State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your
 District 38 Update

Upcoming Events

Free Veterans $cam Jam

FREE Veterans $cam Jam – Open to the Public – Lunch Included!
Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League, 838 Pittsburgh St, Springdale
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 10 am - 12:00 noon

Senator Williams is hosting a Veterans $cam Jam with the PA Department of Banking and Securities! This free event is open to everyone-- Veterans, their families, and anyone looking to protect themselves and their money from financial fraud and abuse.

This event will include information targeted to Veterans on how to avoid today’s scams that specifically target military benefits and savings. It will also include a wealth of information on everyday scams that apply to the general public. Between key sessions attendees get to play Fraud BINGO – you could even win a prize! Attendees will hear from professionals, visit with exhibitors, and get free resources.

All attendees will enjoy a free lunch after the seminar!

Because seating is limited, registration is highly recommended. Register at Senator Williams $camJam with the Department of Banking and Securities.

Call or email our office if you have questions or need help registering: 412-364-0469 (Ross) or 724-224-2131 (Harrison) or email us at [email protected]

Learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from scammers! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:00 am!

VSO Appointments
 Available

VSO Appointments Available

Did you know my office offers American Legion Veterans Service Officer (VSO) appointments every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 1 pm? Whether you have a question or just need a fresh review of the benefits you’ve earned you can schedule an appointment at either my Ross or Natrona Heights district office. Appointments rotate between the offices every month. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • Tuesday, November 19, Ross Township office, 5000 McKnight Road, Suite 405.
  • Tuesday, December 17, Natrona Heights office, 1826 Union Ave.

Call or email to schedule your one-on-one appointment: 412-364-0469 (Ross) 724-224-2131 (Harrison). Appointments fill up quickly!

Good News

Groundbreaking for the
 Allegheny Shores Site Renewal project in Sharpsburg (2022). 2.
 “Wall Busting” for the Etna Center for Community (2024).
 3. Reviewing plans for the new Evolve Coaching Inclusion Center in
 Garfield (2024). 4. Peebles VFD, McCandless - 2023 Rescue Service of
 the Year. 5. Downtown West View at this year’s Halloween Parade.
 6. Ribbon cutting at The Carina, the Negley Rotunda mixed-income
 housing community in Garfield (2023).

1. Groundbreaking for the Allegheny Shores Site Renewal project in Sharpsburg (2022). 2. “Wall Busting” for the Etna Center for Community (2024). 3. Reviewing plans for the new Evolve Coaching Inclusion Center in Garfield (2024). 4. Peebles VFD, McCandless - 2023 Rescue Service of the Year. 5. Downtown West View at this year’s Halloween Parade. 6. Ribbon cutting at The Carina, the Negley Rotunda mixed-income housing community in Garfield (2023). 

Over $12M in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Grants Awarded in Senate District 38!

I am proud to announce that eight local projects in Senate District 38 have been awarded $12,575,000 in grant funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). This funding is intended to support projects that focus on the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects that also maintain or increase economic activity.

Each of the projects awarded in our district represents a significant investment in community space and ensure that our neighborhoods have those all-important ‘third places’ for people to gather, celebrate, find support, or just be. This funding is also a critical investment in the region’s economy that creates opportunities for more residents and attracts visitors and jobs to the area. I am incredibly proud to support funding that builds strength in our communities, which is what every single one of these projects will do.

The following projects will receive funding:

  • $1 million to Riverfront 47 for the Allegheny Shores Site Renewal project in Sharpsburg. This funding will complete the site preparation for Phase 1 and will include grading and earthwork, utilities, constructing a new roadway network and parking facilities, and building public spaces between 19th Street and the Allegheny River.
  • $5 million to Walnut Penn Shady LP for the District Vision Plan at the Former Club One site in Pittsburgh for site preparation and general infrastructure construction. This development will become a mixed-use retail, office, biotech, and residential space with public parking.
  • $1.5 million to the Etna Community Organization for the Etna Center for Community. Funding will be used for renovation of the ground-floor to create a community space, library programming, and flex-space that can be used for meeting rooms or office workspace. The upper floor residential units will also be renovated and reconfigured.
  • $1.5 million to the Evolve Coaching Inclusion Center for demolition and renovation at the site of the new Inclusion Center at 5025 Penn Avenue. Funds will be used to construct a new elevator, parking space, retaining wall, sidewalk extension, fenced-in patio, and to plant trees.
  • $500,000 to the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company for expansion and reconfiguration of their Department in McCandless Township. This project will expand the physical footprint of the station and create additional space for separate rooms for washing and storage of firefighting gear, as well as a decontamination space, engineering room, and additional administrative spaces.
  • $1,775,000 to the Pittsburgh Zoo for construction of a new Giraffe Barn. This will be a new single-story agriculture structure with a mezzanine level for husbandry and care. Construction will include both structural and utility connection, including fire alarm, and telecommunications.
  • $300,000 to West View Borough for their Downtown Revitalization project. This funding will go towards replacing sidewalks and cement concrete curbs throughout the corridor, improving accessibility for everyone. ADA ramps will also be reconstructed for mid-block crossings throughout the area.
  • $1 million to the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation for the Negley Rotunda Restoration. Funding will be used for revitalization and renovation of the decommissioned, former B’Nai Israel Synagogue and School. Phase 1 of this project includes replacing a decrepit parapet walkway that encircles the domed roof that is causing water damage to the building and causing long-term damage.

You can learn more about these projects at: Senator Lindsey Williams Announces Over $12 Million in Grant Funding for Local Construction and Capital Improvement Projects - Senator Lindsey Williams.

Blackberry Meadows Farm, Fawn Township

I was pleased to be able to join the Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) at Blackberry Meadows Farm to see agriculture conservation programs in action. By combining multiple programs Blackberry Meadows Farm is more sustainable, ecologically sound, and will be preserved as farmland in perpetuity.

One of my favorite things about representing the 38th Senate District, is that it has a little bit of everything Pennsylvania is known for - three City of Pittsburgh wards, towns along the river like Etna and Brackenridge, suburbs like Ross and West View, and rural areas like Fawn. So, anyone who says that Allegheny County doesn’t have farms should know WE DO! 

I’m passionate about preserving these working farms and other green spaces because responsible management of them is critical for our environment. Thank you to Blackberry Meadows Farm for showing us what sustainable agriculture looks like!

West View Halloween Parade

West View Halloween Parade 

Last Monday I joined my neighbors for West View’s Annual Halloween Parade and had a great time judging the costume contest. Thank you to all the businesses and volunteers who contributed to this year's parade and helped make it a success! 

Honoring Our Veterans in Hampton

Honoring Our Veterans in Hampton

Thank you to the Hampton Township School District for the wonderful Hampton Heroes Veterans Day celebration earlier this week. This service is a tribute to all veterans but also individually celebrates local veteran heroes. Thank you to the students, teachers, parents, administrators, and, most importantly, active service members and veterans for a moving ceremony honoring those who served our nation.
 

Legislative Update

Post-Election Peace, Pizza, and Puzzles Gathering at the Shaler Library

As we conclude this long election cycle, I want to thank the county election employees here in Allegheny County and across the state. 

Elections workers, and the thousands of poll workers who joined them on Tuesday, are our friends, family, and our neighbors. They are all dedicated to ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and properly administered.

Whether your preferred candidate won or lost on Tuesday, your neighbors will remain your neighbors. I urge you to reject the outside forces looking to divide us and instead remember what makes Western Pennsylvania so strong: that we look out for each other and work together to build bridges and solve problems.

This is why I am inviting the community to Shaler North Hills Library for a “Post-Election Peace, Pizza, and Puzzles” event to bring the community together. This is a wonderful chance to talk, share a meal, and solve puzzles together—exactly what makes this community so wonderful. No matter your party, I hope you will join us.

To register for this event go to Events - Senator Lindsey Williams.

News You Can Use

LIHEAP

LIHEAP

LIHEAP Application Period is Open

Applications opened Monday for the 2024-2025 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season! 

This fall has been mild, but very cold weather can sneak up on us here in PA so don’t wait to apply. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. 

  • Cash grants are one-time payments sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. 
  • Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.
  • Families may also qualify for a crisis grant if they are in immediate danger of being without heat.
  • LIHEAP grants do not have to be repaid!

Don't wait, apply today, and keep your family warm all winter long! Ways to apply:

To read more about LIHEAP click here.

 Drought Conditions in Allegheny County

Drought Conditions in Allegheny County

Water Saving Tips

Drought Conditions in Allegheny County 

Last Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Drought Task Force announced that 33 counties are under a drought watch including Allegheny County, and two are under a drought warning due to consistent dry conditions.

Wondering what you can do to help? Residents and businesses can take voluntary water conservation actions to cut down on nonessential use like watering when temperatures are cooler, checking for and repairing leaks, or running the dishwasher less often. Also, be sure to follow local guidance on burn bans to keep our natural areas and communities safe from fire. 

For more information on the drought, please click here or visit: dep.pa.gov/Drought

PWSA Updates Coming to Area Community
 Meetings

PWSA Updates Coming to Area Community Meetings

This fall PWSA is presenting updates on their current initiatives at local community meetings. Attendees will be able to participate in open discussions about:

  • The reinvestment of ratepayer dollars back into our water system 
  • Ongoing projects to improve water reliability and protect public health  
  • Expanded Customer Assistance Programs  
  • Changes to your 2024 bill  

PWSA will have on-site team members to answer questions about their customer assistance programs and can enroll qualified households on the spot.

Upcoming presentations in Senate District 38:

  • Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting 
    • Monday, Nov 18, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Sunnyside Prek-8
  • Highland Park Community Council Meeting
    • Thursday, Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Check PWSA’s Meetings and Events page for meeting details and the list of all scheduled events. 

To request a State of PWSA presentation at one of your upcoming community meetings, please reach out to Rachel Rampa, Senior Public Affairs Coordinator at [email protected]

PA CareerLink Job Fair on
 November 20th!

PA CareerLink Job Fair on November 20th!

Looking for your next career opportunity? Join PA CareerLink®, Pittsburgh at their next Multi-Employer Job Fair. Attendees will be able to connect with top local employers that are ready to hire on the spot! Whether you’re starting a career, looking to change paths, or ready to take the next step, there will be opportunities for everyone.

  • When:  Wednesday, November 20, 2024
  • Where:  PA CareerLink® Allegheny East, 300 Penn Center Blvd, BLDG. 3, Floor #8, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
  • Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bring your resume, dress to impress, and get ready to meet recruiters from diverse industries. Get your questions answered, network, and explore the jobs waiting for you!

Coats for Kids Drive this
 Saturday!

Coats for Kids Drive this Saturday!

The Pittsburgh Fire Fighters’ annual Coats for Kids distribution is this Saturday, November 9, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at their Union Hall, 120 Flowers Ave, Pittsburgh!

Fire Fighters will be on hand to fit Pittsburgh area children with brand new warm winter coats, hats, and gloves. There is no pre-registration needed, and coats will be provided as long as supplies last. Children must be present to receive coats. Warm kids are happy kids!

For questions, contact [email protected].

Don’t Miss These
 Freebies on Veterans Day

Don’t Miss These Freebies on Veterans Day

To show gratitude for veterans' service, many businesses are offering discounts and freebies.

Our graphic highlights some discounts, but you can go to Military.com for the full list at https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have by phone at 412-364-0469 (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 (Harrison Office) or by email at [email protected]. My staff will return your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).


Senator Lindsey Williams

Office Locations
District Office
5000 McKnight Road
Suite 405
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: 412-364-0469
Fax: 412-364-0928
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Harrison Office
1826 Union Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone: 724-224-2131
Fax: 724-224-2145
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm
Harrisburg Office
366 Capitol Building
Senate Box 203038
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3038
Phone: 717-787-6538
Fax: 717-787-8625
By appointment only