PDP Plans for Mobile Website, 50th Anniv. of Light Up Night

At its annual meeting today, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership unveiled its plans for 2010. PDP President Mike Edwards says they just launched a revamped safety/security program to replace the Safety Ambassador Program that ended late last year. According to Edwards, the 4-member PDP Street Team will focus on addressing panhandling and homeless issues in downtown Pittsburgh.
Edwards says the organization is going mobile by creating a web application (http://m.downtownpittsburgh.com) that connects to mobile systems. Edwards says the application works well with most smart phones making it convenient for mobile users to access information and locate places to park, dine, shop, stay and even live.
The PDP will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Light Up Night with Light Up Weekend November 19-20 with the traditional elements of the past including a fireworks display. Edwards says Saturday will be highlighted by a candlelit horse drawn carriage parade with 40 carriages and more than 250 horses including Clydesdales and miniature horses.
At the annual meeting, Edwards reported to members on 2009 results. He told DUQ that due to the soft economy some businesses did close last year in downtown Pittsburgh but there was also the opening of the EQT corporate offices and new retail on lower Fifth Avenue. He says the construction in Market Square will "transform" that part of downtown.

New Light Up Plans This Year

With Market Square under construction and access to the point a bit difficult due to construction of the new T station, the Pittsburgh downtown partnership has made some big venue changes to this year’s Light Up Night. The biggest change may be the best place to watch the fireworks. The fireworks have been moved up the Allegheny River from just off the Point to the area near the 7th Street Bridge. A concert will be held on the 6th Street Bridge starting at 5:30 and the fireworks begin at 9:15. Partnership President and CEO Mike Edwards says it was simply going to be too hard to get people in and out of Point State Park so it made sense to move the launch up river. He says the new location will provide a great backdrop, “There is no other place in the world like it with the city and the sister bridges.” Edwards says the north shore will be another good viewing area. Also new this year will be a parade through the golden triangle. The marching bands will step off from PPG Place at 6:45 and work its way to the Clemente Bridge. Edwards says they waned to make sure revelers would know to make their way to the bridge. He says, “430 kids playing Christmas music as loud as can be through marching bands would be a good way to do that.” Light Up Night activities will also be found at Oxford center, Macy’s and Fifth Avenue Place. The entire Light Up Night line up can be found online.