In 1951, a group of proactive neighbors gathered to incorporate
as the Spring Hill Civic League. The purpose of the League was to
concern itself with issues that affect the residents & businesses
of Spring Hill. The group was incorporated on March 12, 1951. The
Charter of the group was approved on April 19th of the same year,
and the first by-laws were published in 1953. Albert Schmittlein
initially led the League as its first President.
In the late 1950's until 1961, Albert Boehm served as President
of the group. It was during this time that North View Heights housing
project was built. According to older residents in the community,
North View was originally planned to extend beyond its present boundaries
to Rhine and Buente Sts. The neighbors of Spring Hill/City View
opposed the eminent domain proceedings affecting 75 properties in
the community.
Charlie Lieberth served the community as President from 1964 through
1967. Then, in 1968, the League fell into dormancy for six years
as no one filled the vacancy of President. During this time, acting
Treasurer Frank Witsch of Southside Ave. held the books of the League
& administered accounts payable.
In 1974, there was renewed interest, and the League was activated
again. Ed Preskar of Haslage Ave. was elected President and led
the League until July 1980. During Ed's tenure, much of the current
organizational structure was initiated. Blockworkers began their
valuable work in 1974, the newsletter was first published in 1975,
and the group acquired 501 (c) 4 status that same year. The Rockledge
St. lot was purchased in September 1975 through the tremendous support
of the community, and was fashioned into a parklet to satisfy tax
exemption on the property. During these years, the City of Pittsburgh
informed the community of the closing of Engine Company #53, which
was located in the Homer St. firehouse. The neighbors were promised
that the building would be given over for use as a Community Center
for Spring Hill residents.
In July of 1980 until November of that year, Ray Mall served as
President of the group, and in November of 1980, Ron Marak, formerly
of Haslage Ave. was elected President of the League. He led neighbors
in opposition to the building of the St Ambrose Manor on Yetta Ave.
& Rhine St. During Ron's tenure, the group was granted permanent
501 (c) 3 status by IRS, the annual Halloween Parade was established,
and the Blockwatch program was initiated.
Lorene Lofink served as President in 1984 & 1985, and Darlene
Harris was elected to the position in 1986 until her resignation
in 1995 to serve as a Director of the Pittsburgh School Board. During
her tenure, the community was active in decision-making concerning
the reopening of the Spring Hill School, which had been closed in
the mid-1980's. In addition, she led neighbors in opposition to
the erection of the Crown Communications tower in City View.
In November 1995, Diane Schmitt was elected to serve as President
of the group. Initially, she led neighbors in opposition to a housing
development planned for cliff-side property on Zang Way. During
her tenure, the community has realized the acquisition of the 1st
floor of the Homer St. firehouse for community use. In March of
2000, the community approved the usage of the firehouse for the
Steel City Boxing Association, a physical training and guidance
program for the youth of the community. Additionally, the community
has partnered with the City of Pittsburgh, ESB Bank, formerly Spring
Hill Bank, and Western PA. Conservancy to develop a colorful flower
garden at the intersection of Homer & Walz.
In 2006 Diane Schmitt stepped down as President, ending 10 years of service at that position. Donna Allison was elected President and served for two years before resigning at the end of 2008.
In 2008 the Civic League, in the hopes of greater neighborhood participation, sought out a larger board and was rewarded with new members Eileen Back, Karen McLellan and Pete McQuillin.
In 2009 Jackie Hoffman volunteered her services and was voted in as President.
Joan Russell was elected President in November 2010. She was a strong advocate for the community and helped get affaris in order. She gave up her post at the end of 2012.
In 2013 Bob Sobocinski was elected President. Bob also is involved with Steel City Boxing - which occupies the firehouse at the top of Homer Street.