This morning, the Public Information Office gave everyone a “walk through” of the new website, www.mtlebanon.org [1]. Response to the clean, user-friendly site from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Most people like the fact that it takes fewer clicks to access information. Also popular is the new A-Z index, which can be expanded as needed. Watch for a “how to” video on MTLTV in the next couple of weeks and call 412-343-3552 if you need help finding something.
News from departments included:
—mtl has received five nominations for Golden Quill Awards from the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania. This is the most prestigious journalism competition the magazine enters. The stiff competition includes Pittsburgh Quarterly, Pittsburgh Magazine, H the Magazine of the Heinz Endowments, Pitt Magazine and other highly regarded publications.
—The tennis courts currently are being resurfaced and the bubbles will come down Sunday, weather permitting. The tennis center roof is being repaired.
— There is a Relay for Life golf outing at the tennis center this weekend. For information, call 412-343-3754.
—Tonight at the high school the police and fire departments will present their first (and, they hope, annual) program on campus safety to parents and their teens who are heading to college.
—Public Works Director Tom Kelley reports that the bid for resurfacing targeted streets came in at $276,000, slightly over budget, so the work will proceed, but the work will be slightly less extensive than planned. A list of the streets to be resurfaced will appear in the May issue of mtl.
—Scam artist contractors who will take your money and run are operating in the area. Police Chief Colman McDonough recommends that before hiring a contractor you ask for and check their references and be sure you have a signed contract.
—The Marriott Springhill Suites has now been under construction for one year. Progress on the hotel, which will rise 7 stories above street level, is slow but continues.
—Fresh Market, scheduled to go on the former Roth Carpet property at Connor and Washington roads, will be in front of the planning board seeking final approval next Tuesday. Planner Keith McGill does not expect any obstacles, provided the developers present the information previously requested. Next step will be seeking Commission approval, which generally takes place fairly quickly upon recommendation of the planning board. Traffic issues, which presented the biggest challenge, are resolved.
—The historic preservation board (HPB) will be working with the Mt. Lebanon Partnership on Plein Air Mt. Lebanon, the festival that will bring artists from around the country to paint throughout Mt. Lebanon the first week in October. The HPB will be providing an orientation for the artists, including a mini-bus tour of the community and a slide show at a reception in a private home.
—A serious fire on Broadmoor last week was caused by a candle that was knocked over by a cat. This is one of several recent fires caused by candles knocked over by pets. Please don’t leave candles burning. In this case, five out of six of the owners’ cats died, and she was injured but thankfully is expected to recover, according to Fire Chief Nick Sohyda.