Pittsburgh zoning amendment clears way for proposed Oakland Crossings

A zoning amendment approved Tuesday by Pittsburgh City Council clears the way for the proposed Oakland Crossings development to proceed.

Walnut Capital, the Shadyside developer that revitalized the East End’s Bakery Square, needed City Council to approve the zoning change in a portion of Oakland so it can move ahead with its proposed 13-acre development. The plans include a grocery store, green space and an elevated pedestrian bridge stretching over the Boulevard of the Allies.

Mayor Ed Gainey attempted to strike a compromise in an agreement with Walnut Capital that incorporated “narrower and more clearly defined zoning” and an affordable housing requirement.

The measure has been tweaked several times. A recent amendment allowed building lengths to jump from 400 feet to 425 feet for grocery stores.

Some members of the Oakland community have spoken out against large building sizes and the fact that the proposal came as the Oakland Plan — a plan meant to guide future development in the neighborhood — was being finalized.

Councilwoman Deb Gross also has objected to the process by which the legislation originated. The measure came from former Mayor Bill Peduto’s office, something she has argued is not permissible for a zoning change.

Gross last week suggested the measure should be sent back to the Planning Commission to restart the public process because of changes to the amendment.

She was the only council member to oppose the measure Tuesday.

Council President Theresa Kail-Smith said she felt Councilman Bruce Kraus, who represents the area, did a “tremendous job of trying to balance the needs of the community.”