buerkle has identified two alternative sites for the park -- an area about 240 feet from the Memorial Drive homes near the shelter/pavilion area in Dormont Park and an area along Banksville Road in place of the existing tennis courts.
Mr. Buerkle said the Banksville Road site is preferable because it would increase green space, have minimal impact on nearby residents and discourage illegal behavior at the park because of its location along an open, busy roadway.
The park, expected to cost $300,000 to $600,000, would be paid for with private funds raised by the foundation. Dormont would pay for insurance.
Kathy Bernard, a friend of Mrs. Pitcher, said she originally wa skeptical of the need for the park but volunteered to go door to door with a petition in support of it -- and she was amazed by the response.
"I knocked on doors and they said, 'Yes. Absolutely.' Eighty-three-year-olds, 77-year-olds said, 'Is it for the kids? I'll sign it.' People that raised families here said, 'We need young families in here to take care of these older homes when we go to sell them.' "
According to the Pitcher Park group, it has collected signatures from more than 1,000 Dormont residents and 35 Dormont businesses in support of the park.
Other members of the community, including council Vice President Drew Lehman, have a different view.
"The people [I've spoken to] generally are just outright against the idea of a park," Mr. Lehman said after the Sept. 23 design presentation.
If the skate park's construction is voted down on Monday, Mrs. Pitcher has indicated that she would consider trying to place the park in Castle Shannon because it is accessible by trolley to Dormont residents
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274/1002117-55.stm#ixzz0ShL4nLIr
By Zak Koeske
Whether a professionally designed skate park will be built in Dormont is expected to be decided Monday.
Borough council is set to vote on Pitcher Park, a proposed skate park that has drawn controversy and debate.
Former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher has led the effort to build the park to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned in 2008 while on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and enthusiasts of what are called extreme sports, such as skateboarding and in-line skating.
In an emotional address to Dormont council Monday, Mrs. Pitcher reiterated the purpose behind her campaign and described the latest controversy arising from the project, which has been opposed by some residents who do not want the park near their homes.
"People have [asked] me, 'Why are you doing this for Dormont?' Because I lived here for 27 years. My sons loved everybody in Dormont, and despite all of this stuff going on in the background from certain people, I want to do this for Dormont."
Mrs. Pitcher accused Dormont solicitor Deron Gabriel of underhandedly attempting to strip the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation of its nonprofit status.
She said Mr. Gabriel called and sent e-mails to New Sun Rising, Pitcher Park's nonprofit sponsor, to complain about signs displayed in the window of her antique shop on West Liberty Avenue. She said Mr. Gabriel did not identify himself as the solicitor of Dormont when he contacted the nonprofit.
One of the signs listed the seven Dormont council members and how each was expected to vote on the skate park. Another satirically advocated the write-in election of resident Jeff Fabus for Dormont council over current Councilman Eugene Barilla. Another displayed a photo of council President John Maggio's face superimposed on the body of the Burger King mascot, "The King."
Mr. Gabriel responded that he reported the signs because they represented a form of political campaigning -- an action that nonprofit, or 501(c)(3), organizations must avoid. As an officer of the court, he said, he was bound to bring legal infractions to light.
Mrs. Pitcher disputed that the signs had to be removed, saying her shop is not affiliated with the Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation.
On Sept. 23, Pitcher Park designer John Buerkle presented revised plans for the park in an attempt to address concerns about his original plan, which would have placed the park 60 feet from some homes on Memorial Drive.
Mr. Buerkle has identified two alternative sites for the park -- an area about 240 feet from the Memorial Drive homes near the shelter/pavilion area in Dormont Park and an area along Banksville Road in place of the existing tennis courts.
Mr. Buerkle said the Banksville Road site is preferable because it would increase green space, have minimal impact on nearby residents and discourage illegal behavior at the park because of its location along an open, busy roadway.
The park, expected to cost $300,000 to $600,000, would be paid for with private funds raised by the foundation. Dormont would pay for insurance.
Kathy Bernard, a friend of Mrs. Pitcher, said she originally wa skeptical of the need for the park but volunteered to go door to door with a petition in support of it -- and she was amazed by the response.
"I knocked on doors and they said, 'Yes. Absolutely.' Eighty-three-year-olds, 77-year-olds said, 'Is it for the kids? I'll sign it.' People that raised families here said, 'We need young families in here to take care of these older homes when we go to sell them.' "
According to the Pitcher Park group, it has collected signatures from more than 1,000 Dormont residents and 35 Dormont businesses in support of the park.
Other members of the community, including council Vice President Drew Lehman, have a different view.
"The people [I've spoken to] generally are just outright against the idea of a park," Mr. Lehman said after the Sept. 23 design presentation.
If the skate park's construction is voted down on Monday, Mrs. Pitcher has indicated that she would consider trying to place the park in Castle Shannon because it is accessible by trolley to Dormont residents
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274/1002117-55.stm#ixzz0ShL4nLIr
Pitcher Park revisions unveiled soon in Dormont
Thursday, September 10, 2009
By Zak Koeske
The designer of the proposed Pitcher Park skating park in Dormont will present a revised park plan to borough council Sept. 23. Then, on Oct. 5, council is scheduled to decide if there even will be such a park.
John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, will present the new plan. His original design placed the skate park near Memorial Drive in Dormont Park, close enough to some houses that several residents complained.
The construction of Pitcher Park, which remains a contentious issue in Dormont, is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19. The men drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Mrs. Pitcher, Pitcher Park president, has entertained proposals that would retain the Dormont Park location but move the skate park farther from the affected residences.
Another suggestion would move the skate park out of Dormont Park to Kelton Field, leaving its construction under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Oaks school board.
Mrs. Pitcher said that Mr. Buerkle's new plan will not focus on a single location, but suggest several spots throughout town. Still she expects opposition will continue.
Those opposed worry that such a park will create noise and traffic. But, the park has supporters, too. Earlier this month Lauren Karabasz presented council with a petition in support.
The skate park would be paid for by fundraisers and grants; but the borough will pay for insurance.
The Sept. 23 meeting is at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 10, 2009 at 6:11 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09253/996784-55.stm#ixzz0QiGil5GP
Thursday, September 10, 2009
By Zak Koeske
The designer of the proposed Pitcher Park skating park in Dormont will present a revised park plan to borough council Sept. 23. Then, on Oct. 5, council is scheduled to decide if there even will be such a park.
John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, will present the new plan. His original design placed the skate park near Memorial Drive in Dormont Park, close enough to some houses that several residents complained.
The construction of Pitcher Park, which remains a contentious issue in Dormont, is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19. The men drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Mrs. Pitcher, Pitcher Park president, has entertained proposals that would retain the Dormont Park location but move the skate park farther from the affected residences.
Another suggestion would move the skate park out of Dormont Park to Kelton Field, leaving its construction under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Oaks school board.
Mrs. Pitcher said that Mr. Buerkle's new plan will not focus on a single location, but suggest several spots throughout town. Still she expects opposition will continue.
Those opposed worry that such a park will create noise and traffic. But, the park has supporters, too. Earlier this month Lauren Karabasz presented council with a petition in support.
The skate park would be paid for by fundraisers and grants; but the borough will pay for insurance.
The Sept. 23 meeting is at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 10, 2009 at 6:11 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09253/996784-55.stm#ixzz0QiGil5GP
Designer presents revised skate park plans in Dormont
Thursday, September 24, 2009
By Zak Koeske
A landscape architect last night presented to Dormont council two additional potential sites for a proposed skate park in the borough.
More than 50 concerned Dormont residents crowded into the borough's committee meeting to hear John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, identified two potential additional sites for the skate park.
He designated an area about 240 feet from the Memorial Drive homes near the shelter/pavilion area in Dormont Park, and another location -- one he called the most practical because of its minimal impact on existing residences -- that would place the skate park along Banksville Road, in place of the existing tennis courts.
The current Banksville Road tennis courts would be relocated to Dormont Park, replacing deteriorating courts there that council member Laurie Malka acknowledged would have to be rehabilitated whether or not the skate park was built.
In addition to the skate park, the Banksville Road location also would include one full basketball court, one half basketball court, and a plaza in the center surrounded by a shade canopy of trees. The proposed skate park would share a parking lot with Dormont Pool and would not result in the loss of any green space, Mr. Buerkle said.
The construction of the skating area called Pitcher Park remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont. The park is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher to honor her deceased sons. Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, drowned last July on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and extreme sports enthusiasts.
The Pitcher Park group will fund the park privately, although if approved, the borough could apply for assistance grants. According to Mr. Buerkle, the insurance premiums, which will be paid by the borough, would not increase because of the skate park's construction.
Council member Kim Lusardi estimated the total cost of the skate park would run between $600,000 and $800,000 and that the fundraising and construction process would take at least 3 to 5 years to complete, if approved.
After last night's presentation, some residents voiced their continued concerns over the skate park, while others in favor of the park reiterated their belief that it would be foolish to refuse what they feel amounts to an incredible gift to the community. Both sides appeared to believe they represented the majority of Dormont residents.
Council will vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 24, 2009 at 5:32 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09267/1000503-100.stm#ixzz0S2APZ1W5
More than 50 concerned Dormont residents crowded into the borough's committee meeting to hear John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, identified two potential additional sites for the skate park.
He designated an area about 240 feet from the Memorial Drive homes near the shelter/pavilion area in Dormont Park, and another location -- one he called the most practical because of its minimal impact on existing residences -- that would place the skate park along Banksville Road, in place of the existing tennis courts.
The current Banksville Road tennis courts would be relocated to Dormont Park, replacing deteriorating courts there that council member Laurie Malka acknowledged would have to be rehabilitated whether or not the skate park was built.
In addition to the skate park, the Banksville Road location also would include one full basketball court, one half basketball court, and a plaza in the center surrounded by a shade canopy of trees. The proposed skate park would share a parking lot with Dormont Pool and would not result in the loss of any green space, Mr. Buerkle said.
The construction of the skating area called Pitcher Park remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont. The park is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher to honor her deceased sons. Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, drowned last July on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and extreme sports enthusiasts.
The Pitcher Park group will fund the park privately, although if approved, the borough could apply for assistance grants. According to Mr. Buerkle, the insurance premiums, which will be paid by the borough, would not increase because of the skate park's construction.
Council member Kim Lusardi estimated the total cost of the skate park would run between $600,000 and $800,000 and that the fundraising and construction process would take at least 3 to 5 years to complete, if approved.
After last night's presentation, some residents voiced their continued concerns over the skate park, while others in favor of the park reiterated their belief that it would be foolish to refuse what they feel amounts to an incredible gift to the community. Both sides appeared to believe they represented the majority of Dormont residents.
Council will vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 24, 2009 at 5:32 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09267/1000503-100.stm#ixzz0S2APZ1W5
DESIGNER TO PRESENT REVISED SKATE PARK PLAN IN DORMONT
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
By Zak Koeske T
he designer of the proposed Pitcher Park skating park in Dormont will present a revised park plan Sept. 23 to borough council.
John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, will present the new plan. Mr. Buerkle's original design placed the skate park near Memorial Drive in Dormont Park, close enough to some houses that several residents complained about the proposed location.
The construction of Pitcher Park, which remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont, is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19. The men drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Mrs. Pitcher, the Pitcher Park president, has entertained proposals that would retain the Dormont Park location but move the skate park farther from the affected residences. Another suggestion would move the skate park out of Dormont Park to Kelton Field, leaving its construction under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Oaks school board.
Mrs. Pitcher said that Mr. Buerkle's new plan will not focus on a single location, but suggest several spots throughout the Dormont area for further consideration. She expects, however, that opposition to the skate park will exist regardless of its proposed location.
Council will meet to vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 9, 2009 at 6:27 am Read more: http://www.pittsburghpost-gazette.com/pg/09252/996628-100.stm#ixzz0QdtLJrIo
By Zak Koeske T
he designer of the proposed Pitcher Park skating park in Dormont will present a revised park plan Sept. 23 to borough council.
John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, will present the new plan. Mr. Buerkle's original design placed the skate park near Memorial Drive in Dormont Park, close enough to some houses that several residents complained about the proposed location.
The construction of Pitcher Park, which remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont, is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19. The men drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Mrs. Pitcher, the Pitcher Park president, has entertained proposals that would retain the Dormont Park location but move the skate park farther from the affected residences. Another suggestion would move the skate park out of Dormont Park to Kelton Field, leaving its construction under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Oaks school board.
Mrs. Pitcher said that Mr. Buerkle's new plan will not focus on a single location, but suggest several spots throughout the Dormont area for further consideration. She expects, however, that opposition to the skate park will exist regardless of its proposed location.
Council will meet to vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on September 9, 2009 at 6:27 am Read more: http://www.pittsburghpost-gazette.com/pg/09252/996628-100.stm#ixzz0QdtLJrIo
100 Turn out for meeting on Dormont skate park
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
By Zak Koeske
After listening to supporters and detractors speak out about a proposed skate park, Dormont Borough Council last night gave the designer of the park more time to revise his plans.
Nearly 100 people gathered in the gymnasium adjacent to the Dormont City Council chambers last night to get an update on the proposed park that would be built in Dormont Park near Memorial Drive.
When the skate park was last discussed at a committee meeting Aug. 10, the issue provoked heated exchanges between supporters and those opposed to the park's construction. Although some residents oppose the idea of building a skate park in Dormont, much of the strongest opposition comes from residents of Memorial Drive, who believe the proposed Pitcher Park is close to their homes.
Last night, more than 30 enthusiastic supporters, many with young children in tow, came to the meeting with signs bearing slogans like, "Dormont not Dormant," "Let's do it for our kids," and "Skateboarding is not a crime."
A long line of attendees snaked around the gym waiting for their turn to speak, most of them overwhelmingly in favor of the skate park. One supporter, Lauren Karabasz, presented council with a petition signed by 824 Dormont residents in support of the skate park. She said that 28 local businesses were also on board with the plan.
Previously the skate park's architect, John Buerkle of Pashek Associates, was given the task by the council of altering his proposed layout in a way that would move the skate park farther from residences on Memorial Drive.
Council Vice President Drew Lehman, who is opposed to the park, said, "I can guarantee you, if we keep that location on Memorial Drive this is never going to pass council's judgment." In response, council members Laurie Malka and Kim Lusardi asked that no one else speak on their behalf.
Last night's meeting concluded with council voting to allow Mr. Buerkle to postpone the presentation of his new layout until the October council meeting. At that meeting, a council will decide whether the skate park can ultimately be built in Dormont.
The skate park proposal is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, who drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09244/994657-100.stm#ixzz0PrvMwnCD
Bikers riding to Florida to raise funds Thursday, October 01, 2009 By Zak Kosek
What started as a joke over the summer has turned into a 1,000-mile charitable expedition for BMX biker Jeff Smee, of Mt. Lebanon.
Mr. Smee, 25, and fellow competitive BMX biker Bryce Toole, 23, of Orlando, Fla., set out from Mt. Lebanon on Sept. 15 with nothing but their bikes and the contents of their 45-pound backpacks. They are traveling to Casselberry, Fla., to raise money for the proposed Pitcher Park in Dormont.
The Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation is headed by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build a professional-style skate park to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned last year while on a camping trip.
Mr. Smee and Vincent Pitcher had known each other through BMX riding.
"It was a local cause for someone that I [knew], and it helped out the BMX community. All the aspects of it just seemed to fit together into what I was doing," Mr. Smee said.
Two local businesses, Round 2 BMX on the South Side and Mercenary Apparel, are supporting of the Florida-bound bikers and their cause. Round 2 is providing all of the bicycle equipment for the trip, and Mercenary Apparel printed commemorative T-shirts. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to the Pitcher Park fund.
During the first 12 days of their trek, the two followed the Great Allegheny Passage from Point State Park to Cumberland, Md., on through to the C&O Canal Towpath to Washington, D.C. On Sunday, they rested, replenished their food supply and watched the Steelers game. They expect to travel primarily on state roads the rest of the way and hope to reach Casselberry by Oct. 31.
On a typical day, the bikers wake around 10 a.m. and eat a breakfast of dehydrated beans, vegetables and rice. They pack up camp and are on their way about 11 a.m., spending the remainder of the daylight hours biking. They stop every five or so miles for a rest and some trail mix and take an extended break for lunch, usually covering at least 30 miles before darkness falls. When they aren't sleeping at a friend's place along the way, the bikers camp outdoors.
"We pretty much set up the tent, light a little campfire, play the harmonica, read a book, whatever, until we go to sleep," Mr. Smee said.
He has been reading "Walden," Henry David Thoreau's tale of his isolated sojourn in the woods near Concord, Mass. -- a fitting gift from his mother.
For up-to-date information on the trip, visit the bikers' blog at www.flatland2florida.blogspot.com.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274/1002118-55.stm#ixzz0ShVoYGFL
Mr. Smee, 25, and fellow competitive BMX biker Bryce Toole, 23, of Orlando, Fla., set out from Mt. Lebanon on Sept. 15 with nothing but their bikes and the contents of their 45-pound backpacks. They are traveling to Casselberry, Fla., to raise money for the proposed Pitcher Park in Dormont.
The Pitcher Park Memorial Foundation is headed by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher, who wants to build a professional-style skate park to honor her sons, Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who drowned last year while on a camping trip.
Mr. Smee and Vincent Pitcher had known each other through BMX riding.
"It was a local cause for someone that I [knew], and it helped out the BMX community. All the aspects of it just seemed to fit together into what I was doing," Mr. Smee said.
Two local businesses, Round 2 BMX on the South Side and Mercenary Apparel, are supporting of the Florida-bound bikers and their cause. Round 2 is providing all of the bicycle equipment for the trip, and Mercenary Apparel printed commemorative T-shirts. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to the Pitcher Park fund.
During the first 12 days of their trek, the two followed the Great Allegheny Passage from Point State Park to Cumberland, Md., on through to the C&O Canal Towpath to Washington, D.C. On Sunday, they rested, replenished their food supply and watched the Steelers game. They expect to travel primarily on state roads the rest of the way and hope to reach Casselberry by Oct. 31.
On a typical day, the bikers wake around 10 a.m. and eat a breakfast of dehydrated beans, vegetables and rice. They pack up camp and are on their way about 11 a.m., spending the remainder of the daylight hours biking. They stop every five or so miles for a rest and some trail mix and take an extended break for lunch, usually covering at least 30 miles before darkness falls. When they aren't sleeping at a friend's place along the way, the bikers camp outdoors.
"We pretty much set up the tent, light a little campfire, play the harmonica, read a book, whatever, until we go to sleep," Mr. Smee said.
He has been reading "Walden," Henry David Thoreau's tale of his isolated sojourn in the woods near Concord, Mass. -- a fitting gift from his mother.
For up-to-date information on the trip, visit the bikers' blog at www.flatland2florida.blogspot.com.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274/1002118-55.stm#ixzz0ShVoYGFL
PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE ARTICLE:
DORMONT SKATE PARK NEEDS A HAPPY MEDIUM
Thursday, August 13, 2009
By Zak Koeske
A skate park in Dormont, proposed by a grieving mother who lost two sons in a drowning accident, has supporters -- and detractors -- in that community.
But those factions appear to be moving together after a council meeting Monday, where representatives of both sides had plenty to say.
Council will have the final say about permitting the proposed skate park in Dormont Park and, if approved, the borough will pay for insurance. But the park will be paid for by fundraisers and grants. At issue is its location, and the park's architect is working on that.
The skate park proposal is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher, now of Scott, as a way to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned while on a camping trip with family July 15, 2008, in the Allegheny National Forest.
Both young men were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who grew up in Dormont and were extreme sports enthusiasts.
As proposed, the park, designed by John Buerkle of Pashek Associates, would be built near Memorial Drive and would cost about $250,000. Saturday, a fundraiser, the Pitcher Park Music Festival held at South Park Amphitheater, raised more than $4,000. Mr. Buerkle presented his plans for the skate park at a council meeting July 27. However, after some residents complained that it was too close to a number of homes on Memorial Drive, council said that Mr. Buerkle should alter his design.
On Monday, skate park supporter and former Dormont resident Danielle Graham pleaded with the audience to look past the stereotypes sometimes associated with skateboarders.
"I think it's important to make sure that your reasons are based on facts and not stereotypes of what kind of kids are attracted to this kind of environment,'' Ms. Graham said.
She said she is in favor of anything that will get young people to "productively participate" in the community.
Some Memorial Drive home-owners said they are concerned about possible reductions in property values, loss of green space and more crime and graffiti.
Still, Memorial Drive resident Dee Krugh explained that, although she has some reservations, she was not opposed to the idea of a skate park, just its proposed location.
"I understand this spot across from the homes looks good, but if you lived in our house ... it [would be] very difficult. There is a larger area elsewhere in the park. Perhaps, [Buerkle] will bring a different and [acceptable] proposal. ... If it can be placed somewhere [less invasive to my privacy], then we can find a compromise,'' Ms. Krugh said.
Park supporter Lauren Karabasz, of Dormont, a teacher, extended the good will.
"If we can get this thing moved so that it doesn't affect anyone [adversely], that would be the best scenario. We want to bring everybody together, not cause problems."
Mrs. Pitcher gave a lengthy and, at times, emotional explanation of her plan and how she followed guidelines from the Tony Hawk Foundation for getting a skate park built. She also said she had talked to council before she started working on the project.
Mrs. Pitcher said a skate park would not only be a memorial to her sons; it would also be good for all youth of the community.
Resident Jeff Fabus concluded the meeting to a round of applause, reminding: "Confucius said the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Tonight, we took that step ... so guys, just keep working together and find a spot for this park.''
Councilwoman Laurie Malka believes that there will be enough room in Dormont Park to move the skate park away from homes, while preserving its original design.
She also said the park will offer an excellent alternative recreational activity for teenagers in Dormont.
Council will vote after it reviews the new design.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on August 13, 2009 at 6:18 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09225/990379-55.stm#ixzz0OJH0ovCc
By Zak Koeske
A skate park in Dormont, proposed by a grieving mother who lost two sons in a drowning accident, has supporters -- and detractors -- in that community.
But those factions appear to be moving together after a council meeting Monday, where representatives of both sides had plenty to say.
Council will have the final say about permitting the proposed skate park in Dormont Park and, if approved, the borough will pay for insurance. But the park will be paid for by fundraisers and grants. At issue is its location, and the park's architect is working on that.
The skate park proposal is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher, now of Scott, as a way to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned while on a camping trip with family July 15, 2008, in the Allegheny National Forest.
Both young men were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who grew up in Dormont and were extreme sports enthusiasts.
As proposed, the park, designed by John Buerkle of Pashek Associates, would be built near Memorial Drive and would cost about $250,000. Saturday, a fundraiser, the Pitcher Park Music Festival held at South Park Amphitheater, raised more than $4,000. Mr. Buerkle presented his plans for the skate park at a council meeting July 27. However, after some residents complained that it was too close to a number of homes on Memorial Drive, council said that Mr. Buerkle should alter his design.
On Monday, skate park supporter and former Dormont resident Danielle Graham pleaded with the audience to look past the stereotypes sometimes associated with skateboarders.
"I think it's important to make sure that your reasons are based on facts and not stereotypes of what kind of kids are attracted to this kind of environment,'' Ms. Graham said.
She said she is in favor of anything that will get young people to "productively participate" in the community.
Some Memorial Drive home-owners said they are concerned about possible reductions in property values, loss of green space and more crime and graffiti.
Still, Memorial Drive resident Dee Krugh explained that, although she has some reservations, she was not opposed to the idea of a skate park, just its proposed location.
"I understand this spot across from the homes looks good, but if you lived in our house ... it [would be] very difficult. There is a larger area elsewhere in the park. Perhaps, [Buerkle] will bring a different and [acceptable] proposal. ... If it can be placed somewhere [less invasive to my privacy], then we can find a compromise,'' Ms. Krugh said.
Park supporter Lauren Karabasz, of Dormont, a teacher, extended the good will.
"If we can get this thing moved so that it doesn't affect anyone [adversely], that would be the best scenario. We want to bring everybody together, not cause problems."
Mrs. Pitcher gave a lengthy and, at times, emotional explanation of her plan and how she followed guidelines from the Tony Hawk Foundation for getting a skate park built. She also said she had talked to council before she started working on the project.
Mrs. Pitcher said a skate park would not only be a memorial to her sons; it would also be good for all youth of the community.
Resident Jeff Fabus concluded the meeting to a round of applause, reminding: "Confucius said the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Tonight, we took that step ... so guys, just keep working together and find a spot for this park.''
Councilwoman Laurie Malka believes that there will be enough room in Dormont Park to move the skate park away from homes, while preserving its original design.
She also said the park will offer an excellent alternative recreational activity for teenagers in Dormont.
Council will vote after it reviews the new design.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on August 13, 2009 at 6:18 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09225/990379-55.stm#ixzz0OJH0ovCc
PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE
ALL DAY ROCK CONCERT TO HELP BUILD SKATE PARK IN MEMORY OF TWO DORMONT BROTHERS
Thursday, July 30, 2009
By Zak Koeske
An eclectic collection of 16 bands will rock the South Park Amphitheatre from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Aug. 8 to raise money for the construction of a memorial skate park in Dormont.
The skate park would honor Dormont brothers and Keystone Oaks graduates Vincent and Stephen Pitcher, who died last year.
Vincent Pitcher, 21, a BMX enthusiast, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, an avid skateboarder, drowned July 15, 2008, while on a camping trip with family in the Allegheny National Forest.
Investigators said Stephen Pitcher jumped from a park bridge into about 75 feet of water; when it became apparent he was in trouble, Vincent dived in after him. They struggled, and when police found them seven hours later, the brothers were still hugging each other.
Over the past year, their mother, Mary Pitcher, has dedicated herself to having a professional-quality skate park -- to be named Pitcher Park-- built in honor of her two youngest sons, who loved the so-called "extreme sports" -- biking, in-line skating and especially skateboarding.
Mrs. Pitcher figures it will require about $250,000 to build a West Coast-style skate park in Dormont. She and supporters -- who plan to raise the money -- have approached Dormont administration with tentative plans for constructing the facility on the Memorial Drive site of the long-abandoned tennis courts.
Council continues to study the plan.
Next week's music festival will be the most elaborate of the many Pitcher Park fundraisers held since the tragedy. Between 500 and 1,000 people are expected to attend.
New Sun Rising, a nonprofit organization that helps provide funds to grass-roots projects within the Pittsburgh community, is sponsoring the event. Musicians will play free.
The lineup includes 15 local acts, all of which have connections to one of Mrs. Pitcher's four sons, along with Philadelphia-based alternative rock band Adalie, handpicked by Mrs. Pitcher.
"For me to like a sound that isn't the Average White Band from the 1970s is pretty good," Mrs. Pitcher said.
She said she came across Adalie's music on MySpace and asked the Van's Warped Tour veterans to play at the festival.
Glenn Stockhausen, 25, a music promoter and close friend of the Pitcher family, was responsible for securing local bands. One such group, the Young Bucks, have written a song for the brothers, which they will perform at the concert.
The all-day affair will be alcohol-free and family friendly. There will be food vendors, and a poster autographed by skateboard legend Tony Hawk will be raffled. Additional entertainment will be provided by a team of pro skaters from the One Up Skateshop on the South Side and the cast of Uniontown-based comedy television show "Midnight Monster Hop."
Admission is $15; $5 for children under 10.
Mrs. Pitcher would love to make the Pitcher Park festival an annual event and has already begun taking names for next year's show.
She expects it will take approximately two more years for her group of friends and neighbors to reach the goal of $250,000. So far they have raised $20,000, enough to have professional plans drawn for the skate park.
The Pitcher Park blueprints were charted by local firm Pashek Associates, which has also designed skate parks in South Park, Findlay and Monroeville's Boyce Park.
Mrs. Pitcher had asked that the designer incorporate aspects of the Dormont light-rail station into the park.
"It was the only place that [my sons and their friends] could skate, kind of, and get away with it, before the Port Authority police came," Mrs. Pitcher said.
The project is in line for a grant from Markham Vineyards, a Napa Valley winery. The winery's Mark of Distinction program awards two $25,000 grants each year to "inspired and passionate people nationwide to assist them in executing powerful, tangible projects in their neighborhoods."
Pitcher Park was chosen as one of 10 national finalists, on the merit of a 300-word essay written by Mrs. Pitcher. Online voting, at www.markhammarkofdistinction.com, will continue until Aug. 24. The two leading vote-getters will each receive a $25,000 grant.
Mrs. Pitcher said the proposed skate park is "to honor my sons who passed away -- and for the community they loved and that loved them back."
"It's a way for everyone to come together to have fun," she said.
For more, visit www.pitcherpark.com.
Freelance writer Zak Koeske can be reached in care of suburbanliving@post-gazette.com. First published on July 30, 2009 at 6:36 am
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09211/987316-55.stm#ixzz0OJUjCMCV
