“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Fred Rogers

This message was paid for by EM-Media

Greetings from Jim at 706 James Street; five years ago, after EM-Media moved to the Northside, I wrote about my initial reaction to the litter, homelessness and crime of our city. Please revisit the initial blog, “Being A Good Neighbor Means Doing The Hard Things.” Unfortunately, the area is worse off than it was five years ago.

Improvements in economic development have been seen in Deutschtown with Siempre Algo, Fig and Ash, Comfort Inn & Suites, renovations to the Teutonia Mannerchor, and the Garden Theatre area, to name a few. This is met by a severe decline to the area as a whole. Litter, crime and homelessness have increased significantly.

Who is at fault?

We all need to take ownership and pride in our community and city; anyone who lives or works here, our city leaders and our civic government. Are we all doing our part? Are we all cleaning up in front of our homes and business? We were once the city of champions, voted as one of the best places to live in America. Champions work hard to do their absolute best. I don’t believe we are working to be the good neighbor or community members, but we should. We all need to come together and work towards the improvement of our community.

Is this the ‘Best Place to Live’?

An example of clean living? Bike trails don’t suggest this notion if they are unsafe to travel and lack a sense of security. Another area with room for improvement needs to be the river trail by Heinz lofts. Would you feel safe if your loved one had to walk here or in other areas at the core of our city?

Let’s Hold those in charge accountable

Mayor Gainey, when you spoke at the Downtown Rotary lunch meeting while you were running for office, you emphatically emphasized that you were running to clean up our city, have you? What is your plan? Citizens of Pittsburgh, news outlets, make your voices heard and create a positive change!

• Make Andy Warhol proud and beautifully light up the Northshore and Northside.
• Make Fred Rogers proud and make our city safe for all its residents.
• Make Roberto Clemente proud by bringing everyone together by connecting the Northside with the heart of Pittsburgh.

With the inner city of Pittsburgh desiring to be a place for more and more people to live, work and play it is imperative that we collectively do a better job of improving our negative issues. Be the eyes and ears for our law enforcement agencies and help them succeed at their jobs. Hold your elective officials accountable; call, write and urge them to take action.

Use your voice. I am offering the services of EM-Media to get our message out and help make positive change. Share and endorse this message. Make it go VIRAL until positive change occurs. Contact me to talk about how together we can be part of the solution. Our time is now!