Park Place Blog

Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing today from 1:30 – after 4:00pm to consider a request by Paradise Development to rezone 2 residences as local neighborhood commercial in order to fit a drive through and paved surface for a Walgreens they wish to build.

Before a packed council room, the hearing started with a brief presentation by the City Planning Department. It outlined the proposal, and indicated their approval. One interesting exchange was when Bill Peduto asked for a statement about spot rezoning, and was told that because it was extending an existing zone, it was not spot rezoning. He then followed-up with a request for a definition of spot rezoning, and was told by the City Panning Department representative that he did not know the definition.

Next, the lawyer for Paradise Development lead a presentation on behalf of the developer. He spoke to their interpretation of the requirements for rezoning. He also called a witness to speak to the same points. The presentation was essentially the same as presented before the Planning Commission. The presentation continued to emphasize the claim that the existing LNC lot of 36,000 sqft (300′x120′) was too small to be developed.

Next, John Mayberry lead a presentation on behalf of the Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association who is opposed to the rezoning. In addition to addressing the wishes of the community, he spoke to the lack of fulfillment of the requirements for rezoning. He also called two expert witnesses- a lawyer to speak to spot zoning (including the definition) and an urban planer and architect. The planner addressed the claim of the LNC lot being too small. He provided documentation showing that the lot is actually significantly larger than most LNC lots, such as are found on Walnut and Ellsworth in Shadyside, East Carson Street on the South Side, Butler Street in Lawrenceville, and Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. In fact, he found that this lot was in the top 10% of all LNC lots for size. The organization also provided documentation and information in a bound book for each council person.

Finally, the public had an opportunity to speak. There were 33 speakers who were opposed. There was one Representative from the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh who made general comments about the process that was not being followed by the city. Among those speaking in opposition, there was Mr. Styles speaking on behalf of the Friendship Development Corporation. Ms. Danko from the 14th Ward Democratic Committee represented their opposition. Letters were presented from the Regent Square Civic Association, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh, SPUR Consulting, and the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. Local resident and business owner, Dave Green of the Sweetie Sweetie Bakery prepared specially decorated “No Rezoning” protest cookies for the council members and media. The only public speakers in favor of the rezoning were the homeowners of two of the properties who stand to directly profit from the proposed project.

At the conclusion of the hearing council members made statements, but no vote was taken and is not yet scheduled. Twanda Carlisle, who represents the district in question, stated that she had not yet made up her mind, and said that further discussion with the community and the developers is needed, with a compromise in mind.