Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Lower Burrell is a city in Westmoreland County
in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
. Located approximately 18 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, Lower Burrell is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area
. The population was 12,608 at the 2000 census.
in Westmoreland County
due to an increase in population in the area, by Judge Jeremiah Murry Burrell. In 1879 Burrell Township was divided into two separate townships, Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell. The present-day cities of New Kensington and Arnold
were once part of Lower Burrell Township. In the years that followed, Lower Burrell transformed from a quiet, rural farm community to a residential and commercial area while Upper Burrell stayed primarily rural. In 1959, in the midst of the growth of their community, township residents voted to make Lower Burrell a third class city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lower Burrell continued to grow substantially until the 1980s. Like many small towns in Western Pennsylvania, Lower Burrell suffered economic and population stagnation with the collapse of local heavy industry. Since the early 1990s, Lower Burrell experienced slight growth, though much of the city's commercial property, including one of its only large shopping centers, remains vacant. Preliminary data from the 2010 census shows that Lower Burrell has lost about 5 percent of its population since 2000.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 11.8 square miles (30.6 km²), of which, 11.6 square miles (30 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square mile (0.776996433 km²) of it (2.28%) is water.
Informally, the city is divided into different neighborhoods and areas including Bon Air, Braeburn, Braeburn Heights, Central City, Edgecliff, Gladeview, Indian Fields I & II and Kinloch. Lower Burrell's central Business District overlaps Bon Air-Central City-Gladeview neighborhoods.
Lower Burrell is located in the Appalachian Plateau, the western portion of the Appalachian Mountain range. The landscape varies greatly, with large swaths of flat land (typically in Bon Air, Central City and Gladeview) to areas with gentle slopes, and even steep cliffs and hillsides in certain areas. The city is bounded on the north and southwestern corner by the Allegheny River
. Jacks Island, a river island approximately 0.96 km (0.596517827183815 mi) in length, is located near the Braeburn neighborhood.
of 2000, there were 12,608 people, 5,133 households, and 3,654 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,091.8 people per square mile (421.5/km²). There were 5,324 housing units at an average density of 461.0 per square mile (178.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.95% White, 0.93% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races
, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.
There were 5,133 households out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,000, and the median income for a family was $50,036. Males had a median income of $38,900 versus $25,706 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,143. About 4.3% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.
and several other public officials. The police dog, Odin, was later retired and given to the Kotecki family.
. The district consists of Bon Air and Stewart elementary schools, the Charles A. Huston Middle School, and Burrell High School
.
On a post-secondary level, Lower Burrell is home to Newport Business Institute and Oakbridge Academy of Arts, both located in the Kinloch neighborhood. Pennsylvania State University New Kensington Campus is located in Upper Burrell Township and a local campus of Westmoreland County Community College is located in neighboring New Kensington.
, a former player for the 1950 Stanley Cup
Champion Detroit Red Wings
of the National Hockey League
. Babando scored the game-winning goal in overtime of game 7 in the series. He also played for the Boston Bruins
, Chicago Blackhawks
, and New York Rangers
. Babando was born in the Braeburn section of Lower Burrell.
Tom Brown, a former player for the 1987 and 1989 Miami Dolphins
of the National Football League
grew up in Lower Burrell. Brown played as a running back for the Dolphins.
Congressman Jason Altmire
grew up in Lower Burrell, and graduated from Burrell High School
.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. Located approximately 18 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, Lower Burrell is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area
Pittsburgh Metro Area
The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area is the metropolitan area surrounding the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its industries including steel, glass and oil; moreover, its economy also thrives on healthcare, education, technology, robotics, financial services and more recently film...
. The population was 12,608 at the 2000 census.
History
In 1852, Burrell Township was carved out of Allegheny TownshipAllegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny Township is a township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,002 at the 2000 census. The municipality borders the townships of Harrison, Upper Burrell, and Washington; and the boroughs of Oklahoma, Vandergrift, Leechburg, West Leechburg, Lower Burrell,...
in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
due to an increase in population in the area, by Judge Jeremiah Murry Burrell. In 1879 Burrell Township was divided into two separate townships, Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell. The present-day cities of New Kensington and Arnold
Arnold, Pennsylvania
Arnold is a city in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is a suburb of Pittsburgh, part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 5,667 at the 2000 census.-History:...
were once part of Lower Burrell Township. In the years that followed, Lower Burrell transformed from a quiet, rural farm community to a residential and commercial area while Upper Burrell stayed primarily rural. In 1959, in the midst of the growth of their community, township residents voted to make Lower Burrell a third class city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lower Burrell continued to grow substantially until the 1980s. Like many small towns in Western Pennsylvania, Lower Burrell suffered economic and population stagnation with the collapse of local heavy industry. Since the early 1990s, Lower Burrell experienced slight growth, though much of the city's commercial property, including one of its only large shopping centers, remains vacant. Preliminary data from the 2010 census shows that Lower Burrell has lost about 5 percent of its population since 2000.
Geography
Lower Burrell is located at 40°35′2"N 79°43′19"W (40.583966, -79.721948).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 11.8 square miles (30.6 km²), of which, 11.6 square miles (30 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square mile (0.776996433 km²) of it (2.28%) is water.
Informally, the city is divided into different neighborhoods and areas including Bon Air, Braeburn, Braeburn Heights, Central City, Edgecliff, Gladeview, Indian Fields I & II and Kinloch. Lower Burrell's central Business District overlaps Bon Air-Central City-Gladeview neighborhoods.
Lower Burrell is located in the Appalachian Plateau, the western portion of the Appalachian Mountain range. The landscape varies greatly, with large swaths of flat land (typically in Bon Air, Central City and Gladeview) to areas with gentle slopes, and even steep cliffs and hillsides in certain areas. The city is bounded on the north and southwestern corner by the Allegheny River
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River is a principal tributary of the Ohio River; it is located in the Eastern United States. The Allegheny River joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" of Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
. Jacks Island, a river island approximately 0.96 km (0.596517827183815 mi) in length, is located near the Braeburn neighborhood.
Streams
- Pucketa CreekPucketa CreekPucketa Creek is a tributary of the Allegheny River located in both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.-Course:...
joins the Allegheny River where the creek forms the boundary between both the city of Lower Burrell and the borough of PlumPlum, PennsylvaniaPlum is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 27,126 at the 2010 census.Plum is often referred to as "Plum Boro" or more correctly "Plum Borough" by locals to distinguish it from its previous status as a township...
.
- Little Pucketa CreekLittle Pucketa CreekLittle Pucketa Creek is a tributary of Pucketa Creek and a sub-tributary of the Allegheny River located in both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.-Course:...
joins Pucketa Creek at Lower Burrell.
- Chartiers RunChartiers Run (Allegheny River)Chartiers Run is a tributary of the Allegheny River located in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.-Course:Chartiers Run joins the Allegheny River at the city of Lower Burrell.-External links:*...
joins the Allegheny River at Lower Burrell.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 12,608 people, 5,133 households, and 3,654 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,091.8 people per square mile (421.5/km²). There were 5,324 housing units at an average density of 461.0 per square mile (178.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.95% White, 0.93% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.
There were 5,133 households out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,000, and the median income for a family was $50,036. Males had a median income of $38,900 versus $25,706 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $20,143. About 4.3% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.
Officials
Lower Burrell is a third class city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has a commission form of government where the mayor of the city only has one vote and no veto power. The mayor heads the City's Department of Public Affairs, which oversees the Lower Burrell Police Department, City Clerk, Solicitor, Health Department, Ordinance Officer, Animal Control Officer, Emergency Management Department, Auxiliary Police, Fire Code Enforcement Officer and School Crossing Guards. In addition to the mayor, Lower Burrell has four councilmen. Each councilman heads a different department including the Department of Accounts and Finance, Department of Parks and Public Property, Department of Public Safety and the Department of Streets and Improvements.Police department
The Lower Burrell Police Department is staffed by 17 full-time police officers, including a chief, detective lieutenant, detective sergeant, four shift sergeants and 10 patrolmen. The department's K-9 officer, Derek Kotecki, was shot and killed after being ambushed at the Dairy Queen in Lower Burrell on October 12, 2011; the gunman, Charles Post, was killed during the incident, "either by a policeman's bullet or his own." The funeral was attended by Governor Tom CorbettTom Corbett
Thomas W. Corbett is the 46th and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and was elected to that office in 2004 and reelected in 2008...
and several other public officials. The police dog, Odin, was later retired and given to the Kotecki family.
Fire and ambulance services
Lower Burrell is served by two volunteer fire companies. Lower Burrell Fire Company 1 is located in the Kinloch section of the city. Lower Burrell Fire Company 3 serves the Bon Air, Central City and Gladeview neighborhoods, the business district, Braeburn and Braeburn Heights. Fire Company 4 used to serve the Braeburn and Braeburn Heights areas in the city. Fire Company 2, was formerly located in Braeburn and merged into Company 4 in 2005. Company 4, in turn, was closed in 2009. Lower Burrell's EMS coverage is provided by Company 3. The city has approximately 100 volunteer firefighters.Education
Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell Township are jointly served by the Burrell School DistrictBurrell School District
The Burrell School District is one of many school districts under the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The Burrell School District is located northeast of Pittsburgh. The school district serves the City of Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell Township. The...
. The district consists of Bon Air and Stewart elementary schools, the Charles A. Huston Middle School, and Burrell High School
Burrell High School
Burrell High School is a public secondary school in Lower Burrell in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Part of the Burrell School District, the building houses grades 9 through 12.-External links:*...
.
On a post-secondary level, Lower Burrell is home to Newport Business Institute and Oakbridge Academy of Arts, both located in the Kinloch neighborhood. Pennsylvania State University New Kensington Campus is located in Upper Burrell Township and a local campus of Westmoreland County Community College is located in neighboring New Kensington.
Notable people
Lower Burrell is the hometown of Pete BabandoPete Babando
Peter Joseph Babando born May 10, 1925 in Braeburn-Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania and raised in South Porcupine, Ontario) is a former National Hockey League player who skated for the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and New York Rangers. During six NHL seasons, Babando scored 86...
, a former player for the 1950 Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
Champion Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. Babando scored the game-winning goal in overtime of game 7 in the series. He also played for the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
, and New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
. Babando was born in the Braeburn section of Lower Burrell.
Tom Brown, a former player for the 1987 and 1989 Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
grew up in Lower Burrell. Brown played as a running back for the Dolphins.
Congressman Jason Altmire
Jason Altmire
Jason Altmire is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:...
grew up in Lower Burrell, and graduated from Burrell High School
Burrell High School
Burrell High School is a public secondary school in Lower Burrell in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Part of the Burrell School District, the building houses grades 9 through 12.-External links:*...
.