On Tuesday, January 10th, the city Planning Commission denied LG Realty approval of their preliminary land development plans for the Penn Plaza site. This vote was delayed from a previous commission hearing in December, during which hundreds of community members, residents, and supporters came out to testify about the massive displacement, lack of community process, and harm inflicted by LG Realty.

Let’s send a note of thanks to the planning commission to let them know that they have the support of the community.

Pittsburghers for Public Transit, along with other organizations including Homes for All, Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, and the Enright Park Association, highlighted the developers’ blatant disregard for community process and the well-being of the residents, many of whom still have not found housing and face the imminent threat of eviction. They face the possibility of being displaced from a neighborhood in which they have lived and thrived for decades.

The proposed plan included up to four hundred units of market rate housing and a Whole Foods. The developer also misrepresented the size and design of the park and open space. Additionally, the only open, public meeting that was held was scheduled the night before the hearing in December, and no effort was made to speak about any part of the plans other than the design of the park.

The developer faced massive push-back both at that meeting and at the initial hearing the next day. It was clear to all in the room that the development was not in the interest of the residents or the community, and that we care what happens to our neighborhood. We care to make sure that Pittsburgh does not ignore the people of this city in its scramble for shinier, fancier developments.

The decision showed us that we are capable of causing change when we come together and stand in solidarity. People do have power, and we must remember more than ever that we need to act together to wield it.

The developers are currently in the process of appealing the decision, so the fight is not over yet! Let us celebrate our victories, but continue to fight harder for our communities, our neighbors, our friends. We’ll need it more than ever, in this fight, and for the many more in the future. Remember to send the note of thanks!  

Please come to show your support for the fund and to share your concerns about the removal of the transit requirement language. Here’s the fb link to the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418472964854321/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1482110823346224

After a 3 hour-long public hearing, with lots of opposition to the Penn Plaza re-development presented, the Planning Commission filed for a “continuance,” which means they’ll deliberate and vote on the preliminary land development plan on January 10th. Planning Director Ray Gastil mentioned that they needed time to address the concerns about community process and fair housing.

Here is press coverage on the event:

http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/11635953-74/housing-park-residents

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2016/12/14/Planning-Commission-postpones-vote-on-East-Liberty-development/stories/201612140127

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2016/12/14/planning-commission-tables-penn-plaza-vote.html

And here are the comments PPT provided.

To: City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission

From: Molly Nichols, Director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit

Re: Pennley Park South PLDP

12.13.16

“If it’s not for all; it’s not for us.” I urge you to consider this line as you review and vote on the Pennley Park South New Development proposal. This quote is connected to an initiative led by the Mayor’s office called P4. I am grateful to live in a city where our Mayor and his administration verbally commit to building an equitable city, where everyone is supposed to benefit from the growth, and no one is left behind.

But too often do I see decisions get made that contradict this commitment. Just look at this development. Over 300 units of affordable housing have been, or will soon be razed by LG realty. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, residents who had lived there for decades—to places with less access to grocery stores, doctors, jobs, schools, friends, family, social networks, and most near and dear to the organization I work with, public transit. Residents have been forced to move to places outside the city including Penn Hills, Plum, Sharpsburg, Homestead, Brentwood, Charleroi, Baldwin, Green Tree, Creighton, McDonald, Academy, Duquesne, Monroeville, McKeesport, California.

The plans for this site include up to 400 market rate units and a luxury grocery store. Is this a development for all? When only those who can afford apartments that cost 1600/month and more can live and shop there? The median rent for East Liberty residents in 2013 was $575. Where is the space for residents who most need the robust transit service in this community? The two phases of the East Liberty Transit Revitalization investment district, which Penn Plaza is now part of, include the development of 1486 units. Do you know how many are affordable? 117. That’s 7.8%. 61 in the first phase at E Liberty Place South, and 56 in the second phase at Mellon’s Orchard. We should learn from other cities that built inequitable transit oriented development. In many instances, ridership barely went up, and in DC the majority of residents living near Metro stops went from black to white.

You may want to create mixed income neighborhoods, but the only way to do that, without displacing long-time residents, is by building more affordable units into the new developments. Otherwise, as was stated by the Commission on Human Relations, in effect you are excluding members of protected classes, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and African-Americans. And if you do that, you are violating your own obligation to further fair housing, your own comprehensive plan to increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing in this city.

The city may only have so much control over the decisions of a private developer, the forces of the market, the financing mechanisms, etc. But that is why your role is so important today. You, the planning commission, have the authority to give approval to these development plans, or not. We recognize that the Mayor’s office played an important role, after a robust community led campaign for the residents who faced eviction, to negotiate for the developers to delay the evictions, offer re-location assistance, and give up half of a tax break for an affordable housing fund.

But these concessions are not nearly enough. That fund is spread out over 10-20 years, and is banking on there being affordable housing elsewhere. Why not dedicate money for this development itself to include affordable units? If these developers are committed to affordable housing and equity, as they claimed to be at the community meeting last night, giving up half of a tax break for an undetermined number of affordable units, at some other location, is woefully insufficient. LG realty has and will bulldoze over 300 units; they’ve gotten zoning approvals, and plan to make significant and unpopular changes to a city owned park. And they only shared these plans at a full public meeting 18 hours ago—demonstrating a complete lack of legitimate community process.

The planning commission should not approve this development, most especially because it excludes protected classes from access. If it’s not for all; it’s not for us.

UPDATE: We have received word from PNC that they intend to restore seating for riders, closer to the bus stop itself. This is good news, and we will be in touch with them about how to create a space that is most amenable to the folks who use the stop each day.

December 5, 2016

Dear PNC Chairman William Demchak,

Pittsburghers for Public Transit is writing to express our grave concern that the public seating on the northeast corner of Forbes Ave and Wood St, right by the bus stop and the new PNC tower, has been removed. When the building was first completed, we were pleased to see the seating available for bus riders, pedestrians, employees, and patrons at the nearby restaurants. Removing public seating from such a valuable space downtown, without a transparent approval process from the city, is unacceptable. Today, riders are resorting to sitting on the mounds of dirt while waiting for the bus. We are asking for you to take swift action to restore the seating.

70% of people who are on the sidewalks in downtown on an average day are waiting for a bus. The presence of the seating outside the PNC tower was an important acknowledgement that transit riders’ needs were being prioritized, and it served as a model for other locations. The seating should not have been taken away, especially if we consider the impact on senior riders and those with mobility challenges.

We understand there is a commitment from PNC to improve public space in downtown Pittsburgh, especially for pedestrians and transit riders through the Envision Downtown project. We expect you to consult with the City, and transit riders who use this bus stop each day, to immediately restore the seating at this location.

Sincerely,

Molly Nichols

on behalf of Pittsburghers for Public Transit

Cc: Mayor Bill Peduto, City Planning Director Ray Gastil

Residents in Mifflin Estates addressed the Port Authority Board Meeting on Friday, October 28th, 2016 and delivered powerful testimonies of their experiences and daily struggles with transit in their community. A resident of Garfield, Donna Lee Terry spoke in solidarity with them, drawing parallels between her own experience without weekend service in Garfield (prior to the success of the 89 Garfield campaign) and the experiences of residents in Mifflin Estates. The launch of this campaign was covered by the Post Gazette, the Trib, and The Incline.

Mifflin Estates consists of 201 units of affordable housing off of Camp Hollow Road in West Mifflin, near the Allegheny County Airport. Many folks do not have access to cars and have to walk over a mile on hilly, dangerous roads to get to the nearest bus stop. Recently, one person was seriously injured walking along that road. Residents feel stranded and isolated, and many have trouble getting to work, school, medical appointments and meeting basic daily needs.

This affects folks who are disabled, elderly, and those with young children.

Starr Magwood, a resident and mother of two children, described how difficult it was to enjoy activities with her kids and help them connect with things happening in their community and the world.  

Resident Maria Green said that she goes to daily radiation treatments for breast cancer, and because ACCESS limits riders to one trip a day, she is stranded afterwards in Mifflin Estates and has to depend on others for grocery shopping and getting to work. She moved to West Mifflin from Chicago to be with her grandchildren and has had to take a severe pay-cut because she is not able to work most shifts during the week.

A total of 90 residents have indicated their need for service, through a survey and meetings conducted by Pittsburghers for Public Transit. PPT is supporting this campaign and hopes the Port Authority can allocate current resources to extend service. The Y47, for example, could layover there instead of at CCAC South. PPT also expects that elected officials and supporters work to get more funding for public transit in all communities that need it.

Transit and mobility are basic necessities because without those, residents cannot connect with things they need in their lives. Everyone should be able to have safe, accessible, affordable transit. PPT stands with the residents of Mifflin Estates and other communities that still do not have access to this basic right.

On Saturday, October 8th, over 75 residents from Garfield and Penn Hills, and supporters from across Pittsburgh, filled the Kelly Strayhorn theater lobby to celebrate the success of their campaigns for increased bus service! After a year of community meetings, petitions, rallies, and testimonies before the Port Authority Board and elected officials, residents now have extended bus service on route 79 in Penn Hills and weekend service on the 89 in Garfield. The enthusiasm and joy were palpable in the speeches and mood of the crowd.

Annie McGowan, a resident leader from Garfield, said in her fiery speech, “It’s just wonderful to see a community come together. It’s wonderful to see a community that doesn’t give up at all no matter what you say, what you do. Because we know what it’s like to walk those hills. We know what it’s like when we have to count on somebody to take us to church and then bring us back home.”

Tony Williams, from Lincoln Park in Penn Hills, shared how challenging it is to get around without a car. He encouraged residents to ride the extended service and help get the word out!

Leaders from both the campaigns shared their experiences mobilizing neighbors and explained what a difference this extended service would make in their lives. State Representative Ed Gainey commended the hard work of community members and encouraged residents to continue to unite for better public transit! Aggie Brose, from the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, shared how this campaign is a stepping stone for continued strides towards creating equitable communities. And Molly Nichols, from Pittsburghers for Public Transit, called on the need for more funding for public transit, especially from major corporations and institutions. She also shared the importance of fighting for affordable housing near frequent transit.

Everyone thanked the Port Authority for listening to their requests but also acknowledged the high level of demand in Allegheny County for improved transit service. Speakers emphasized the need for communities to support each other, highlighting the sense of unity and strength that they had felt in their campaigns. Many expressed the desire to stay and fight for those who still have limited or no access to public transit. McGowan closed the event saying, “I just want you to remember the ones that don’t have bus service, [hundreds of routes] were discontinued. We got to remember them. We got to stand with them. We got to do for them. Remember them please…And let’s move forward!”

These campaigns were led by the residents of Garfield and Penn Hills, and supported by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, Lincoln Park Community Center, and the Penn Hills NAACP.

IT’S TIME TO PARTAYYYY!

Please join us on Saturday Oct 8 to celebrate getting increased bus service in Garfield and Penn Hills! After a year long resident-led campaign, the 89 will now run on weekends in Garfield. The 79 will run all day and on weekends along the current P17 route. WE DID IT!

Residents worked hard to advocate for this service, and riders are thrilled to have these much needed connections to jobs, school, shopping, events, medical appointments, places of worship, and more. Thanks to all who helped make this happen!We know more communities still need service, and we look forward to keeping up the fight.

Residents will ride Route 89 from Garfield and Route 79/82 from Penn Hills to attend the celebration at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater lobby, 5941 Penn Ave. Supporters are invited to join us on the bus or at the theater. We’ll have refreshments, a short film, and featured speakers! 

Garfield riders: meet at 9:20 am at Fern and Mossfield St to take the 89 to East Liberty
Penn Hills riders: meet at 9:10 am at Mark and Calmar to take the 79 (which becomes the 82). Or you can hop on the 79 from the Giant Eagle .
All supporters: please join us at the celebration at 1030 am! you all helped make this possible, and we encourage you to come celebrate with us!

The event is cohosted by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, the Lincoln Park Community Center, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater

For more information, contact Pittsburghers for Public Transit:

info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org

412-216-9659

On Tuesday, September 20th, residents from all over the city joined together to participate in a rally for housing as a human right. The rally was co-sponsored by the Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, Homes for All Pittsburgh, Coalition of Organized Residents of East Liberty, the Hill District Consensus Group, and Pittsburghers for Public Transit. Residents called for more equitable development to benefit all, an end to the displacement of families and people living in the city, and quality affordable homes for all people in Pittsburgh.

The rally began at Katz Plaza and ended at Market Square. Residents took to the streets and held major intersections downtown, drawing attention to the urgency and dire need for affordable housing in Pittsburgh.

The action took place the day before a public hearing on the Housing Opportunity Fund legislation before the city council. The legislation would allow for the creation of a housing fund that would provide ten million dollars a year for affordable housing in the city. Over 100 residents were present at the hearing and over 50 of them addressed council, mostly speaking in favor of the legislation. Many noted that while the legislation is far from perfect and a mere drop in the bucket, it is a necessary and important start. Pittsburgh has a deficit of over 20,000 homes, and while rents have been increasing in the past five years, incomes have remained stagnant. Affordable housing units are being torn down to make room for newer and more expensive developments, and lower income residents are being forced out of neighborhoods they’ve lived in for decades.

Some of the proposed changes to the legislation were the inclusion of tenant protections (including just cause evictions), a provision for mandating periodic health and safety checks (using some of the proposed fifteen percent administration fee), build first policies, full relocation benefits, and more priority given to those earning at or below thirty to fifty percent of area median income. Residents also pointed to the need for affordable housing located near good transit that already exists; several at the hearing spoke about the additional burden placed on those forced into areas where there are transit deserts and no way to meet their daily needs.  

It is clear that there is an affordable housing crisis in the city and something needs to be done immediately. While the legislation may not be perfect, it was clear from the hearing that there is overwhelming support from residents in the city.

To get involved in this campaign contact Molly at (412)216-9659 , email: molly@pittsburghforpublictransit.org

The following video was made by Dean Mougianis. It highlights the importance of public transit and some of the work PPT has done.

“When people work together they have power, and that power can solve problems that seem insurmountable. This is a story about one such problem – inadequate public transportation, and a group of people who are solving that problem one neighborhood at a time.”- Dean

IT’S TIME TO PARTAYYYY!

Please join us on Saturday Oct 8 to celebrate getting increased bus service in Garfield and Penn Hills! After a year long resident-led campaign, the 89 will now run on weekends in Garfield. The 79 will run all day and on weekends along the current P17 route. WE DID IT!

Residents worked hard to advocate for this service, and riders are thrilled to have these much needed connections to jobs, school, shopping, events, medical appointments, places of worship, and more. Thanks to all who helped make this happen!We know more communities still need service, and we look forward to keeping up the fight.

Residents will ride Route 89 from Garfield and Route 79/82 from Penn Hills to attend the celebration at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater lobby. Supporters are invited to join us on the bus or at the theater. We’ll have refreshments, a short film, and featured speakers! 

Garfield riders: meet at 9:20 am at Fern and Mossfield St to take the 89 to East Liberty
Penn Hills riders: meet at 9:10 am at Mark and Calmar to take the 79 (which becomes the 82). Or you can hop on the 79 from the Giant Eagle .
All supporters: please join us at the celebration! you all helped make this possible, and we encourage you to come celebrate with us!

The event is cohosted by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation, the Lincoln Park Community Center, and the Kelly Strayhorn Theater

For more information, contact Pittsburghers for Public Transit:

info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org

412-216-9659