What would you do to revitalize the business district in Bellevue?

Vacant stores dot Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue’s main street, and the tired look of the business district hasn’t helped to spur investment. What would you do to revitalize the borough's business district? [Read PG story.]

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1. Bellevue has got to let business owners apply for liquor licenses. Whatever it takes to do that has to begin already, what century is it anyhow?

2. Get rid of the dollar stores, how many dollar stores does a quarter mile stretch of business need?

3. The cops have to get proactive with the loitering issue involving people between the ages of 14 & 25.

4. Close down the methadone clinic down by the old YMCA. Bellevue has enough zombies roaming the streets already.

5. Bring back the movie theater (see line 2 above).

I used to love roaming Bellevue as a kid and later as a young adult. I'd never take my toddler there after a certain time of the day. The place is overrun with straight up hoodlums and adult derelicts.

 

 I was distressed to read the Gazette's downer article on the state of Bellevue today. I have lived here for less than two years, but as a former west coaster I prefer it by far to Pittsburgh proper and other, inexplicably revered neighborhoods (i.e. Shadyside, etc.) that are so overrated when compared with other cities.

I have adored Bellevue's eclectic mix of restaurants and people. Our home is an architectural gem that is truly stunning, immense and was affordable. Vivo and the Mojo Bistro are by far the most incredible restaurants I have discovered in Pittsburgh. I also frequent both A and the Muddy Cup. I enjoy Matthew's Arts and I wish that place "Mom's room" or whatever it was called was still around. Dietz has great, affordable gifts as does the Hallmark--not your usual square items, but original, quirky things. Mane Attractions has an excellent vintage collection. There are other great shops too numerous to mention.

I take my kids, including my toddler, all over. I had always noticed the motley crowd across from the Y, but was not aware it was a methadone clinic. I guess I'm the right kind of snob--they don't bother me and seem genuinely harmless. A true community needs to embrace and nourish the down-and-outers. What I appreciate about Bellevue is its inconspicous nature. It feels real here. I love it, I'll continue to support the local businesses (and I hope to see more), nurture my deco home, and take the family out and about.

And when I hit the big time, my plan is to give several million to Bayne park and library--and maybe the methadone clinic--an indoor pavillion for the "derelicts" in cold weather.

Loving Bellevue,

M

 Well, I am by no means any kind of snob. I live in neighboring Brighton Heights and we have our share of drug addicts too. And methadone clinics support drug addicts. If you've been here two years it's quite possible you still see Bellevue with rose colored lenses, and that's fine. But Bellevue has been going down a road of no return over the last 10 years or so and I fear for its future as a nice place to live. Pittsburgh's drug problem has exploded over the last 20 years. I've been to California and I've seen the needle drop boxes in the public restrooms in Santa Cruz; I never want that kind of complacency to come to my home town.

 

Thirty years ago the world was a different place. The malls, development of the big box stores, new roads and urban sprawl resulted in people moving away from urban centers. Bellevue is one of those communities caught in the fray. Recently, innovative leaders in the community have worked tirelessly to promote our small town for the bountiful ammenities. 

Here is what you have been missing! Starting in December 2007, a whole host of events began happening in Bellevue! December 28th was the first Art/Wine crawl involving a number of businesses featuring artists whose work was on display! February 9,2008 featured "An Evening in Bellevue" which showcased restaurants and shops alike, followed by Denny Voluptuous LIVE at Club Perqe'. On March 1, BB Holiday Revue was showcased at Club Perqe' and on March 16, "An Afternoon in Bellevue" was followed by Fusion Street at Club Perqe'. April 11th saw Felonious Denmark, also in April, poetry recitations, and freestyle jazz again at Club Perqe'. On May 24, "Save the Murphy Building" was a fabulous Art/Wine Crawl which attracted people from all over the region. The night of festivities concluded with "Pittsburgh's Neil Diamond" in concert on the 2nd floor of the Murphy Building. July 13 featured the "Down and Derby" event which lasted until 4am, Steven E Adams, renowned acoustical guitarist has performed, and four full days of events billed as the Summer Solstice Spectacular On June 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2008  were sponsored by the friends of EnjoyBellevue.org. In particular, if you missed the Restaurant Pairings on June 19, you missed the good food, wine, and spirit of community which blossomed. June 22 was the pampered pooch promenade, another event, this which brought animal lovers together and generated funds for the worthy rescue group of Spencer and friends. June 27 was the 3rd anniversary party for Matthews Arts, and The North Boroughs Independence Day Celebration was June 28 with the rain date of July 6. Another Art/Wine crawl was in July as was another Club Perqe' event. Sidewalk Sale happened on July 17, 18, and 19th. The Halloween parade and the Haggis Hunt followed and in December 2008 the Borough of Bellevue embarked on the 5-year strategic plan.

On May 17, 2009, Classic Chevrolet co-sponsored the first ever Classic Car Cruise showcasing 200 classic, vintage, muscle cars and show bikes for a full-fledged main street event.  The Summer Solstice Spectacular teeming with activities and events for children of all ages is happening June 18 through June 21.

This Borough of Bellevue really is the next happening thing, a diamond in the rough getting on her polish. In fact, all roads lead to Bellevue, just 6 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, accessible from SR279, SR79, SR65, California Avenues, Bellevue Road, Center Avenue. Bellevue is just 20 minutes from everywhere! The "decline" was years in the making, change is apparent and  Bellevue is making a comeback.  Come and Enjoy Bellevue and experience the next best thing. Check it out at www.enjoybellevue.org

 At least, once a month, on Saturday evenings, my wife, daughter and I would journey to Bellevue. We'd attend mass at Assumption Church, catch a discounted movie at the wonderful, nostalgic Bellevue Theater, and then eat before returning home to Zelienople.

Since the Bellevue Theater closed, we've never returned.

I remember Bellevue from growing up in the North Hills and from one year that we lived on Home Ave. in Avalon. I was 11 and we used to go up Bellvue after school. Even if your allowance was only 75 cents you could still always find something at the "five and ten". Then in the fall you could go to the bakery and get those red candy apples. And then you could go to Retzer-Hyde and get a cherry coke for 5 cents. Each store was what we now call a "specialty store." Oh, I almost forgot to mention Isaly's. It took me years and years living in the midwest to figure out how to get "chipped ham." They call it shaved here.

It was a bustling and busy place. And don't forget "The Chinaman's", people came from all over for take-out. The Cookun Tea Room, the movie theater (25 cents for a Saturday matinee), and oh so much more. In the early seventies, I worked for a year or so at Trend Hair Fashions on North Balph and Bellevue was still pretty much a center of commerce. I would hate to come back there now and see that it has become like so many other "towns'.

Unfortunately, for us older boomers who remember and the generations now and future, places like Bellevue will never be again. The first suburban shopping center that spawned the huge malls toled the death knell for all those little centers of business.

I don't know if these big box stores can be undone and have everything revert back to those good old days but the person who figures it out will be a genius.

 

 

 It seems you have missed out on recent events and activites happening in Bellevue. The Classic Car Cruise on May 17 was a "roaring" good time. Lincoln Avenue was packed full of horsepower and excitement. The Summer Solstice Spectacular is on the horizon for June 18, 19, 20 and 21. Perhaps you can give Bellevue another go!

 Bellevue hasn't been the same since political correctness has hampered Bellevue's finest from discouraging the unwashed from from walking the streets. A few well placed strikes from a batton are warranted to make this a garden spot.

I have read your comments. I can't believe what is going on back home. I agree with all of you. Everyone should be getting together and doing something. Stores and maybe a few small museums that could be sponsered by the larger museums would help. And reopen the movie theater. If you, the public, know about where the drugs are at. Pick up the phone and TELL SOMEONE, you know that is the only way it is going to get cleaned up. Let me tell you, if you do not care noone else is going to.

 When I first moved into the Avalon - Bellevue Area about 21 years ago as a newlywed, I was enveloped into a world of quaint - sweet - lovely - little inspiring shops. I grew up in Crafton, which was like growing up in Mayberry with the  twist of a man named Mr. Rossi that sold us little ones a 10 cent dairy queen paired with  a  modern shopping center for my Mom to go grocery shopping...Anyone rememver Thorofare? The olden day's when stores were closed on  that closed on Sunday's  allowing the children to freely and safely ride our bikes and rollerskate. Crafton Pool and the big 4th of July Celebration "Crafton Celebrates" is brilliantly still prospering after all these long years. Crafton was wonderful place to grow up for me, but as  I matured I wanted to travel across the McKees Rocks bridge because I met and loved a boy that looked like Rodger Daultry... Music is my passion oh my his Scorpio self - quiet nature with a sting just got me going...and away I went... My mother God rest her soul cryed pleading with me "NO do not go" you will never like it all the way over there it is not safe?..I .should have heeded her warning.  I was an adventuresome but brutely intensily shy married women  starting to become a homemaker living to build a home with my new hubby - a native to the north suburban crawl of Bellevue. I was anxious to walk and shop and explore. I was amazed at the comradery while walking the town with my Eddie... Everyone knew eachother...wow this is cool so boho... I shyed down low not to be noticed but I was merged out of my cocoon with hippie artistic fantasy...People hung out here - Yelled to eachother - Not like Crafton - a bit puritanical... The shop keepers back then in this sleepy little town were inviting... housing - high end merchandise - uniquely  brand new wearables - I was in heaven finding completely worth it antiques...a place to get a decadent breakfast...meandering music filled streets - quaint worth it The Strawberry Patch Boutique - The Little House Boutique - Grape vine Merchantile - a diamond that sparkled like the new ring lined with saphires that I wore in  beloved holy matrimony.  Craftonites were different from the north boro people  to me - Craftonites kept to themselves but were trendy like me with lots of Cindy Lauper hairsprayed dues. The Bellevue People were Bohemian... I was glamor - They accepted me then transformed me... Crafton is upwardly more mobile than Bellevue. It still houses a shopping plaza - The infrastucture is updated for the 2000's - clean - Residential Property - Historic Houses still hold their value due to pride in architecture and historic value... It  was once a "dry town" then the boro gladly zoned it to house a few little family bars selling fried munchies and fish sandwiches that old school mates still miggle together prudently  spanning the decades. Crafton a boardering boro South West of Pittsurgh is still standing viable - notable.It had some challenges but with a great force it overcame these obstacles.  Coming into this new age...The Bellevue - I found romantically titilating in my newbyhood has left me years later with a hard cold punch in the gut knocked down lying in a ditch with broken rose colored glasses. I do not blame outsiders for feeling a bit overwhelmed by an attempt to experience the shops on Lincoln Avenue. The experience can make you kind of uneasy.  I have purchased an historic home that once housed a Greek couple who had a candy store and restraunt in Bellevue by the movie theatre that sadly closed. It was told to me that this couple lived for this town and the fine people in it they were pillars in this community... people liked them...got candy and went to the show... I was excited by the folklore of my historic home knowing that me and the mister used to neck in the seats in the Bellevue Theatre on frequent dates.. romantically living the dream we. when forward holding tightly to our rose colored glasses happily beaming with love for this north suburban dream base we called home. Now,.. holding desperately on  to the concept of what once was is now replaced with grasping on to our rosy veiwpoint for sanity sake which is becoming a progressively hellish -  NIGHTMARE - Our Hometown Sanctuary has become Urban Sprawl.  My home will never be completely renovated as I truly wanted it to be - I could never sell it for what I wished could fixate into the masterpeice of my mind's eye...like the famous homes I work to re-design across the home of champions.  Oh God I love Ben Avon a hop skip and a Jump away from Bellevue not to mention Sewickley - God why did I not move to Sewickley why... I had such hopes and aspirations for seasons of home tours formulated by a community team I would manage and market - I have a gift of gab now that shyness has flew the coop.. Question - Why would I have tours of Bellevue of the wonderful homes over shadowed  with  the weedy landscapes of vacant houses lining the streets or apartment slum lord tenaments... I modeled my renovation dreams after vintage homes in Regent Square and Shadyside that our company helped to renovate and beautify.  Hoping for the best for my "This Old House"  outside the business district off of Lincoln Ave. I like --- the former homeowner's who went before me --- opened a store -  I forged ahead and did the same creating a design and art shop with NEW items to sell - progressive - upscale - working to get some of the Andy Warhol Loving Pittsburgher's to hang out and grow into a marketable destination where artist bred visions into  important works and sold handcrafted items to the rich and famous. My business was dead before it ever had time to swim like one of the floating fish off of the pollution that comes from Neville Island. Studio - S was housed in the fabulously creative historic building The Old G. C. Murphy Building that Sam DiBattista lost to the Sherriff in a sale such a dark day that darkened the sidewalks in the midst of town.  I had the spirit of a 20 something year old in a well kept 40 + year old body praying that Bellevue would spring eternal.  I did not know that a years worth of work would end like the sinking of the Titanic. I merged my creative juices with Sam DiBattista of the most organically infused - fashionable culinary  magical feasting restraunt that  you have to experience -  if you are a  cultured gormet or just a foody &  Aaron Stubna from Lincoln Barber Shop - Art Gallery and  Independent Art Film visionary and The should be working in Hollywood star material hairstylest - Susanne Snow of Mane Attractions  - a Bohemian object art and Hair emporium with the best vintage clothes in the burgh and Victoria Green from A's coffee house that serves orgasmic coffee  and zen conversations that uplift your life - to form a grass roots effort that felt like kismit or just great karma to market - wine crawls - dine - gather the artistically interested in investing in our town folks who would just please go forth ----  visit us... Why didn't they all come back now ya hear? I spent all I had on wine and wisdom - music and conversation... I knew in the back of my  highly intellectual brain that the dirty streets - the pit bull walking - rude trash talking garbage tossing public  sloshing on the streets at night would be kind of a detriment to business falling to the wayside and the sad cold  pennyless walking with no one to talk to but themselves sad sack mentally ill individuals  milling the streets during the day who mirror cracks in the sidewalks would scare off any sane individual who even attempted to park to see the work we all put forth to find new happy people to visit us. I forged ahead spending every bead of sweat I ever had to make my business dream spring forth starting in the dead of Winter into a Summer of major discontent. Music - lights - action...nothing. I sold ziltch... We all just asked a little question about getting a little wine or beer in to get some entertainment into this town to progress it into a diffierent version of let's say Bloomfield or Lawrenceville for goodness sake I wanted to steer towards Ellsworth Avenue just shooting for short term goals has been my approach... instead the ideas got warped - stolen sent back to the same old modality.  Bellevue does not want change. Bellevue never answers a direct question of itself.  If I had to define this town that I hope does not consume my house that I love so very dearly by lowering the property value by not lighting the streets or walking the beat or cleaning the area littered by filth and tags on walls near the magistrates office or getting rid of the parking meters or at least changing them to a dime with more time on both sides of the street...the system in this town is to seek - dystruct  & denagrate all fresh approaches for revitalization... litterally sucking the life out of the people who invest blood for change. The Bellevue high horses got skiddish over the turning wheels of change publishing slandering attacts over a simple issue of Dry verses a little puddle of wine or beer. The proposition of liquor iicense coming into town - as simple concept as it was became overshadowed by scared unprogressive mean spirited individuals that kept the power play for ego sake - strange to treat your neighbors that way or did any one even think of love thy neighbor in this christian town. Why do most all church festivals have a little spirit served to get the parish pew sitters to give up the coin?  Was getting a little booze scary? What is frightening now is walking through town to go to the bank. I ran so far away after the attack of the closed minded wickeds very glady closing  my design studio...it had a slow painful death.  I spent less and less time in my place of style sanctuary after our little grassroot organization was overtaken by the sadistic stagnant townie's - they even stole our little websight namesake to overshadow our zest for change...nothing like a little cyber green killer to choke the earthly venture out of your flowering bushes. Could we have just worked together instead of sabatage efforts and lie cheat tatle tell - spy act like high school populararity hounds... Instead - we have large venues for the townsfolk that nobody attends other than a few street dwellers...these events are boring - dull - lack luster promoted to the same old dry deserted few...The Farmer's Market was great at first when Aaron Stubna got it together - then that was knocked down by the wind that smells like a big fart from the old school businesses... with rules and regs for what can and can not be sold...what the _____. My studio is now outside of Bellevue.   I still love my grassroots buddies...they are my friend's and neighbors.  I miss the night life we freely created... the church going 40 somethings or the skaterboys that were fine young ment who wanted to just have some fun...why??? Gonezo The Bellish zoning committe got brutal and squelched visionaries into nothingness...knocking with the money belt with fines that were like whips...keeping a neighbor down for why??? warn - change - HELP...The Events were Fantabulous - from the Neil Diamond impersonator paired with The Creative Treehouse brightly lit artscapes...Culture hit this town a home run - "You can not play ball in here - I am keeping your ball it went over into my fence you bad kids" That is the way the grass roots muddied... you get the drift in your face here now the streets are ghostly and glum...See what you get meanies... My spirit for art - music - culinary expression will never die - I am always and fourmost a positive thinker.  I desperately  wanted to use my God gifted  talents for special event planning and design to create a new and improved metropolis - Bellevue the Beautiful - Promoting this town to New residents who came in to stay that supported the churches - infrastructure -  attained affordable old homes that were chop shopped into apartments renovating these beauty's into grand family homes - A New York Style Market Place that  gainfully employed bigger and brighter waves into the the lighted tree lined landscape would have completed my vision for this town - open after 7 pm...NOT NOW - Alas Pittsburgher's Please  Bless the  Vivo's - A's Coffee House -  Mane Attraction's - Stubna's Lincoln Barber Art Gallery because no matter how hard the big wigs try ---my compadre's are still cooking and completely wonderful to visit if you are a progressive pittsburgher with eclectic taste...please support these creative grassroot individual businesses in these hard economic times.  Bellevue is not a friendly boro - the people who are working to improve it truly are terriffic - hopefully this article blogfest may someday get the  eye or ear of a developer who feels the need to take control of this north boro machine and crush the same olds for the sake of artistic license.  I am still my hopeful Artistic authentic Self - I still work at my art and design but  - I  plan to sell and work out of Bottlebrush Gallery in Harmony PA - You see Harmony folks went through a dry spell - not without the wicked beer that Bellevue is balistically against - you can drink a brew in the country - but - a little thirsty for new growth no matter how long it will take...The Homeowner's sincerely care very deeply about new birth a great deal  by fixing their historic homesteads in a community together united in marketing a variety of businesses in a downturning marketplace.. Country bumpkins should educate the Citizen's of Bellevue particularly the constantly fueding bunch of idiots that go to endless mean spirited meetings and accomplish nada - What a brude of lack luster Community Antagonists - oh Lord let there be a new day in the North Boros- There is a lesson to be learned in smaller communities that are kinder and gentler to everyone's ideas and dreams. Unfortunately I will live in Bellevue since I have no choice- but if the economic tide changes I will move to Harmony or Zelienople not because my hubby can have a little german beer fest - but because you can walk your dog there without fear of getting it mauled to it's dealth in the streets or your bag stolen.  I would really miss my grassroots buddies - if I hit the lottery I would have them join forces for change up north in Harmony - joining me in artistic freedom to develop merging into a magnaficient  walk town that will grow not stagnate into the great beyond...Chatty - sociable neighborhood store keeps in Harmony do not ignore you they worship your business - line the streets with feastive invite with berries and bushels of good cheery events and you do not have to pay for a sign permit or an out door vendor permit????Wicked Bellevue rules for money that no one knows what the money is allocated for...no lights music - you get the point... You can eat drink and be merry at the Harmony Inn. Could you imagine how well the inventive businesses of Bellevue would prosper in that environment. I am sure the local papers in the far north would glady promote you freely - if you became a newby in the merchant areas in the friendly country it would be utter harmony. - The writers and editors of Bellevue's local newspaper treated me  during the opening my studio  un promotingly like I did not exist...or maybe did not care if I existed... fear not business conglomerates of the big bold Bell with out a veiw your time is coming - I can see it coming - ahh what it could have been! Oh my oh my... it is doesn't look like Kansas anymore Aunty Em.  Yes a storm of empty storefronts - bad parking - rude shop keeps - robbery that closed the only new clothes store in town came like a big tornado and The Great Wizard of Change would not seek to encourage a few sacred moments of prosperity to watch Bellevue's back making our buisness district trendy - decorative - fresh in nature - destination for the masses - a great Home for all. I know you do not need some hooch for that but boy we all got it made now.... Just think of it as a huge Thrift Store...used - worn and stinky...tags all over it... I even laughed as I wrote that one.

Thanks for reading Pittsburgh - Say a huge amount of prayers for change in Bellevue - My friends and I could use a big city break! If there are any developers out there that are brave enough to invest in our grassroots mission with a byob modality - It is economic to bring your own booze or fine wine that is...I will facilitate the throw down - Please look me up - I still have the positive attitude I started with 21 years ago - but I spend more now at Sally's Beauty Supply Store on Copper  Penny Hair Dye.. to cover the stress  grey's  that has scattered in my hair from the powers that took me down - oops now you all know my secret.. ya reader's  I dye my hair but I do not care..... this town brought to me  a pain in the buttinkas during the technocolored dream phase of my full throttle mission for change....Don't Tell Susy at Mane Attraction's  about my home hair experiment - I just have got to save moola in these topsy turvy times...I can not afford the good stuff all the time..I think she knows after 21 years of doing my head... especially my wedding hair...memories they are the cornerstones you draw from - oh if the past could force today behind us.

Chow!

Deb Scheer - Studio - S Designs