Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey comes to terms with developers on proposed Oakland Crossings project

After putting the proposed Oakland Crossings project on hold for a couple of months, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said Monday that his office has reached a deal with developer Walnut Capital on proposed zoning for the large-scale development in central Oakland.

The proposed 17-acre project initially included denser housing development, increased building heights, a grocery store, green space and road and pedestrian improvements. The development would straddle the area near Boulevard of the Allies and UPMC Magee Womens Hospital.

A news release from Gainey’s office said the agreement between his office and Walnut Capital includes “narrower and more clearly defined zoning,” as well as a public benefit deal that creates requirements for percentages of affordable housing developed and work going to minority- and women-owned contracting firms. It also calls for increased food access and 250 union construction jobs to be created.

Related:

• Pittsburgh officials seeking input on proposed Oakland Crossings development
• Gainey calls for Oakland Crossings project to be put on hold

Gainey said this is the first time the city has made an agreement with a private developer that uses the Housing Authority Choice Voucher Program to reach inclusionary zoning requirements, which require new, large developers to offer a certain percentage of affordable housing units.

“My priority has been to make sure that Pittsburgh remains livable for all of us,” Gainey said.

The mayor’s office said at least 10% of the housing units developed in Oakland Crossings will have rents that are affordable to households earning up to 50% of the area median income for a minimum of 35 years. The agreement also has expanded green space, protects Zulema Park and will have “a smaller overall footprint for the zoning,” according to the release.

Oakland Crossings had received some pushback from groups like the Oakland Planning and Development Corp., which wanted the project placed on hold until a broad community plan was completed. Critics said Oakland Crossings lacked sufficient affordable housing and was usurping community processes.

Walnut Capital President Todd Reidbord thanked Gainey and said the negotiations helped raise the bar higher on what the development could achieve.

“We worked together to problem-solve innovative ways that ensure the community receives its long-awaited grocery store and that we can build a sustainable, affordable, inclusive mixed-use development that lifts up everyone in the community,” Reidbord said.

Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus, whose district includes Oakland, said the public benefits agreement will help Pittsburgh grow while ensuring “fairness and inclusivity for all of us.”

The proposed zoning changes will be on Tuesday’s Planning Commission agenda and, if recommended by the commission, will then go to Pittsburgh City Council for consideration.