News that the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is seeking $5 million in Allegheny Regional Asset District funding to redevelop Pittsburgh’s Eighth Street block into a large lawn for festivals, performances and water play highlights a dismal understanding of Downtown’s security and economic positions.
When unveiled as part of a larger Allegheny Conference on Community Development proposal, this “aspirational” redevelopment struck as a tone-deaf, unserious solution from a New York consulting firm. Otherwise, how could basic viability research not have surfaced the myriad security and economic growth risks?
For example, why would a downtown block with active Fort Duquesne Boulevard Park barricades around an open-air drug market; unsheltered riverfront encampments; and constant infrastructure graffiti vandalism unroll an even larger green carpet for more of the same at taxpayer expense?
Speaking of, the Eighth Street block is one of downtown’s largest prime parcels of developable real estate and high-visibility skyline, particularly from the broadcast-friendly confines of PNC Park. Shouldn’t leaders aspire to attract a branded mixed-use tower that directly generates tax revenue and contributes to sustainable security and development costs?
Given already challenging city budgets and Downtown vacancy rates, a vacant lawn and water play area perfectly serves the dim leaders flushing our future.
David Yochum
Downtown