Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey calls for Oakland Crossings project to be put on hold

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Monday called for a 30-day pause on the controversial Oakland Crossings proposed zoning ordinance.

Walnut Capital, the Shadyside developer known for revitalizing Bakery Square, has proposed a major transformation of a portion of Oakland. Dubbed Oakland Crossings, the 17-acre project would require a zoning amendment, which is being considered by the city’s Planning Commission.

The developer’s plans include a neighborhood grocery store, a 25% increase in urban green space and an elevated pedestrian bridge stretching over the Boulevard of the Allies.

Some residents have objected to the development moving forward while they are finalizing the Oakland Plan, which is meant to serve as a roadmap for future developments in the community. It is expected to be finished early this year.

Shortly before leaving office, former Mayor Bill Peduto sent City Council a proposal that would change the zoning requirements to permit the development. The legislation would create a fifth “open public realm” subdistrict in Oakland.

City Council amended and ultimately approved the legislation, passing it along to the Planning Commission for approval. The proposal has raised alarms with the Planning Commission, with some commissioners questioning why the developers haven’t waited for the Oakland Plan to be completed and raising concerns about the process through which the proposal was introduced, as it came from a mayor in his lame duck period.

Gainey on Monday said he has asked for a 30-day pause, a decision he said was made in consultation with City Planning and the development team.

Gainey said he wants “to provide clarity on the technical language and ensure equitable development is prioritized by the City of Pittsburgh zoning code.”

The administration will use the next 30 days to talk with community and student groups, as well as housing justice advocates and Walnut Capital.

“I look forward to discussions on this development and those across Pittsburgh and how they can promote equity and affordable housing,” said Gainey, whose campaign heavily emphasized affordable housing initiatives. “I am hopeful we will find a solution that prioritizes equitable development, aligns with the priorities raised by residents in the Oakland Plan process and delivers on much-needed affordable housing prospects for the people of Pittsburgh.”

A Walnut Capital spokesperson said the company appreciates Gainey’s decision to direct the planning department to collaborate “so that we can thoroughly address any questions and ensure that the zoning legislation and its technical language is ‘crystal clear’ both in its interpretation and intent.”

“We believe in this transformational project, the power of public-private partnerships and that by working together, we can go further to deliver the neighborhood, city and region a development that everyone will feel proud of,” Walnut Capital said in its statement.