Etna celebrates $3M grant to fund new community building and library

Mary Ellen Ramage has lived and helped to lead the small borough of Etna along the Allegheny River long enough to experience a steep decline, but also to help her see how a revival might be at hand.

"I saw the town change and go through some really awful times," said Ramage, long-time borough manager for Etna, at a celebration of a new community building and library in the works for the community.

She recounted not just the demise of the steel industry in the second half of the 20th century, but also the construction of Route 28 that resulted in the razing of one quarter of the borough's territory and the demolition of nearly 400 homes, along with later floods and economic challenges that resulted in half the police department getting laid off...Read More

Downtown Neighbors Alliance works to increase rooftop greenery in Pittsburgh

One organization wants to make Downtown a little greener — on the rooftops, at least.

The Downtown Neighbors Alliance is working with Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to add some greenery — as well as some environmental benefits — to some of its Golden Triangle properties.

John Valentine, the alliance’s executive director, said he reached out to Point Park and the Cultural Trust to get the initiative rolling because they are among the largest property owners Downtown...Read More

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh finishes $6.6 million renovation

Citing a full events calendar and the growing popularity of the North Shore, Rivers Casino announced Wednesday that it had finished a $6.6 million renovation, expanding the rentable and reservable spaces to 50,000 square-feet.

The construction project included a 7,044-square-foot Bridges ballroom, improving the existing Rivers ballroom, adding a Starbucks, four meeting rooms and a lounge for exclusive members.

“With the stadiums and other nearby attractions on the North Shore ... our events calendar fills up quickly,” general manager Bud Green said in a statement. “We’re happy to provide new spaces and more dates for hosting conferences, weddings and special events.” ...Read More