Astronaut Michael Fincke calls Emsworth his hometown
Last Updated: June 15, 2018
Welcome to Emsworth Borough, we are located just a few miles north of the City of Pittsburgh, just off of Route 65 North. Emsworth Borough is located on land that was originally purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from the heirs of William Penn. The purchase was ratified by a local tribe of Indians shortly before the French and Indian War. There was no attempt to develop this land until the Revolutionary War. Young men were promised parcels of land in addition to any pay if they would remain in the army and defend their country.
A tract of land, Emsworth, was patented to John Wilkins. The name "Emsworth" is reported to have been the name of an old English Duke. The first settler, John Cheney, took up residence in 1802. In 1805 he sold the property of Emsworth to David and William Courtney. William married the daughter of William Dickson, who had been one of the first settlers in Ben Avon. William built a stone home on the property that is presently the athletic field along Ohio River Boulevard; the Courtneys raised and educated eighteen children. President Zachary Taylor was a guest in the Courtney home
The present Borough of Emsworth was crossed by the old Makintosh trail, which extended from Fort Pitt to what now is the Town of Beaver. Many families seeking to find their fortunes in the West were drawn to Emsworth because of its scenic beauty and location near waterways.
Served by the Avonworth School District, Emsworth is approximately one square mile in size, is still a very peaceful and well maintained borough, and is proud to be the home of young families as well as a number of senior citizens.
The Allegheny County League of Municipalities (ALOM) has named the Borough of Emsworth as a 2018 Banner Community. The Banner Community Program was started in 2013 by the Allegheny League of Municipalities in partnership with Allegheny County and has since grown to include 55 municipalities in 2018. The program was designed to recognize communities that demonstrate a dedication to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accounting and proactive communications. ALOM is a non-profit, non-partisan membership association whose mission is to foster local government in Allegheny County and Southwestern Pennsylvania by educating elected officials, delivering essential resources and advicating for sound policy and legislation. To learn more visit www.alleghenyleague.org.
Monthly Council Meeting
Emsworth Borough Council meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Borough Hall, 171 Center Avenue.
NOTICE
Mosites Contracting will be returning to do scheduled under the bridge deck work on the Center Avenue Bridge beginning Monday, May 14, 2018 for 2-3 weeks. Traffic will be restricted to one lane with a flagger.
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
Quaker Valley Council of Governments in conjunction with the Local Government Academy will assist Emsworth Borough in implementing the Systematic Property Condition and Rating System as developed by the QVCOG.
The overall goal is to conduct property ratings and provide maps of property conditions within the borough. This work will also be conducted in adjacent QVCOG municipalities to maximize the efficiency of the internship.
Beginning Wednesday, May 30 and continuing til mid August, two interns will canvas the entire borough to conduct these property ratings. The two interns will wear safety vests, have identification and carry a letter from the borough explaining the program. Emsworth Council is pleased to be part of this innovative program. Please note Ohio Twp. Police Department is aware of this program.
If, however, you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Borough Office at 412.761.1161.
2018 Road Program in Emsworth will replace the brick streets on Upper Allegheny from Ivanhoe to the borough boundary; Orchard and North Avenues from Center Avenue to SR 65.
Upper Allegheny work will begin Monday, June 4 with West View Authority replacing their water mains.
Emsworth Council appreciates everyone's patience and cooperation during this road program.
