Community Newsletter: Summer 2024 Edition
Summer Fun at Oak Hill!
As the Summer reaches it’s peak, we hope everyone has been taking advantage of the warm weather to enjoy the neighborhood and the city of Pittsburgh. In this edition, you’ll find Pool Rules and Hours, Pictures from our recent Juneteenth Event, and some tips for beating the heat while saving energy in your home.
Community Updates
Summer Youth Programs
Summer Lunch Program - Begins June 24th, grab and go lunch at noon on weekdays
Summer Bike Club Rides - Wednesdays, 10 slots available, first come, first served
Pitt STEAM Summer Camp - Free enrollment online, visit: https://bit.ly/STEAMSummerCamp2024
Oak Hill Public Safety Updates:
HOU Has A New Office Location Inside Wadsworth Hall (480 Oak Hill Dr.
New Hours for Public Safety:
Monday to Saturday: 11 am - 3 am
Sunday: 3 pm - 11 pm
Exterior Camera Update: We’ve expanded our exterior camera coverage and now have high quality camera coverage of all busy intersections and other key spots on property!
Rent Reminder: Rent is due the 1st of each month. Please put your full name and complete address on all checks and money orders.
HOU HAS A NEW OFFICE LOCATION INSIDE WADSWORTH HALL (480 OAK HILL DR.)
Resident Corner
HOU Event Spotlight: Juneteenth Celebration
On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told they were free. A century and a half later, people across the United States continue to celebrate the day, which is now a federal holiday. We held a celebration event on June 18th for the Oak Hill Community to get together. Check out some photos of the event!
Manager’s Notes
Oak Hill Pool Hours and Rules:
Oak Hill has two pools on Property, one at 280 Burrows St (Management Office) and one at 480 Oak Hill Dr (Wadsworth Hall) .Each pool is open from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm daily (weather and staffing permitting). The pool will be open until after Labor Day weekend.
For your saftey and the safety of others, here are a few pool rules to be aware of. For a full listing, please see the “Pool Rules and Regulations” lease addendum.
No pool passes are needed, please check in with pool area staff.
No swimming or tanning in the pool area without a lifeguard on duty.
Guests must be accompanied by a leaseholder and must abide by all rules. The resident bears full responsibility for their guest while using the facilities.
Parents (or responsible guardian) must watch their children closely regardless of age or swimming ability. Non-swim diapers or training pants are not permitted in the pool.
Smoking and Alcohol are Strictly Prohibited.
No glass bottles or containers are allowed in the pool area.
No Pets are allowed in the pool area.
Use of rafts, balls and other toys may be limited at the lifeguard’s discretion.
No diving or roughhousing in the pool area.
Enjoy your Summer, and the Pools!
Resident Council Moves Into New Office Space!
Oak Hill’s Resident Council is a board of resident elected members who are a source of information and support for our community. Recently, they moved into a new more accessible office space in Wadsworth Hall, to the left inside the entrance from the parking lot. See below for their new office look!
Office Closures: Oak Hill Apartments will be closed:
Independence Day- Thursday July 4th
Labor Day- Monday September 2nd
Seasonal Tips: Spring Cleaning
The hot weather is beautiful and it offers chances for Summer fun. But the heat can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially when trying to relax in your home without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to stay cool, and save energy at the same time.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps regulate your body temperature. As the temperature rises, make sure to drink enough water.
Window Coverings: Close blinds during sunny hours to block heat from entering your apartment. Consider using heat control window film for even better results.Cool Water Evaporative Cooling: Keep a spray bottle of water in your refrigerator and mist yourself to cool down.
Cross-Ventilation If your rental has lots of windows, take advantage of cross-ventilation. Open windows on opposite sides of your apartment to create a breeze.Take advantage of neighborhood and city amenities, like pools, splash pads, and water parks.
Call 866-777-4587 to submit a maintenance request if your air conditioning is not working.
Remember, staying cool doesn’t have to break the bank. Implement these strategies and enjoy a comfortable summer! 🌞🏠🌿
Spotted Lanternflies: A Renter’s Guide to Control and Prevention
Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma deliculata) are colorful insects that have become a nuisance in many regions. They were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014 and have since spread across the East Coast and Midwest. These bugs feed on plant sap, damaging crops, trees, and ornamental plants. See below for a picture.
How Can Renters Combat Spotted Lanternflies?
Inspect Your Space:
Check plants, especially the undersides of leaves, for nymphs (young lanternflies). Look for egg masses on surfaces like bark or stems and remove them.
Natural Methods:
Stomp Them Out: If you see adult lanternflies, squash them. They can’t fly far, so they’re often spread by hitchhiking.
Sticky Traps: Create homemade sticky traps using duct tape to catch them.
Essential Oils: Spray lavender, rosemary, or tea tree oil directly on the bugs.
Insecticides:
Use EPA-approved insecticides containing imidacloprid, bifenthrin, dinotefuran, neem oil, OR soybean oil1.
Follow instructions carefully and use sparingly to minimize environmental impact.
Remember, vigilance is key. Regularly inspect your living space and take action promptly to keep spotted lanternflies at bay. 🌿
Local Area Guide
Pittsburgh Summer Festivals
Pittsburgh has many Parks and Gardens that are good ways to take advantage of the natural beauty of the city and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Many of them hold outdoor and indoor events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the local opportunities. Learn more about these opportunities and more on the Visit Pittsburgh website, https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/annual-events/
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July 12-14, 2024
- This free, three-day festival focuses on sharing great music across indoor and outdoor stages in Pittsburgh’s Northside. Additionally, you’ll find family-friendly activities, food trucks and tons of surprises. -
July 18-21, 2024
- A massive array of dill-ectable products and foods is central to all that is Picklesburgh, but the event also has a lot more options for pickle fanatics to experience, from dozens of live music performances to other popular activities.
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Aug. 10, 2024
- The annual event showcases the country’s most talented Black brewers, along with breweries from across the globe. -
Aug. - Labor Day Weekend, 2024 (Saturdays and Sunday Only, Plus Labor Day)
- Take a magical tour through time and legend at the Renaissance Festival. -
Sept. 14, 2024
- This special event has an incredible line up of 25+ of the best food vendors, and tons of live entertainment and family-friendly fun in the historic Strip District. -
Sept. 19-22, 2024
- Don't miss this soulful weekend with more than 140 jazz musicians.
Community Resources: Recycling
While townhouses are on the city’s routes for recycling pick up (check out Pgh.st for up to date trash and recycling pick up for your address), our apartment buidlings do not currently have recycling solutions.
Why is that? It is because if one person puts regular trash into a recycling dumpster, the waste management company has to put the whole load into normal trash.
It can be very difficult to arrange a solution that will work for an entire apartment community knowing this common behavior. But, recycling and being environmentally responsible is important, so Oak Hill is doing some research into potential options that could work better and contribute to recycling efforts.
In the meantime, the City of Pittsburgh has a few recycling drop off locations. The closest one to Oak Hill is the East End Drop-Off Center (2nd Division) located at 6814 Hamilton Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15208. They can be called at 412-665-3609. Call or visit: https://pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/drop-off for details and drop off requirements.
Maintenance Notes 🔧
IMPORTANT: If you have a work order emergency such as fire, flood, no power, no heat, water leak or no water. Please call our 24/7 Maintenance line at 866-777-4587.
TOILET CLOGS: Please be mindful by disposing personal/baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels in the trash instead. When these items are flushed it can create huge issues. You should only be flushing down toilet paper.
HALLWAYS, VESTIBULES, & STAIRWAYS: All hallways, vestibules and stairways in common areas of the building must be kept free of obstructions. Trash, shoes, mats, bikes, etc., must be kept inside your apartment.
SERVICE REQUESTS: Service requests must be made by contacting the request line (866-777-4587 or 412-682-5288 x1) or Resident Portal. Please let us know if you have a pet when submitting the service request.
Housing Opportunities Unlimited (HOU) Events
All outdoor events are weather permitting. Contact HOU Staff at 412-621-0438 or visit them at 480 OAK HILL DR.
Explore Our Neighborhood
Welcome to the neighborhood! We invite you to explore all of the wonderful things Pittsburgh, PA has to offer. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's something special waiting to be discovered. Click here to learn more.
We Are Pet Friendly!
Prior to bringing a pet into the unit, please make sure your pet is registered with us. Pet rent and breed restrictions apply. Register your Pet now by clicking here.
Oak Hill Apartments FAQs
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A: When calling the Management Office at 412-682-5288, the voice menu gives options for different kinds of requests and questions. Our menu options did shift recently, so be sure to listen carefully. If you are unable to reach the person you are looking to speak with, please leave a message and allow time for staff to return your call.
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A: If guests are visiting you, a guest pass is needed. You can visit the Management Office (280 Burrows St.) during business hours or call OHPS to obtain a pass. OHPS will have you pick up the pass from their office at 475 Garner Ct.
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A: The easiest and most efficient ways to submit maintenance requests are: Submit directly on your resident portal (online) or calling 412-682-5288 (option 1). If you’re looking for updates on a current service request, option 2 at that number may be very helpful.
Do You Have a Resident Portal Account?
Did you know that you can receive community updates, submit non-emergency maintenance requests and pay your rent online?