“The Run” Photo Courtesy of Greenfield Community Association

Four Mile Run Watershed Community Meeting

Meeting Time: Tue. Jan 24, 2017 6:00pm – 8:00pm

In 2016, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) began work on a plan for green infrastructure improvements in the Four Mile Run watershed. This project aims to reduce the frequent flooding in the Run, restore the local ecology, and improve park connectivity.

In the coming months, the PPC consultants, led by the landscape architecture firm Phronesis, will be working to refine this concept plan through on-the-ground technical surveys, cost analysis, and continuing community engagement.

They will be holding a series of public community meetings in 2017, the first being January 24th from 6-8pm. At this initial multi-community meeting, the design team will be presenting conceptual designs and seeking input from residents in and around the watershed (Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Hazelwood).

How does this affect bicycling?

The popular Junction Hollow Trail runs through this watershed, and will most likely be affected by any conceptual designs. All conceptual drawings that we have seen include preserving the trail through this segment. While still very early in the design process, we have not seen any commitment to maintaining the trail during construction.

The design team seems to be thinking holistically about how to manage the water that flows into Four Mile Run, so that means that there may be projects within the watershed, yet far away from The Run, that will help prevent water from ever reaching the neighborhood in the first place. These projects do provide potential opportunities for bicycling upgrades, as there are many things in the biking wishlist within this watershed. For instance:

Connections to the future ALMONO site, Hazelwood Trail, or Eliza Furnace Trail

Connections across the train tracks to Panther Hollow Lake and Schenley Park

Extending the Junction Hollow Trail up to Neville St

Possible redesign of Schenley Dr between Squirrel Hill and Oakland

Representatives from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Phronesis, and partners like Councilman O’Connor’s office, PWSA, the City of Pittsburgh, ALCOSAN, and the URA will be available to take your questions, comments and concerns.

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please be sure to register, and to share with neighbors and friends!

Four Mile Run Watershed Community Meeting

Tues. January 24, 2017 / 6-8pm

The Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall 4227 5th Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

RSVP HERE: https://www.showclix.com/event/four-mile-run-watershed-gi-concept-plan-update

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