City data application expanded to include more property details

Burgh’s Eye View, an internet-based application that houses a range of Pittsburgh city data, is growing.

The program now features access to property and tax information, including details about cityowned parcels, tax-delinquent properties and parcels in a tax-abatement program, city officials announced Wednesday. Known as Burgh’s Eye View Parcels, the new offering features an array of navigable neighborhood maps.

“If you’re thinking about getting your community development organization perhaps interested in buying properties that may be vacant or tax-delinquent, this is really a tool for you to get access to that information,” said Laura Meixell, the city’s assistant director for innovation and performance.

She said residents and groups often request the information now available through the digital tool.

“It’s about the understanding that knowledge is power — and that if we want to see neighborhoods succeed, we want to be able to arm our communities with as much information as possible,” Mayor Bill Peduto said. He said the resource provides “all the information that city government has … right at your fingertips.”

For properties in the city, data available through Burgh’s Eye View Parcels include a parcel’s type of use, last sale date and price, land value and lien information where it’s applicable. Property owner names are not listed — the city said it wanted to “ensure residents’ privacy” — but owners are generally listed by name through a county property database.

A team in the city Department of Innovation and Performance built the “Parcels” program, which sports a mobile layout for smartphone use.

The next phase of Burgh’s Eye View should center on “Paths,” such as timely information about road construction and closures, Ms. Meixell said. City officials first introduced the application in October. Earlier- announced features include data on police calls, building permits, code violations and 311 requests.

The Peduto administration also announced this month an online database of city- owned properties that are available for sale.