Controversial Redevelopment Plan Pleases No One in Pittsburgh

Affordable housing advocates, developers, and planning commissioners all got a bad taste in their mouth on this one.

1 minute read

May 17, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The Pittsburgh Planning Commission pushed through a proposal Tuesday to redevelop the former Penn Plaza site in East Liberty over opposition from dozens of affordable-housing advocates who packed the meeting," reports Mark Belko.

The controversial decision seems to please none of the interested parties, according to Belko. The developer had to concede its proposed 150-foot height to the Planning Commission's demands for a 108-foot height limit. Another change added a "requirement for a community gathering space adjacent to Enright Park."

The Planning Commission was so concerned by the process that it "passed what it called 'a resolution of concern' urging city leaders to give it more power to consider issues such as social, environmental, and economic impacts and housing strategies in making decisions."

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog