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

By Enjoy Bellevue in North Communities

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 amenities.

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 http://www.enjoybellevue.org/

Summer Solstice Spectacular!

Summer Solstice Spectacular Bellevue welcomes the Summer Solstice Spectacular with four fun-filled days of events and activities for children of all ages. The Treasure Hunt is a search throughout the business districts for clues, Flat Matt is on the auction block. The Thursday June 18 Taize service provides an opportunity for peaceful contemplation. On Friday June 19 enjoy the tall tales presented by Susan Shegog, a prelude to the movie in the Park after dark. Saturday June 20 is teeming with interactive art, crafters and artisans filling the parking lot, merchant sidewalk sales, a car cruise, a jaws of life extrication, bike/scooter contest, chalk artist, raffles, a trolley transport, Groove Merchant takes to the street for the Sprague Avenue street dance, and Sunday is a dogs' day with the Pampered Pooch Promenade on Lincoln Avenue.

The Beginning of a New Era!

A new chapter in the life and times of Bellevue is emerging! The new mantra is "Bellevue - Possibility everywhere you look."

Who is participating in this plan for Bellevue? What is this proposed plan for Bellevue? Where do you obtain more information? When do you realize the benefits? Why is this important? How do you get involved?

Contact info@enjoybellevue.org for answers to these and other important questions about your community!

"The Classic Cruise" is Coming to Bellevue!

One Sunday in May, Lincoln Avenue will become a haven for all the Classic, Vintage, Muscle Cars and Show Bikes in the area! This historic event is made possible by the Bellevue Borough Council working in cooperation with the organization Enjoy Bellevue and other local businesses. Volunteer to support this and other community events! Email info@enjoybellevue.org to offer to contribute an hour of your time or talent to support your community! We welcome your participation!

BIG is Growing Bigger!

BIG, the Bellevue Initiative for Growth is growing! The North Boroughs Initiative for Growth (NBIG) encompasses areas beyond the boundaries of Bellevue to include Avalon and Ben Avon. This expansion relates to the Tri-Borough Comprehensive Plan and the Tri-Borough Zoning Ordinance poised for adoption by the three Boroughs.

BIG, established as an ad-hoc committee by the Borough of Bellevue Council, will continue with regular meetings of the Events, Marketing and Business Development Committees to further the goals of the "best in the Burgh" Bellevue.

The expanded initiative suggests a need to create a new committee to focus on NBIG. Success requires volunteer representatives from the named Boroughs. Are you able to contibute to the bigger plan? Say yes and volunteer your time and talent to the growth and development of the North Boroughs! Email info@enjoybellevue.org to be included in this remarkable journey of growth and renewal! Be sure to include GROWTH in the subject line.

To Drink or not to Drink! Is that really the Question?

Bellevue is at a crossroads. A dry town since prohibition, organizers are petitioning for change. Think about it! What does it mean when you "go out for the evening?" What do you do? Where do you go? Describe a typical "night out." What would make Bellevue your "destination place" to enjoy an evening out? What are your thoughts? While you ponder your answer, would you please take a minute to respond to our polls found below the Enjoy Bellevue Photo Journal!

Way to Go Steelers! Way to Go!

The Steeler Nation is proud of the Pittsburgh Steelers! The 27-24 victory over the Cardinals makes it a "six-pack" for the Hometown team! An historic event! At the beginning of the season, every team had an opportunity to get into the big game. Strategy, hard work and the determination of the coaches and players along the way, narrowed the field. Ultimately, only two teams would square-off for the coveted Lombardy trophy. Fans the world over created an unforgettable fervor for this Super Bowl XLIII game! Although, the football season has come to an end, the anticipation for next year is alive!

So it is with our own lives! We are all in the game! We all play to win! On February 1, 2009, Bellevue Christian Church "gets into the game with Super Bowl Sunday," an annual tradition of this Bellevue ministry. Many thanks to the "Tribune-Review" and reporter, Craig Smith and photographer Sidney Davis, for their coverage of this event!