TM(Advertisement)
Tube City Community Media Inc. is seeking freelance writers to help cover city council, news and feature stories in McKeesport, Duquesne, White Oak and the neighboring communities. High school and college students seeking work experience are encouraged to apply; we are willing to work with students who need credit toward class assignments. Please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and the name of a reference (an employer, supervisor, teacher, etc. -- not a relative) to tubecitytiger@gmail.com.
Ads start at $1 per day, minimum seven days.
Duquesne Considers Tree-Planting Program
Council OK’s agreement to explore partnership with local non-profit
By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
May 07, 2025
Posted in: Duquesne News
Tree Pittsburgh is holding an “adoption event” this Saturday (May 10) in McKeesport. For more information, visit the group’s website. (Photo courtesy Tree Pittsburgh)
Duquesne officials are looking forward to spring and summer months for several projects, including improving the city’s greenscapes and parks.
At this week’s meeting, council voted 5-0 to approve an agreement between the city and the non-profit group Tree Pittsburgh to explore community tree-planting efforts. There is no financial commitment at this time, city officials said.
According to its website, Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization dedicated to improving neighborhoods and communities “through tree planting and care, education, advocacy and land conservation.”
Tree Pittsburgh has recently been working on projects in McKeesport, focused on planting trees that are native to Western Pennsylvania and designed to survive in high-traffic areas.
“Our vision is to create a healthy urban forest for all by inspiring and engaging people to maintain, plant and protect trees,” the group said on its website. “We believe everyone should benefit from the health, environmental, and social advantages trees provide, fostering more vital communities for generations to come.”
In a related story, Council Member Elaine Washington noted that work is being done to plant small cherry trees along Grant Avenue.
In other business, council approved a Pet Waste Ordinance. The new rule requires pet owners to pick up waste from dogs and cats and also prohibits waste from being dropped into storm sewers.
Council discussed, but did not vote, on parks and recreation projects. The city is considering an application for a grant from the state Department of Community & Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program for continuing renovations at Polish Hill Park.
In the Public Safety report, Washington said that out of the five summer work program jobs that are available, they have already received three resumes.
Washington noted that anyone who wants to work the part-time summer job could benefit by already having a driver’s license. City officials say that the workers can start “as soon as possible.”
City crews are filling potholes, currently concentrating on Viola Street and Second Street near Library Street, Washington said.
City Manager Doug Sample noted that additional grant funding should help. Another grant for more infrastructure repair should be coming in “another month or six weeks,” he said.
According to Sample, a street sweeper will be out this week, targeting gravel build-up on Linden and East Grant streets. A study is also underway to evaluate new streetlights on Route 837 near the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge.
Originally published May 07, 2025.
In other news:
"MASD Board Considers …" || "Mayor Hopeful on Vers…"