Image courtesy of City-Data.com Pittsburgh Forum from Evergrey

The proposed development by the Buncher Company across much of the waterfront land in the Strip District has not yet received City Council approval for TIF financing, however a rezoning plan is making its way through Council and is the first step to the development moving forward. Council will hold a Post Agenda discussion and a Public Hearing on this important development and I encourage you to make your voice heard. The Post Agenda will be held on Monday, September 24th at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers and the Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 25th at 1:00 PM.

Fruit Auction & Sales Building/Strip District, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from joseph a’s photostream

The Public Hearing is your chance to let City Council, the developers, and the administration know what you want your riverfronts to look like. This proposed development will set a standard for future Allegheny riverfront projects in the Strip District and Lawrenceville and we all have a responsibility to ensure that it is done right. There are still many unanswered questions about the buffer zone between the development and the river, compliance with the city’s stormwater management standards, the plan for the use of public funds, and the ongoing dispute with Allegheny Valley Railroad regarding a rail easement on the property. Most importantly, this is our opportunity to assure that all future riverfront development meets high standards that will enhance Pittsburgh. Please come to Council on September 25th and help us ensure that this important project is a positive development for the Strip District, the city, and the region.

To register to speak at the Public Hearing, please call the City Clerk’s office at 412.255.2138. To read the letter Councilman Kraus and I sent to Buncher Company CEO Tom Balestrieri outlining our concerns, please click here.