A large mixed-use development plan for Pittsburgh's former Civic Area site now has full approval from the city.
The Pittsburgh City Council approved "a zoning change that will allow the Penguins’ proposed $440 million redevelopment of the former Civic Arena site in the lower Hill District to proceed," reports Robert Zullo.
The decision culminates years of planning and negotiation between the team, the Hill District Community Development Corp, the city, and more. In January, for instance, a judge cleared a settlement that allowed the development of a corporate headquarters for U.S. Steel to be built on the site.
The project's final approval included an odd twist: Councilmember Daniel Lavelle, the major legislative force behind the development proposal, was "conspicuously absent" from the final vote after a bout of car trouble. Due to his absence, the final version of the legislation was stripped of several amendments introduced by Councilmember Lavelle in a committee meeting just the prior week.
FULL STORY: City council approves zoning change, allowing redevelopment of Civic Arena site to advance
Judge Clears Way for Redevelopment of Pittsburgh's Former Civic Arena Site
The proposed redevelopment of the 28-acre site—former home of the Civic Arena—would produce a corporate headquarters and a mix of uses and housing.
Revealed: A Splashy New Master Plan for Former Civic Arena Site in Pittsburgh
One of the country's most beautiful cities could get a dramatic new development project, calling on the design talents of Bjarke Ingels Group.
Judge: Pittsburgh Can't Hide Amazon HQ2 Offer From the Public
City and county officials have already appealed a decision that would require them to release the details of a proposal designed to entice Amazon into locating its second headquarters in Pittsburgh.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland