Pgh’s ‘delicate’ finances

City Controller Calls Pgh Finances ‘Delicate’

Controller Rachael Heisler says Pittsburgh’s budget doesn’t have a lot of room for error. So far, the city has brought in more money from real estate, earned income and deed transfer taxes than this time last year. But parking tax revenue is down, overtime spending is up, and fuel prices are on the rise. [🔒 Post-Gazette]

Amazon in Indiana County?

The tech giant is considering building a data center at the site of the former Homer City coal-fired plant as part of its $20 billion investment in PA. The site is currently being redeveloped into a natural gas power plant. [TribLive]

• Data center pushback: Hundreds of Washington County residents turned out at a recent township meeting to share concerns over a proposed data center near the Pavilion at Starlake. [WESA]
• A lesson from the past?: Back in 2022 a group of Churchill neighbors kept Amazon from razing the old George Westinghouse Research and Technology Park for a new distribution center. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Goodbye Täkō Tôrtä, Hello New Concept

The Japanese-Mexican fusion spot in Bakery Square will close Aug. 15 and redevelop into a new concept. The Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group hasn’t shared what’s in store for the space, but reassures that tacos and margs will still be available at the downtown Täkō location once it reopens this fall. [🔒 Business Times]

• Speaking of dining options, we discuss whether Restaurant Week is worth it on today’s podcast.

NFL Draft By the Numbers

Independent analyses say the draft generated $177 million in economic impact and $1.5 billion in overall economic value. Some highlights: 75% of visitors said they’re very likely to return to Pittsburgh within the next five years and 51% said their perception of Pittsburgh improved because of their visit. [VisitPITTSBURGH]

Let’s play a game! Where have you seen these pizza doors?

🌟 Shoutout to Nancy B., Elizabeth C., Barbara K., Megan M., Jamie G., Al H., Leah G., Cris W., Krisi M., Otis, Joann A., Gloria G., Emile C., Ali K., Cora M., Jordan B., Olivia A., Aparna B., Ray A., Donna F., Claudia S., Casey G., Carye B., who correctly guessed last week’s photo challenge ⬇️

I fear I’ve made this too easy: So many of you know these musical flowers (you can “play” them!) are just outside the Carnegie Library’s main branch in Oakland. Find them while walking along the southwest corner of the building!

Did you know you can check out more than just books from our local libraries? Learn about all the great things you can do with a library card, from borrowing power tools to picking up a new hobby.