PITTSBURGH | Rundown [Archive] - Page 15

Evergrey

03-16-2007, 07:41 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_497977.html

Heinz to shift global HQ to One PPG Place, Downtown

By Rick Stouffer
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, March 16, 2007

The H.J. Heinz Co. is expected to announce today that it's moving its world headquarters and 200-plus personnel to One PPG Place from U.S. Steel Tower, trading one Pittsburgh landmark for another.
The news was given to Heinz employees worldwide in a late Thursday afternoon e-mail. Move-in is slated for March 2008.

Heinz's spokesman Michael Mullen yesterday refused to confirm or deny PPG Place had been selected as the new home for Heinz's headquarters. The move had been the subject of speculation because of the soft Downtown office market where the vacancy rate remains at close to 20 percent.

"Heinz will be making an important announcement (this) morning, which will reaffirm the company's long-standing commitment to downtown Pittsburgh," Mullen said.

The Heinz corporate staff will be relocating to about 85,000 square feet in the 40-story PPG tower from its 80,000 square feet of space on floors 59 and 60 of the U.S. Steel Tower, the city's tallest office building. Heinz has been a tenant in the Steel Tower since 1981, when its world headquarters relocated from its former North Side office and manufacturing complex.

Making the move from 600 Grant St. to the area between Third and Fourth avenues and Stanwix Street will be the company's office of CEO William R. Johnson, the H.J. Heinz Co. Foundation, international management teams and personnel involved with law, finance, tax, audit, strategic planning, corporate affairs, business development and human resources.

It's believed Heinz will sign a long-term lease with Market Associates, an affiliate of PPG Place owner the Hillman Co,. within a few weeks. While some details remain to be finalized, Heinz likely will occupy space on floors 30-33, and possibly on the 35th floor.

"We only looked at three or four true Class-A buildings, and all in the central business district," said Bradley Totten, senior vice president with Grubb & Ellis Co., who represented Heinz in its search and evaluation of space.

The announcement ends some 12 months of searching, an effort temporarily shelved for about half of 2006 as the Pittsburgh-based icon's executives were absorbed in a nasty proxy fight with investor Nelson Peltz, now a board member.

Earlier this year, Mullen told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that any move by world headquarters staff would have no impact on the 900 employees housed in the Heinz 57 Center, the former Gimbel's department store, at Sixth Avenue and Smithfield Street, Downtown.

While its U.S. Steel Tower lease doesn't expire until 2010, it's likely the company will be able to get out of the lease early, as building owner Apollo/Winthrop is willing to trade an 80,000-square-foot tenant for a lessee taking as much as 400,000 square feet of space.

That tenant would be the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which real estate officials previously said could take as much as 200,000 square feet, with options for as much as 400,000 square feet.

While speculation has been ongoing as to where Heinz might move, PPG Place never was among the trophy buildings real estate industry observers said were top candidates. Buildings that were mentioned included the 32-story Dominion Tower on Liberty Avenue, the 11-story largely vacant Union Trust Building on Grant Street and the 52-story One Mellon Center on Grant.

Rick Stouffer can be reached at rstouffer@tribweb.com or 412-320-7853.

So Heinz is trading this:
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/57350152.jpg

for this:
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/59118701.jpg

Evergrey

03-16-2007, 07:57 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07075/769957-53.stm

N. Shore concert venue advances

Agency to apply for $10 million in grants for infrastructure

Friday, March 16, 2007

By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A proposed amphitheater and entertainment district on the North Shore advanced a step yesterday with a decision to apply for up to $10 million in state grants for the project.

The city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority board approved the application yesterday as part of the proposed North Shore Live project, which would be built on what is parking Lot 2, the lot closest to Heinz Field and North Shore Drive.

Continental Real Estate Cos., the Cordish Co. and PSSI Stadium Corp. are seeking up to $1 million a year for 10 years to help pay for infrastructure relating to the complex, which would feature an amphitheater with a glass-like top, nightclubs and restaurants.

"The grant would allow us to move ahead with our development plans for a live entertainment district on the North Shore," Continental Real Estate said in a statement released after the sports authority board action.

Continental was hired by the Steelers and Pirates to develop the land between Heinz Field and PNC Park.

Under the state's Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program, the grants are tied to the amount of state sales, income and hotel occupancy taxes generated by the project.

If the tax revenues fall short of projections, no money is awarded that year. To be eligible, retail establishments must create at least 200 full-time jobs and occupy at least 200,000 square feet.

"It is not just a handout from the state. There's a lot of responsibility on the developer's part," authority Executive Director Mary Conturo said.

Continental hopes to be able to break ground on the project next year, with the goal of having it ready for events by the end of 2008, said Barry Ford, president of development in the Pittsburgh office.

Baltimore-based Cordish has done similar projects in other cities. In Pittsburgh, the amphitheater would seat up to 1,200. Mr. Ford said 95 percent of the programs and concerts would be free.

The goal, he said, is to "create a great outdoor space" to bring people to the North Shore to visit restaurants, bars, and retail shops on days the Pirates or the Steelers aren't playing.

Programs could include concerts or dramas. Stages and seating can be rearranged to accommodate the type of performance involved.

"We're actively seeking to move the project forward," Mr. Ford said. "We've put a lot of time and effort into this. It's an important piece of the puzzle [for the North Shore]."

Continental and the others involved will continue to seek additional funding sources for the project. One possibility could be reapplying for a $4 million state grant that was awarded to the Steelers three years ago for an amphitheater project in the same spot. The Steelers later gave up the grant so it could be used to help fund a new parking garage on the North Shore.

"I think we'll be looking at all avenues [for funding]," Mr. Ford said. "I'm not sure exactly what those are yet. I don't think we've ruled anything out yet."

The North Shore Live project is part of a burst of activity between the two sports venues that could see the development of another hotel and another office building over the next few years. Several restaurants, including Jerome Bettis Grille 36, are to open this year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262. )

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070316north_shore_amphitheater.gif

...

95% of the concerts at this new live music venue are going to be FREE!? There goes my hopes of a new quality live music venue in Pittsburgh that could attract mid-tier national touring acts... guess we'll still have to make that trip to Cleveland... bah

Evergrey

03-16-2007, 08:01 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07075/769946-336.stm

If slots fail, state will pick up slack

Debate over casino license won't bust new arena deal

Friday, March 16, 2007

By Mark Belko and Gary Rotstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Regardless of what happens with the Pittsburgh casino license, the deal to build a new arena and keep the Penguins in town won't be in jeopardy.

Even if the $7.5 million a year for 30 years committed by casino licensee Don Barden evaporated, the arena still would get built, with the state responsible for the shortfall.

"In the unlikely event of a catastrophe, the commonwealth would assume final responsibility," Chuck Ardo, a spokesman for Gov. Ed Rendell, said yesterday.

The $290 million bond issue for the arena likely will carry insurance to cover any potential defaults, although Mr. Ardo stressed that no one is expecting that to happen.

"They are very confident this is going to get done in very much the way the agreement is written," he said.

The arena deal announced this week between the Penguins and state and local leaders is built largely on gambling revenues, with $7.5 million a year coming from Mr. Barden and another $7.5 million a year from a gambling-financed state economic development fund.

The Penguins would add $4.2 million a year.

The decision by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to award the Pittsburgh casino to Mr. Barden is being challenged before the state Supreme Court by the two losing bidders, Forest City Enterprises and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

In a letter to Gov. Ed Rendell this week, state Sens. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, and Joseph Scarnati III, R-Jefferson, the president pro tem, said they were concerned about the impact the appeals could have on arena construction and keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Ardo said the concerns are unfounded. Both losing bidders in Pittsburgh have committed to funding an arena as part of their proposals. Forest City would provide the same $7.5 million a year pledged by Mr. Barden. Isle of Capri had offered $290 million for the arena, in partnership with the Penguins.

"We consider the possibility [of a funding shortfall] to be remote because there will be a casino operator in Pittsburgh even if the gaming board's decision for some reason is reversed," Mr. Ardo said.

Another factor is that under the arena agreement, Mr. Barden isn't required to make any payments until fall 2009, giving him -- or another casino operator, if the award is overturned -- plenty of time to get up and running and to start generating revenue.

Before the appeals, Mr. Barden had hoped to open the casino in summer 2008.

In their letter, Mr. Scarnati and Ms. Orie said the appeals raise "serious questions as to the financial wherewithal of the successful applicant." It is an apparent reference to the Forest City appeal, which questioned the financial fitness of Mr. Barden's PITG Gaming LLC to hold the casino license.

It contended another of Mr. Barden's companies, Majestic Star Casino LLC, has not performed well financially and has "historic operational problems and historic track records of negative results from operations as its profitability ratios clearly indicate." It also asserted Majestic Star's "leverage ratios, weak asset value and weak capital structure indicate significant vulnerability to default."

Mr. Barden's spokesman, Bob Oltmanns, assailed the allegations yesterday, calling them "false rumors perpetuated by a disgruntled applicant that is now pulling out all the stops" to try to influence the Supreme Court.

"This is a propaganda campaign designed to discredit Mr. Barden," he said.

While Mr. Barden's two Majestic Star casinos suffered a combined revenue drop of 11 percent from December 2005 to December 2006, they are still perceived as profitable.

In November, Lehman Bros. rated Majestic Star notes as "the best long-term buy in the gaming universe" and said the company has "ample liquidity" to run and improve its operations.

Furthermore, PITG Gaming LLC, which holds the Pittsburgh license, is an entirely separate operation, Mr. Oltmanns said. Jefferies & Co. already has provided a $450 million financing commitment for the Pittsburgh casino, enough to cover the entire construction.

During an interview in January, Mr. Barden made the same point, saying the Pittsburgh casino "will be a freestanding project-financed entity," with no connection to his other operations and a full financing commitment.

"As in Las Vegas [with his Fitzgerald's property], PITG Gaming is a separate entity with separate financing. It'll be like Las Vegas, where Majestic Star manages it for a fee. It's not part of the credit package or debt structure" of other operations, he said.

Jane Pedreira, a fixed-income gaming analyst for Lehman Bros., said after the licenses were awarded that financing for PITG and other license winners appeared not to be an issue, because of the projected revenues once they start operations.

"Basically, a lot of companies that won Pennsylvania licenses were able to get bank financing based on the cash flow potential of the operation," Ms. Pedreira said. "It's basically all slots revenue, and slots tend to be sufficiently profitable. Even though it's a high tax rate, slot machines are also the more profitable end of the business."

She said his Majestic Star and Fitzgerald's casinos "do reasonably well despite the markets they're in," with extensive competition. Mr. Barden has attracted quality management talent, she said, to run his casinos after doing well for other operators.

"It just sort of cements the fact that Don Barden is the real thing," Ms. Pedreira said of his getting the license. "For him to be up against Harrah's and Forest City Ratner and still win is a big accomplishment."

While Mr. Barden's Gary, Ind., operations have had a revenue drop since his acquisition of one boat and license from Donald Trump in 2005, she said, it's understandable given more aggressive promotions and expansion by competitors.

Pennsylvania gaming board Chairman Tad Decker said he also is confident of Mr. Barden's financial fitness. The board did an exhaustive study of Mr. Barden's finances before awarding the license and found him to be qualified, he said.

"We think he's clearly financially viable and suitable under the statute. If that's [Forest City's] only basis for appeal, they should withdraw it," he said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262. Gary Rotstein can be reached at grotstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1255. )

themaguffin

03-16-2007, 02:34 PM

Nobody seems to want to move to the Dominion Tower.

themaguffin

03-16-2007, 07:32 PM

Wheeling-Pittsburgh buyer looks locally for new headquarters
Region must edge out Chicago, W.Va.
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 16, 2007by Patty Tascarella

Chicago-based Esmark Inc. is considering Pittsburgh for a new corporate headquarters in the wake of its acquisition of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.

Esmark chairman and CEO James Bouchard said Chicago and Wheeling, W.Va., are also in the mix for the home base, once the purchase of Wheeling-Pitt closes in June.

The company is seeking 75,000 square feet with options to expand, Bouchard said. The headquarters would employ 60 people to start.

"We'll be a $2.5 billion company, and our plan is to be a Fortune 500 company within 18 months," he said.

A 75,000-square-foot headquarters would rank among the region's largest office space transactions in recent years. The prestige of landing such a corporate base also would be a welcome coup, said Allegheny County economic development director Dennis Davin. Along with county Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Davin said he has been working with Esmark on the potential deal for the past six months.

"A corporate headquarters is always very big for us, and we'll do everything in our power to make this happen," Davin said. "This is an all-out effort to get them here. Alcoa considers New York its headquarters, same thing with Mellon (Financial Corp.) and its merger with Bank of New York, so any time we get an opportunity to bring a corporate headquarters here, we'll go after it as hard as we can."

He would not say whether Esmark has been offered or requested subsidies or tax incentives that are often typical for relocating corporations.

Esmark's CEO already has made a powerful statement on his own feelings for this region by choosing it as his residence. Bouchard is a former U.S. Steel Corp. executive. And although he is a Chicago native, he and his family have made their home in Sewickley for the past decade. Bouchard, who commutes to Chicago, left U.S. Steel in the 1990s to launch the Bouchard Group with his siblings and, later, Esmark.

Privately-held Esmark specializes in consolidating steel service centers and has snapped up 10 distribution companies, steelmakers and finishing facilities since its 2003 founding. It came close to adding an 11th, the Weirton division of Mittal Steel Co., but late last month, Netherlands-based Mittal decided to keep the business, previously known as Weirton Steel.

During the week of March 5, Bouchard said he checked out some local sites for a possible Esmark headquarters.

"We looked at properties in Downtown Pittsburgh and Moon Township," he said.

Davin said the geographic spread is a bit wider, though neither he nor Bouchard would disclose specific sites.

"I can't disclose the locations," Davin said. "He gave us his specifications, and we've put together a number of potential properties that would be of interest to them in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County."

The large space that Esmark is looking for indicates that it anticipates rapid growth of its administrative staff. Bouchard said the headquarters would include key executives, plus other departments such as human resources.

"If they're going for 75,000 square feet, they're going to triple those 60 people," said Jon Harrigan, CEO of Downtown-based Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate Inc.

Harrigan is not working with Esmark, but said attracting a steel company to Pittsburgh would be a great morale boost because it harkens to the region's industrial past.

"It would be a powerful statement on how core manufacturers feel about the region," he said.

Harrigan said Esmark won't lack for quality local sites. The suburbs have parking options, he said, but there are several Class A Downtown buildings that could handily accommodate a 75,000-square foot requirement. He reeled off possible candidates such as One Mellon Center, Dominion Tower, Piatt Place, Kvaerner Building, the Ariba Building and Two Mellon Center, also known as the Union Trust Building.

"I'm almost positive they couldn't find the space in Wheeling," Harrigan said. "They could in Chicago, but they'd probably wind up paying twice as much."

themaguffin

03-16-2007, 07:35 PM

A trio of articles on the Cultural District from the PBT....

Dramatic transformation
Pittsburgh's old red-light district has become one of the most desirable parts of DowntownPittsburgh Business Times - March 16, 2007by Tim Schooley

Story Images
More than 20 years ago, the most dramatic before-and-after effect a visitor to Liberty Avenue Downtown could find was the state of a stripper's undress after the music finished playing.

Back then, the 14-block area wedged between the Strip District and Downtown was a hoary hodgepodge populated with prostitutes, small-time cons and nudie bars -- an unsavory ambiance that lingered through much of the 1990s.

Aaron Stauber, president of New Rochelle, N.Y.-based Rugby Realty Co. Inc., remembers it well.

"It was still very much the red-light district and not a place we were going to look for investments in," he said.

But in 1997, Stauber happened upon a boarded-up 19th-century relic called the Ewart Building, which had been up for sale for a few years.

Upon hearing the master plan of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which called for revitalizing the neighborhood through a strategy of theaters and real estate development, Stauber and Rugby decided to renovate the 65,000-square-foot building. It's been almost fully leased and profitable ever since, Stauber said. Its success led Rugby to acquire nine other buildings and five parking lots nearby.

"If not for the fact for who they were, you probably would have thought they were crazy people," said Stauber of what then seemed like grandiose plans.

Today, the ever-shifting before-and-after effect of the Cultural District reveals a very different neighborhood with theaters, new restaurants and now, a growing number of residents.

It's a dramatic change from its early inspiration in 1984, when H.J. Heinz Co. chairman Jack Heinz launched the Cultural Trust and renovated Heinz Hall, through the leadership of Carol Brown, to today's leadership.

While the Cultural Trust has always positioned its role in revitalizing the Cultural District as leveraging public-private investment, stakeholders believe the private market now is beginning to drive new development there.

As the senior program director for arts and culture for the Heinz Endowments, Janet Sarbaugh has witnessed the Cultural District's evolution from the beginning.

Perhaps the greatest signal of the growing vitality of the district comes from the fact that while the Heinz Endowments was a major funder of the Cultural Trust in the past, it now plays just a minor role.

"We have an even bigger commitment to all of Downtown now," she said. "But we are also happy that the trust that has been so successful that it doesn't need us as much. And that's a good story to tell."

Kevin McMahon can also paint a dramatic before-and-after portrait of the district after five years as executive director of the Cultural Trust.

The past five to eight years have seen a bevy of major developments: Theater Square, which includes a cabaret theater, cafe and 800-car parking garage; the nearby Renaissance Pittsburgh and Courtyard by Marriott hotels; and the 151-unit Encore on 7th apartment building, now 98 percent leased.

Yet McMahon also sees a level of mutually reinforcing development elsewhere in Downtown as well as on the North Shore and in the Strip District. In his eyes, the Cultural District is a catalytic center of the development of both PNC Park and Heinz Field as well as of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

"Those two huge projects probably would not have happened if not for the Cultural District," McMahon said.

Describing the Encore project as a "huge" catalyst for the district, McMahon sees other developments cropping up regularly, including a growing number of residential projects and more street-level commercial leasing.

Demand has been strong for Jack Benoff, principal of Philadelphia-based Solara Ventures LLC, who is developing an 18-unit condo project on Penn Avenue next to the Courtyard by Marriott. So far, he said, he has commitments to sell eight of them at prices between $400,000 and $700,000 without even beginning to market them for sale.

"That's just from buzz," he said. "We're actually doing amazingly well, while doing nothing to cause us to do amazingly well."

The reason?

"To me, its all about the Cultural District," he said. "Many of the people looked elsewhere in town and felt like we really have a neighborhood."

He expressed concern that the market for buildings in the district could overheat and said some building owners have inflated their building prices considering the high cost that comes with renovating older buildings.

Meanwhile, Kevin Keane, vice president for Lincoln Property Co. Inc., which developed the Encore, said he is close to announcing a new deli/market to open in the building -- a retailer widely seen as a signal of the neighborhood's arrival.

He sees organic retail development coming to the district free of any need for public or foundation assistance.

"I think the district is probably further along in its maturation process," Keane said. "And I think it's probably getting more attention because there's more synergy in the district right now."

Stauber and others give the trust plenty of credit for creating a strong master plan that enabled his firm to invest with confidence.

"What I liked about the idea was they were not trying to do something that was unrealistic," he said.

McMahon is quick to emphasize that there is still plenty of opportunity and challenges ahead in the Cultural District. The Cultural Trust continues its core mission of operating the theaters with the understanding that offering the array of culture will probably never be financially self-sustaining.

He still sees plenty of buildings along Liberty Avenue in need of both renovation and occupancy.

"Just walk up the street on Liberty, and look at the number of empty versus full spaces," he said. "It's much better than it was. But there's still many open spaces."

Perhaps the most conspicuous open space for the Cultural Trust are the acres it owns on which it has planned a $460 million mixed-use development along the riverfront for which it expects to develop 700 residential units.

But even as the Cultural Trust continues its plans for a project far larger than it has attempted before, many of the smaller buildings in the neighborhood are attracting small developers seeking to invest in the area's future.

That suits McMahon just fine.

"We couldn't be happier about it," he said.

Local firms excited about ambitious plans for RiverParc development
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 16, 2007by Ben Semmes

The team working to redevelop the Eighth Street block in the Cultural District is gearing up to start construction as soon as this fall to transform the quiet area into a lively center of 24-hour activity.

With 700 condominiums, 159,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, parks, public art and riverfront connections, the area being called RiverParc is generating excitement for its entire crew of developers, architects, engineers and others.

"There's probably nothing that we've done that is as unique as this project is," said Michael Haller, vice president of RiverParc developer Concord Eastridge of Washington, D.C.

The development team -- selected last year by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in an international competition --includes architects from Germany and Denmark, as well as locally based WTW Architects, Gateway Engineers, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Inc., law firm Keevican Weiss Bauerle & Hirsch LLC and the Pittsburgh office of construction giant Turner Construction Co.

For Rich De Young, president of North Side-based WTW Architects, this marks the first time his company has embarked on an urban project on such a grand scale.

De Young's firm is responsible for the overall design of the project and will serve as the team's local real estate expert.

"The design architects (Behnisch Architekten of Stuttgart, Germany; architectsAlliance of Toronto; and Gehl Architects of Copenhagen) have clearly done many projects on this scale," De Young said. "What we bring is the local expertise. We clearly know the real estate market and construction market."

The project component that may give WTW the most exposure is the attempt to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. WTW has worked on other LEED-certified projects, but RiverParc's plans are more ambitious.

"This project will hopefully be one of the first projects under the new LEED neighborhood district (certification)," De Young said. "This would start to take this concept to a whole neighborhood. Our partners are world leaders in sustainability ... and we hope to learn from them."

The development also includes a "lid" over the 10th Street Bypass, between the Seventh and Ninth street bridges, which would connect the project to the river and provide for a public art district called the Three Sisters Gallery.

A critical part of the development, the "lid" does present an engineering and design challenge, said Ruthann Omer, president of Green Tree-based Gateway Engineers, which is serving as the local engineering firm on the RiverParc project.

"There are challenges," she said. "There are a whole team of engineers that will make that happen."

One of the project's other local firms, O'Hara-based Howard Hanna, reports that it is gaining valuable experience working on such a prominent project.

Cliff Schultz, the head of Howard Hanna's condominium division, said the sheer size of the project is a novelty for Pittsburgh and the firm.

"This is so large compared to the other (residential projects in Pittsburgh)," Schultz said. "When you are talking 700 (residential units), that's where the challenge comes in."

Schultz has been busy working with other members of the team to determine the size of the units and the pricing.

One good sign for RiverParc's units, Schultz said, is the feedback -- in the form of more than 150 e-mails -- he's received from people throughout the country.

"We are going to have a national audience on this," he said.

Restaurants capitalize on crowds of theater-goers, new residents
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 16, 2007by Tim Schooley

John Valentine's business plans have moved across Downtown Pittsburgh like a shared appetizer passed among friends.

The New York transplant originally moved to Downtown Pittsburgh to be part of a redevelopment plan pursued by Washington, D.C.-based developer Madison Marquette for the Fifth and Forbes business district.

While his plans to open a market and steakhouse in the G.C. Murphy building died when the city chose a local developer, Valentine is now planning to open a new restaurant six blocks away, across from Heinz Hall.

"The reason I'm going in the Cultural District is I think that's the best location Downtown," said Valentine, who is also the president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

With a hot chef in Ryan Raccicot, formerly of Trilogy, running the kitchen, Valentine expects to open Palate, a casual, moderately priced, French-American bistro, next month.

"I'm a firm believer in Downtown Pittsburgh," Valentine said. "But right now, the only places that are doing well at nighttime are in the Cultural District."

Valentine is far from alone in noticing the night-and-day difference in the restaurant vitality in the Cultural District compared with the rest of Downtown.

As the central business district struggles with office vacancy levels near 20 percent, and with a growing collection of residential projects still to be occupied, a menu of restaurants is filling into the 14-block area of the Cultural District.

The number of new restaurants that have set a table in recent years is almost entirely local and mostly independent: Cafe Zao, Bossa Nova, Six Penn Kitchen, Nine on Nine, Sonoma Grille, Seviche, Opus, tonic and Trilogy. They join longtime stalwarts such as Tambellini Seventh Street Ristorante and Bravo Franco Ristorante.

Including nearby restaurants in the Strip District, diners would be hard pressed to find such a collection of diverse, quality restaurants elsewhere in the region.

"I think it's the best that it's ever been," said Terri Sokoloff, principal of Ross-based Specialty Group, a restaurant services firm.

Sure, the neighborhood has always had its share of restaurants, and has seen its share of closings, including longtime Italian restaurant Carmassi's, which closed its doors a year ago.

Charles Pellegrini, owner of Tambellini Seventh Street Ristorante, said his establishment has seen its struggles as nearby office trade has declined, particularly across the street, where Mylan Laboratories Inc. moved its headquarters from the Century Building in 2003.

Yet he's optimistic the neighborhood is trending in a positive direction.

The bustling streets and full tables translate a little differently to experienced operators such as Robin Fernandez.

Five years after opening Bossa Nova, a tapas and martini bar, Fernandez has witnessed his clientele diversify from the theater crowds that Cultural District restaurants have depended on.

Now, with the Encore on 7th apartments open across the street, he can depend on nearby residents as regulars; with PNC Park just across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Bossa Nova can draw baseball fans who now often park Downtown.

"There's a great synergy between the theaters, the residential and the stadiums," said Fernandez, who has seen business increase over the past few years. "All those things combined have helped us to move forward in a really positive way."

Fernandez is confident enough in the district that he is leasing the former Carmassi's location on Penn Avenue, where he expects to open a new chop house in the next few months.

While the Cultural District has seen some restaurants come and go, Fernandez is not alone in seeking to open another concept.

Yves Carreau, owner of the popular Sonoma Grille in the Courtyard by Marriott, last month opened Seviche, a 2,000-square-foot tapas bar just across the street.

He does so having closed his other Downtown restaurant, Asiago Grille, in One Oxford Centre, a few months ago, where the lunch trade bustled and the disappeared by dinner time.

Carreaus said he hopes for Penn Avenue and the rest of the Cultural District to perhaps become as much of a draw as the theaters themselves.

"The idea is to be first and foremost on people's minds when it comes to being a dining destination," Carreau said.

BMikeSci

03-16-2007, 08:49 PM

Now that the weather is better,are there many festivals planned - like first night? When there are events downtown, the downtown gets full of people. If there were more events with free fireworks for example, the people would show up. Then, the thing to do is to coordinate with the stores. If the stores arrange to be open late - or on the weekend - to service the people who come for the event - There is a chance to showoff the downtown as a vibrant area. If people are lured downtown by an event and find all the shops closed, why would they return on nonevent days?

BMikeSci

03-17-2007, 01:07 AM

Official wants state to ensure slots money for Pittsburgh

By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, March 16, 2007

Pittsburgh's financial watchdog said today it wants Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to guarantee the city's local share of gambling money even if a planned North Shore slots parlor doesn't open on schedule next year.
"There will be gaming monies coming to the state even though our casino won't be built," said Barbara McNees, chairwoman of the state-appointed financial oversight board. "Can those monies be directed to the city of Pittsburgh in the interim? That's certainly what we'll be requesting."

McNees plans to make the request early next week to state budget Secretary Michael J. Masch.

She was unsure if the state would be able to provide the money, and Masch wasn't immediately available for comment.

According to Pittsburgh's $419 million 2007 budget and five-year plan, the city expects to receive $1.9 million in gambling revenues in 2008; and at least $10 million in 2009 and each year thereafter.
If Masch and Rendell are unable to guarantee the money to Pittsburgh, there's a possible second source, McNees said.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Thursday asked the state Supreme Court to force two gambling companies that did not win Pittsburgh's lone slots license to post $84.4 million in bonds as collateral during the appeals process.

The money is the minimum the state could lose in slots revenues while the gambling companies - Isle of Capri, which wanted to build a Hill District slots parlor, and Station Square Gaming, which planned one for the South Side - appeal the control board's decision to give the license to PITG Gaming, which plans to build the Majestic Star Casino on the North Shore.

It's uncertain how long the appeals could take to resolve.

Detroit businessman Don Barden, who owns PITG Gaming, won Pittsburgh's slots license Dec. 20. At the time, he said he would open a casino within 14 months -- in March 2008.

Some believe construction could take up to two years, once the appeals process is complete. Either way, city officials say it's unlikely Pittsburgh will get its 2-percent local share of slots revenues in 2008 - resulting in a revenue shortfall of nearly $2 million.

"I heard the governor say that even if the slots money doesn't come in, he'll guarantee the (Penguins) arena deal," McNees said. "I hope he does the same thing for us."

Evergrey

03-17-2007, 06:13 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07076/770233-336.stm

Burgeoning slots fund is key element of arena plan

Saturday, March 17, 2007

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund is only a few weeks old, but already it's accrued more than $8 million.

And the total is growing every day, because it's fueled by a 5 percent tax on the gross terminal revenue from the four racetrack/casinos now in operation 24/7 in Pennsylvania.

The fund is a crucial part of the deal to build a new Pittsburgh arena and keep the Penguins here.

By the end of the year, when five and maybe six racetrack/casinos are up and running -- including The Meadows, opening in May -- there should be at least $50 million in the pot, state officials estimate.

Gov. Ed Rendell is counting on the new fund to provide $7.5 million a year for the next 30 years to help pay off a $290 million bond issue that will be sold this summer or fall. The money will be used to build the new multipurpose arena for hockey, concerts and other events in the Uptown area of Pittsburgh.

"Make no mistake about it,'' said Mr. Rendell, who pushed the Legislature to enact slot machine gambling in 2004. "Without expanded gaming in Pennsylvania, there would be no new arena and the Penguins would be gone.''

The gaming fund was created by Act 71 of 2004, the slots law, but it didn't have any money in it until November, when the state's first casino, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (near Wilkes-Barre) opened. Three other racetrack/casinos are open: Philadelphia Park in Bucks County, Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack (south of Philadelphia) and Presque Isle Downs near Erie. Besides The Meadows' opening in May, Penn National Race Course's casino could open by late this year east of Harrisburg.

In two or three years, when all 14 slots casinos authorized by the law are in operation, Mr. Rendell estimates that at least $3 billion in gross terminal revenue will be generated, and with its 5 percent cut, the development/tourism fund will receive at least $150 million a year.

The 5 percent levy is in addition to a 34 percent state tax for property tax relief, a 4 percent levy for the host counties and cities, and a 12 percent levy to bolster the state's horse racing industry.

Besides the new gaming fund, there's another key gambling-related component in the Penguins' arena bond issue. The winner of the Pittsburgh slots license, Don Barden, has agreed to pay $7.5 a million a year from his gaming proceeds toward the bond issue.

That's a total of $15 million per year from gaming sources. The Penguins have also agreed to pay $4.2 million a year toward debt service on the borrowed money.

Exactly when the $290 million bond sale will be held isn't known yet. First, designs for the new arena must be completed by the Penguins and their architect, HOK. The buildings now standing on the Uptown site must be removed before construction can start. The new arena is expected to be ready for use by late 2009.

The new gaming development/tourism fund will pay for more than a hockey arena. Just as important, in Mr. Rendell's estimation, is money to help pay for a $600 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, which opened in 1993 and which city officials want to enlarge. Given the cost of that project, it will likely need more than the $7.5 million a year earmarked for the Pittsburgh arena.

Those are the only two projects definitely included on the gaming fund's list so far, but there certainly will be others, especially as the amount in the kitty grows. The law permits the money to be used for certain other Pittsburgh projects, including a hotel for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center or projects at Pittsburgh International Airport.

"But this fund isn't meant only for projects in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia,'' said Christopher Craig, legal counsel to Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, who helped write Act 71 of 2004.

"This fund is applicable statewide. It could be for any project, as long as it is for economic development or tourism,'' Mr. Craig said. "Any legislator could add his or her own project."

The gaming fund will be overseen by the state's Department of Community and Economic Development, an arm of the Rendell administration that already makes numerous grants for projects around the state.

Mr. Craig said the new gaming development/tourism fund will operate similar to the state's existing Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, more commonly called the state capital budget. It's usually about $600 million a year.

With both the gaming fund and the capital budget, a list of projects will be submitted to the Legislature for approval. But even after they are approved, no funds are actually released until the governor decides to do so.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 717-787-4254. )

valleyflyfisher

03-17-2007, 06:23 AM

Evergrey

03-17-2007, 07:03 AM

very interesting articles from the Pittsburgh Business Times, themaguffin... although there's a fourth article from this week's edition dealing with Cultural District development... titled Small Developers, Big Impact: Projects Bring Midpriced Housing Downtown... much of what follows in my post references that article...

Sounds like Esmark is learning towards a Pittsburgh HQ... hopefully they choose a signature building Downtown over the lucrative "parking options" of the suburbs.

The Cultural District articles were very informative... I can't believe that didn't make the front page over a mind-numbing article on how casinos may hurt "tavern games" lol

It's exciting to see a mix of smaller developers getting in on the action of the Cultural District... while the Cultural District is much further ahead than the rest of downtown... I think the success of the CD along with the major projects coming to fruition in the Fifth-Forbes corridor and the close to $1 billion dollars of investment in the Lower Hill / Arena District... will have a spillover effect across most of Downtown...

Here are a couple photos of the 16,000 sq. ft. Keystone Picture Frame Co. building at 951 Liberty Ave. that Jim Martier is converting to 12 "affordable" condos at $200,000 each... sorry the pictures don't show it too well... it's a rather unremarkable building architecturally

here it is in the middle-right of this photo... 4-story black building... you can read the word "Frame" on it
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/54261389.jpg

here it is on the right side of this photo... in the middle is where Pop City is published... on the left is the Bruno Bldg... one of the first in the current wave of small-scale residential loft conversion of historic largely-vacant commercial structures downtown
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/66649499.jpg

this photo features the Penn Ave. residential conversion by Solera Ventures... it's the non-descript 5-story building on the left side of the street in the middle... a 4 story addition will be built... condos range from $400k-$700k... 8 of 18 units have been sold despite construction and marketing not starting yet... the Courtyard Marriott is right next door
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/66650618.jpg

the building at 908-910 Penn Ave. is pictured in the middle of this photo... it's a 6 story tan building... the top 4 floors are attractive but the bottom 2 appear to have suffered some sort of 1960s-era defacement... this 36,000 sq. ft. building was purchased by French expatriate Charles Durham for $1.3 million... he plans to convert it to residential use
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/54261372.jpg

The next photo is of the 9-story 60,000 sq. ft. 1891 vintage Richardsonian Romanesque Ewart Building on Liberty Ave... which was referenced in the article... Rugby Realty purchased the boarded up gem 10 years ago and it has been fully leased by office tenents since... which has led to Rugby purchasing many other properties in the area... they've been instrumental in this area's turnaround... and are also planning a mixed-use tower in the Strip District
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/66650612.jpg

This photo shows the site of Riverparc, the mega-project that the Cultural Trust will begin work on later this year, as it appeared last summer... and still appears today... parking lots... parking garages... a Goodyear dealership (which is totally random for DT PGH)... and a couple of motley structures... Riverparc will be a "green" 4-block neighborhood of 700 residential units in mid/high-rise towers and townhomes... as well as retail, office, civic components and the "cap" over the boulevard connecting the development to the Allegheny River waterfront...
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/66651053.jpg

The Encore on 7th, the 151-unit apartment building completed last year by the Cultural Trust... and now 98% leased is front and center in this pic (red building with party hat)... a deli/market will be opening in the building... to the left and behind the Encore on 7th is the Century Building... which the Cultural Trust is transforming into 60 "affordable" residential units... the barren area on the left of the photo near the riverfront is the Riverparc site
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/61065979.jpg

in case you forgot what Riverparc is supposed to look like
http://www.pgharts.net/images/cdrd/annc/from9thStreetBridge_600x.jpg
900,000 SF of Residential space, Approximately 159,000 SF of Retail space, 45,000 SF performing arts venue and 530,000 SF of structured parking

Evergrey

03-17-2007, 07:07 AM

As a western Canadian guy that has never been to Pittsburgh, I am curious to know just how big is Mario there? Is he held in the same regard as Bradshaw, Swan, Clemente and Stargell ?
You guys are so lucky to have the Pens staying put, they really are on the threshold of becoming one of the great teams in the NHL and man are they fun to watch....enjoy.

He's by far the biggest Penguin... and I would certainly put him on par for local fame and admiration with the Bradshaws and Clementes... Mario also has a special place in the hearts of locals for staying in town after his playing career and getting involved with the community... such as his children's foundation and his generous support of the newly constructed Pittsburgh Children's Home... he's also revered for his work to secure the Penguins' franchise viability in Pittsburgh on multiple occassions

when it comes to the Penguins... a very distant 2nd would be Jaromir Jagr... and while Pittsburghers appreciated his world-class play... he's widely regarded to be a self-centered individual in contrast to Mario

BMikeSci

03-17-2007, 08:07 AM

Heinz to donate $20M in Pittsburgh

By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, March 17, 2007

The Heinz Endowments plans to spend more money in Pittsburgh as part of a new strategic plan.
Heinz will devote at least $20 million a year -- one-third of its grantmaking -- combined to the Downtown, the city's public schools and environmentally-friendly technology and economic development in the region.

"This will represent an intensified emphasis on the city -- not based so much on any strategic change as on the belief we need to respond to these two opportunities ... Downtown and the public schools," said Heinz President Maxwell King.

King said the foundation -- the region's second-largest with $1.5 billion in assets -- had scattered its grantmaking too broadly in an attempt to meet community needs. Now it will tighten its focus to make more impact.

One beneficiary is Pittsburgh Public Schools. Last year, the district received $5 million from Heinz, and King said it probably will get more this year.
"I'm grateful for the Heinz Endowments' emphasis on supporting our work," city schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt said.

As part of helping the school district, Heinz will give more money to after-school and neighborhood programs that help children -- especially those in areas near the eight accelerated-learning academies, schools with a longer school day and school year. Some of them are on the North Side, Garfield, the Hill District and Squirrel Hill.

"Over the last 40 or 50 years, as neighborhoods and families become weaker, more and more of society's burden falls on schools," King said. "We think, in order for schools to become successful, they have to be supported by community programs."

A second thrust of Heinz is promoting the quality and pace of Downtown development. King said the foundation will concentrate on urban design, public art, Downtown housing and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The goal is to make the Downtown lively seven days a week, not just on weekends.

"The Trust, since it was founded, has been involved in trying to make the Downtown a better place to live, work and play, with a principal focus of using the arts as an economic tool to accomplish that," said J. Kevin McMahon, president of the Cultural Trust. "Obviously, we are very pleased that other funders are recognizing that as a priority for the region."

Heinz gave the Cultural Trust more than $1 million last year.

The third thrust will promote economic development that uses technology without hurting the environment. King cited the University of Pittsburgh's and Carnegie Mellon University's "green chemistry," the development of chemical applications that are environmentally friendly.

Possible losers under Heinz's new strategy are groups that deal broadly with education and economic development and arts groups that don't bring people Downtown.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh received a letter about the Heinz's new strategy, but declined to speculate on how the tighter focus might affect it.

"As always, we respect and applaud all that The Heinz Endowments has done, and continues to do, for the benefit of this region -- including its generous support of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh," said Carnegie spokeswoman Betsy Momich.

Bill Zlatos can be reached at bzlatos@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7828.

BMikeSci

03-17-2007, 08:13 AM

If the museums are worried that they don't qualify, perhaps they could organize some downtown events and thus qualify.

Evergrey

03-17-2007, 09:15 AM

the Business Times also has an article on arena development... following is some info intermingled with my own thoughts

the $290 million dollar arena as currently proposed by HOK Architects is 18,500 seats and 730,000 sq. ft... HOK has not been officially retained as the arena's architect, however. HOK also designed PNC Park and Heinz Field, and is considered the country's foremost architectural firm for sporting venues. As part of the arena deal, the Penguins control development rights on 28 acres adjacent to the arena. The Sports and Exhibition Authority has given the Penguins a $15 million dollar credit. The Penguins must develop at least 2.8 acres per year or cede development rights to the SEA. Keep in mind that Don Barden's proposed $300 million (or whatever it is) redevelopment of the Lower Hill is in addition to this 28-acre development. The new arena will be between Fifth and Centre while the current site will be redeveloped. Many are anticipating the new arena and associated development to raise property values in Uptown and the Lower Hill. Bob Dini, realtor for Prudential Preferred, said that potential investors are interested in building "loft-type housing more consistent with major residential development in other major cities"... which will be a welcome change from the quasi-suburban housing development in the Crawford Square area.

BMikeSci

03-17-2007, 09:52 AM

Do you know when that clock starts ticking? Does something need to be developed on those 28 acres in 2007?

themaguffin

03-17-2007, 02:53 PM

As a western Canadian guy that has never been to Pittsburgh, I am curious to know just how big is Mario there? Is he held in the same regard as Bradshaw, Swann, Clemente and Stargell ?
You guys are so lucky to have the Pens staying put, they really are on the threshold of becoming one of the great teams in the NHL and man are they fun to watch....enjoy.

Mario holds a special place in many Pittsburgher's hearts, certainly on par with the great Steelers though I and others were frustrated by some of his actions as Pens owner, but now that is behind us. :cheers:

the Business Times also has an article on arena development... following is some info intermingled with my own thoughts

I only glance at that one. So much has come out and so much is the same that I didn't think that it was new. Thanks for filling us in.

Also the Cultural District article I forgot about since the other 3 were clustered together... I think your photo tour is better than the article original though.

Yes the CD is far ahead of the rest of downtown and really that's fine. It incompasses about a third of the Triangle anyway. Usually growth happens in a specific area and spreads out. Would East Liberty have all of what's happening now, if Shadyside weren't essentially tapped out? Though I am disappointed in Luna Square not happening that particular corner needs to have a great development. While UPMC setting up shop is positive, I dont' feel (and I could be wrong) that it will capitalize on such a great corner of the city.

As for the old arena site etc, I would love if 2 things happened - the actual arena site were developed and then the huge parking lot behing it.

the arena lot should be developed like the planned Riverparc - a mixed development with some mid-tallish buildings (given the size of the lot, perhaps only 2-3 decnt towers would fit). It would maximize the space and scale down downtown from the back end.

The "parking" lot could have most housing (light retail on ground level). I assumer that there would be 2 rows of buildings, one on the western end opposite the old arena site and another row opposite Crawford Square.

Again these should scale down somewhat, but I don't see why a building or two in the range of the Encore (upper teens to twenty) and maybe more in the 10 range, particularly on the eastern row....

Obviously parking for this developement must be suitably placed.

when it comes to the Penguins... a very distant 2nd would be Jaromir Jagr...

I think his attitude really ended that love affair though he was an outstanding player for much of his time here.

But now with Sid here, maybe we have another affair in the making... you know he lives with Mario so the parallels are beyond the ice.

BMikeSci

03-17-2007, 07:31 PM

As for the old arena site etc, I would love if 2 things happened - the actual arena site were developed and then the huge parking lot behing it.

the arena lot should be developed like the planned Riverparc - a mixed development with some mid-tallish buildings (given the size of the lot, perhaps only 2-3 decnt towers would fit). It would maximize the space and scale down downtown from the back end.

The I of C plan included a park over the highway. It would be great if the new development included covering over a part of the highway - just as is being done for Riverparc.

mercurypa

03-18-2007, 07:05 PM

Everygrey the pictures of the penn ave district are great. Riverparc will totally transform downtown.

AaronPGH

03-20-2007, 01:33 AM

I'll tell you what I'm excited about: THE CRANES! Bring em on! They will be totally dominating Pittsburgh in the next couple of years.......cranes cranes cranes! Things are going to be so exciting around here. :cool:

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 05:12 AM

ooo... how exciting

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_498602.html

Slots parlor will have view of rivers, city skyline

By Andrew Conte
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Casinos are supposed to be dark places where time and the outside world have little meaning. But that's not the plan for the North Shore's Majestic Star Casino, slated to open next year.
The slots parlor will have open views to the city's three rivers and Downtown skyline -- even from the gambling floor, according to the developer's master plan. Members of the Pittsburgh Planning Commission are to be briefed on the project today.

Construction of the casino is delayed indefinitely because two losing bidders for Pittsburgh's slots license appealed to the state Supreme Court to overturn the Gaming Control Board's decision. But if Majestic Star owner Don Barden, a Detroit businessman, prevails, he intends to open the casino 14 months after the court decision.

A volunteer group of Pittsburgh designers -- the Pittsburgh Civic Design Coalition -- said in letters to planners and the casino operator last week that it wants the building to minimize the negative impacts of its size, fit in with its riverfront location, provide easy access for vehicles and walkers, and be environmentally friendly.

"It's a significant new building on the riverfront in Pittsburgh," said Anne-Marie Lubenau, the design group's chair. "We want to advocate for good design."

The casino's spokesman, Bob Oltmanns, said the design is striking because of "the sheer amount of glass on the river side."

"Where was the last casino you saw with glass anywhere?" he said.

City officials have raised concerns about the proposed height of the casino's 125-foot parking garage and 110-foot glass atrium along the Ohio River. Oltmanns said the garage fits within zoning limits and architects are prepared to "work out the minor height issues" for the atrium. The city's zoning law limits building heights to 85 feet at that site, according to correspondence between the developer and city.

The planned casino includes four themed restaurants and two nightclubs, including a martini bar on the top floor of the atrium. It will have "crow's nest setting," the master plan says, and "offer a unique perch to view the frequent fireworks displays over the Point."

The 400,000-square-foot slots parlor would sit on 12.63 acres, west of the Carnegie Science Center, with a facade made of stone, glass and metal. The casino would open with 3,000 slot machines but have room enough for as many as 5,000.

With a 1,000-seat amphitheater along the river, the casino will be the "only retail or entertainment venue in Pittsburgh that opens directly to the rivers," the master plan says.

The 17-acre site used to have warehouses but has served as a parking lot, mainly for Allegheny General Hospital employees, since the 1990s.

Andrew Conte can be reached at aconte@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7835.

...

so the casino is going to have a 1000 seat amphitheatre... and then the North Shore Live! development right next door is going to have a 1200 seat amphitheatre... weird... btw... as for the "only entertainment venue that opens directly to the rivers"... I think they're forgetting about that boardwalk nightclub complex in the Strip...

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 05:41 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07079/770926-53.stm

Garfield Heights residents anticipating a fresh start

Failed public housing community being demolished, rebuilt

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Ervin Dyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Thirty-five years ago, Shirley McCoy moved with her husband, Ernest, and eight children into a five-bedroom house in Garfield Heights, a decade-old public housing development.

It remained home for the McCoys as her children left for college, married or went into the work force. Their neighbors were their friends.

But over time, that closeness faded as drug activity and other crime became part of life there.

As Garfield Heights moves closer to being redeveloped, Mrs. McCoy, now president of the tenants' council, is looking forward to the change.

"It's time," she said. "There were no good changes here. This community has seen the worst. It's time for some better days."

Since September 2005, Garfield Heights has been coming down, starting with its 14-story, 39-year-old high-rise, which was imploded.

The Pittsburgh Housing Authority eventually will demolish all of the community's 326 row houses, in 58 buildings, that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development declared a failure in 1998.

Plans are under way for a September groundbreaking that will begin to change the face of Garfield Heights.

Instead of nondescript buildings inhabited entirely by low-income families, the authority will construct 265 homes of various types, including single-family houses. Half will be public housing, a quarter affordable to lower-income families, and a quarter will be market-rate.

The first phase involves construction of 90 units, with green space and a multipurpose center.

"We're very excited," said Mrs. McCoy. "We really want that multipurpose center. Right now, these kids play basketball in the streets, football in the streets."

Other residents, however, are worried and angry that they have to abandon public housing and move to neighborhoods where their children might be subjected to violence, uncertain of whether they will be able to return when construction is completed.

Mrs. McCoy, 70, and her family had to move a few blocks away, but she promises to return.

When families were moved, she said, there were some frustrations, as many residents had to deal with paying bills they didn't have before.

Authority officials said they would try to keep moves to a minimum, by building first on the site of the demolished high-rise, and demolishing vacant buildings first.

The authority hired KBK Enterprises, led by Keith B. Key, to rebuild the community. A former Garfield resident whose mother still lives in the neighborhood, he's now based in Columbus, Ohio.

"We feel real good that someone from here comes back," Mrs. McCoy said. "We're happy about that."

The authority will put $10 million into the first phase, and KBK plans to raise the rest from federal and state sources, and possibly use tax-increment financing for street reconstruction.

The final product, after three phases, will cost around $60 million, Mr. Key said.

The Garfield Jubilee Association and the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. will host a community meeting to update Garfield residents on the progress of the makeover.

The meeting will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Lawrence O'Toole Activity Center at Penn and Atlantic avenues.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Ervin Dyer can be reached at edyer@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1410. )

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 05:46 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07079/770865-85.stm

City dreams big about new arena's future

Mayor's already lobbying for NHL All-Star Game, other big events

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Just a week after a deal to finance a new arena was reached, the salivating has begun.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, a sports fan, wants to lure the National Hockey League All-Star Game and the NCAA men's basketball tournament to the venue.

The Penguins want all that, plus the NHL draft and the "Frozen Four," the NCAA's hockey tournament.

The Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau adds religious events and even barbershop quartet gatherings to that wish list.

If it seems a little cart-before-the-horse, event planners say it's really not. A $290 million state-backed financing plan has won team approval, and while little matters like completing a lease, designing the facility, and building it remain, cities have to plan ahead to get the big events.

The arena is not expected to open before late 2009. But as sometimes-contentious arena talks wrapped up a week ago, the mayor told NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman that he wanted to bring the league's showcase game to town.

"Being that we're putting the investment in and are going to have really a state-of-the-art facility, what better way to highlight that on a national level than through an All-Star Game?" the mayor asked yesterday.

The Penguins raised the issue with Mr. Bettman even earlier, writing to him around six months ago on the subject, said team spokesman Tom McMillan.

The team "wrote a letter that said basically that if we get a new arena, we'd definitely, definitely, definitely like to host the All-Star Game," he said.

League officials "know what we have," he said. "They know the fan interest here. And we have star players."

A new arena and enthusiastic mayor may be the clinchers, Mr. McMillan said. "The mayor coming out and saying that [he wants the game here] can only help. And the fact that Pittsburgh did so well with the [2006 Major League Baseball] All-Star Game can only help."

The city last hosted the NHL All-Star Game in 1990. The game is to be played in Atlanta in 2008, Montreal in 2009, and won't occur in 2010, because it is not held in years during which there is a winter Olympiad.

Glendale, Ariz., where the Phoenix Coyotes play in a 3-year-old building, may have the inside track on 2011. It was slated to get the game in 2006 before the league decided not to hold it because of the conflict with the Olympic Games, in which many of the league's stars play.

There is no timeline for naming a host city for 2011 or 2012, according to NHL spokesman Frank Brown.

Mr. McMillan said the NHL Board of Governors will at some point request statements of interest from cities with hockey teams, and when it does, "we will be part of the bidding process."

The game occurs in mid-winter, when Downtown hotels are half-empty, according to Don Andrezjwski, director of sales and marketing at the DoubleTree Hotel, Downtown.

"With the All-Star Game here, it would be a sold-out weekend, no doubt," he said. That means business for cab drivers, waitresses, bartenders, maids and even the truck drivers that bring food to local restaurants.

The city had no estimate of the economic impact of last year's baseball All-Star Game on the local economy or the tax take.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said that event "brought thousands of visitors, millions of dollars and national attention to our region and enabled us to showcase PNC Park and our burgeoning North Shore and Downtown neighborhoods." He said the hockey event would similarly showcase the Hill District and Uptown, where the arena and hoped-for spin-off development would be built.

Mellon Arena hosted early rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament in 1997 and 2002. The building isn't up to current standards for the top college sporting events and some concerts, said Bob Imperata, executive vice president of the convention bureau.

With a new arena, the city could make a play for part of the 2011 men's tournament, or maybe the women's Final Four.

He said his organization was on the phone with prospective convention holders that prefer arenas over convention centers as soon as a deal was struck. Events like the Barbershop Harmony Convention are suddenly within the city's grasp.

At that 10,000-person event, barbershop quartets perform. "They need a permanent stage," Mr. Imperata said. "The acoustics are very, very important to them, as you might expect."

He may try to land that event for 2014 or beyond.

Some religious groups hold events in arenas, he said.

The Penguins ownership, which will have a central role in booking events at the new arena, would love to take a stab at getting the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, said Mr. McMillan. The coming arena, he said, "creates a whirlwind of possibilities."

"We have that window, a five-year window, for example, of the building being new, being fresh, being the place to be," Mr. Ravenstahl said. "That's why we want to push so hard as quickly as we can to make some good things happen."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Rich Lord can be reached at rlord@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1542. )

...

on a random note... the Society of Architectural Historians is holding their annual conference in Pittsburgh next month: http://sah.org/sandbox/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=56

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 05:57 AM

a lifestyle center for Cranberry... a traditional "downtown" in the middle of nowhere... Pittsburghers are gonna think we "made it" with this one

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07079/770843-54.stm

Retail, restaurant and residential to merge in new-style Simon development in Cranberry

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Teresa F. Lindeman and Dan Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070320HO_domain1_450.jpg
The Domain is a combination residential/retail complex developed this month by Simon Property Group in Austin, Texas. It could be the basis for a development planned by Simon in Cranberry.

Cranberry residents traveling near Austin, Texas, in the next several months might want to check out a place called The Domain.

While it might not have the historic appeal of the state capitol building or the vibe of a music festival, the ambitious development has apartments perched above Tiffany's, not far from Neiman Marcus and Macy's. Overall, about 700,000 square feet of shops and restaurants line a sort of open-air, winding main street rather than sheltering under one massive roof, with neighboring buildings that include 75,000 square feet of office space.

This place, when it opened earlier this month, could foreshadow things Simon Property Group may try in its long-awaited Cranberry shopping center, where the same executive that helped get The Domain out of the ground is handling the Pennsylvania project for the Indianapolis mall operator. Simon may pair its concept of retail, restaurants and residential with a separate 116-acre office complex planned for a contiguous site near Interstate 79 and Route 228.

The office space, if built, would be developed by privately held Indianapolis development firm Lauth Property Group and Cranberry real estate owners Don Rodgers and Joe Fisher, who together control 116 acres north and east of Simon's 80 acres.

Plans already have been drawn for 800,000 to 1 million square feet of corporate office space and for a thematic tie-in with the Simon development. Together, the two projects would be known as The Summit at Cranberry, according to site plans produced earlier this year.

Simon and Lauth, one of the largest developers in the United States, have worked together before. In Carmel, Ind., the companies collaborated on a 70-acre development known as Clay Terrace, the first lifestyle center in Indiana. It features more than 70 stores, a spa and simulation of Main Street architecture from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

If built, The Summit at Cranberry would be the first Pittsburgh-area project for Lauth, which opened a Downtown Pittsburgh office last May at One Oxford Centre.

Lauth first went after Monroeville nuclear firm Westinghouse Electric as an anchor office tenant. In fact, Lauth Vice President Kevin Wade pursued Westinghouse even after the company announced in December it had narrowed its search to either its current complex in Monroeville or a site across the street from the Lauth parcel for an expansion capable of holding up to 2,000 employees.

"He approached us after we had made that announcement," confirmed Westinghouse spokesman Vaughn Gilbert. "We did give him the courtesy of listening to the presentation." In the end, though, the company ruled it out.

Westinghouse is expected to announce a decision by the end of the month.

Even without Westinghouse, Mr. Wade said, "We are going to stick with it." Instead of one large corporate headquarters complex, Lauth now envisions four office buildings to start, and perhaps two to three more in a future phase.

Transportation improvements could be part of the Simon-Lauth Cranberry development. Federal officials already have approved almost $5 million in roadwork, but a Simon official declined to comment on progress of talks with state officials on funding millions of dollars of road improvements needed to support development on the Cranberry site near Interstate 79 and Route 228.

With any big project, funding for new highways ramps and other road improvements is critical. Simon, which owns Ross Park Mall, South Hills Village and Century III Mall, has been looking at the site since 2002. Before that, other developers saw its potential for retail. Anyone looking there has considered access off the major routes a major issue.

If it all comes together, the project will likely reflect trends in retail development that have influenced both Simon and other developers as they look to answer consumer demand for places that feel more like communities and have the added benefit of being used even when the stores may be closed.

"There's synergy all around," said Simon spokesman Les Morris, who did not have details on the Cranberry plans but was willing to discuss overall trends.

Before opening The Domain, Simon and various partners layered mixed uses together at projects such as Coconut Point, an open-air shopping center in Estero, Fla., which opened in November, and Firewheel Town Center in Garland, Texas, which opened in October 2005.

Mr. Morris said the company has even been adding residential and office uses to established projects when possible. It's appealing to be able to walk to restaurants, stores and theaters. "People like that environment," he said, noting The Domain staff told him on a recent weekend that 18 of 39 prospects who came to look at apartments signed leases.

Materials that Simon has posted on its site to help market the Cranberry project to retail tenants indicates the 885,000-square-foot center will have major anchors, fashion retailers, home furnishings and sports anchors, restaurants and a multi-screen theater. The plan also calls for condominiums, offices and a hotel.

The plans set a target opening date of 2009, but that will probably be determined by when the funding for road improvements is all in place.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Teresa F. Lindeman can be reached at 412-263-2018 or tlindeman@post-gazette.com. Dan Fitzpatrick can be reached at dfitzpatrick@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1752. )

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 06:09 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070320HO_domain1_450.jpg

Architecturally, the Domain looks fine... very similar to our own SouthSide Works... but the difference between the SSW and the future Cranberry development is that SSW works because it's actually within an existing urban fabric inside a city neighborhood. The Cranberry development is going to be a few acres that look like a city... but cannot actually be accessed from an existing urban environment... but only by a car which parks in the surrounding lots. It's an illusion of a downtown in the middle of auto-centric sprawl. Yeah... it seems to look better and function better than the traditional mall... but it's bland imitation of an urban environment as an island in a sea of sprawl is even more offensive.

It features more than 70 stores, a spa and simulation of Main Street architecture from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

We left all our 19th and early 20th century Main Streets to rot in hell... so all we have now are cartoonish "simulations" of those antiquated curiosities. I'm sure Soccer Mom will get a nice warm fuzzy shot of nostalgia walking around Cranberry.

If it all comes together, the project will likely reflect trends in retail development that have influenced both Simon and other developers as they look to answer consumer demand for places that feel more like communities and have the added benefit of being used even when the stores may be closed.

"There's synergy all around," said Simon spokesman Les Morris, who did not have details on the Cranberry plans but was willing to discuss overall trends.

How cliched is this article going to get? Consumers demand places that feel like communities yet we destroy all of our authentic communities in favor of sprawling nowheres in Cranberry. We want the antiseptic interpretation... not the real raw thing. And did that guy just use the word "synergy"? Gaaaah

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 06:15 AM

you can't escape it...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07079/770841-28.stm

It's trendy, no matter what you call it

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Teresa F. Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The International Council of Shopping Centers can't say, at the moment, exactly how many "lifestyle centers" are being built in the United States or even how many already have been built. It seems the fashionable label is being slapped on all sorts of projects.

But confusion over semantics hasn't stopped development of the trendy replacement for traditional enclosed malls.

By fall 2008, Pittsburgh-area shoppers should be heading to new "lifestyle center" Settlers Ridge. In addition to retailers, the 600,000-square-foot open-air project off the Parkway West in Robinson is supposed to include a 16-screen Cinemark theater, restaurants, a specialty grocer and a bookstore.

Then there is SouthSide Works, an urban development along East Carson Street, and the town center clustered around the movie theater at the Waterfront in Homestead. Bakery Square in East Liberty also mixes retail with residential and office space. The Streets of Cranberry, a 110,000-square-foot project on Route 19 that has begun to see stores open, also gets that description.

Howard Biel, senior managing director of North Carolina-based Faison Enterprises, doesn't particularly like the term "lifestyle center" because he isn't sure it is descriptive. But he does think demand is strong for the kind of development Faison and joint venture partner CBL & Associates Properties Inc. of Tennessee are putting at Settlers Ridge in Robinson.

"I think people have kind of run the gamut of wanting to have a Musak environment that's enclosed," said Mr. Biel. That's not to say good malls can't do well, he said, but busy lifestyles include less time to wander around massive, enclosed centers.

The term "lifestyle center" is among the most overused in the industry right now, said Herky Pollock, executive vice president of real estate firm CB Richard Ellis/Pittsburgh. In his definition, such a place should include upscale retailers and specialty restaurants.

Whatever number the shopping council eventually comes up with, expect more of these projects. Retailers appreciate the energy that such developments concentrate in one spot, said Edward A. Shriver Jr., a principal in Downtown architectural firm S+rada. Consumers, meanwhile, like the convenience of going to the same place for dinner and a movie.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Teresa Lindeman can be reached at tlindeman@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2018. )

...

hmmm... from what I know about Bakery Square in East Liberty... it doesn't quite seem like a "lifestyle center"... urban mixed-use development? sure... but lifestyle center is stretching it... we'll see...

and while SouthSide Works has many lifestyle center elements... its seamless interaction with the existing urban fabric and inclusion of a variety of local retailers, restaurants and services differentiate it significantly from projects such as Settlers Ridge or The Streets of Cranberry (which I had never heard of before)

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 06:16 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07079/770919-147.stm

Rendell touts transportation funding plan

Doing nothing 'is not an option,' he says

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Gov. Ed Rendell said legislation will be drafted within two weeks to enable the state to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to private investors for a 30-year term.

"Of all the public toll roads out there, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is the big prize on the horizon," he said in Pittsburgh yesterday during a seven-town, two-day barnstorming trip to curry favor for a $1.7 billion package of new transportation funding.

He made an hour-long pitch to nearly 200 elected, civic, business and transportation officials at the Regional Enterprise Tower, saying repeatedly that "doing nothing is not an option" while road, bridge and public transit needs continue to grow.

Mr. Rendell's appeal came hours after Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said that with the Penguins' arena deal settled, he'll spend more time on the Port Authority's money problems, starting with visiting Harrisburg today and tomorrow to lobby lawmakers.

The governor has proposed a 6.17 percent tax on oil company profits in Pennsylvania to generate an estimated $760 million a year to provide a long-sought dedicated source of transit funding.

His companion plan, leasing the turnpike, is expected to raise at least $900 million a year for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and $65 million a year for municipal governments to use for local streets and bridges.

"We can't defer this to someone else's watch," Mr. Rendell told the audience. "I need you to convey the message to the Legislature."

Mr. Rendell noted his turnpike proposal is a lease, not a sale, of the nation's oldest superhighway, which accounts for about 180 million trips a year. "The big difference is that we don't lose the opportunity to control the facility," he said.

His legislation is to set a minimum amount for a lease, establish terms including limiting toll increases to inflation, preserve as much of the existing work force as possible and impose standards for the type and frequency of maintenance and repairs.

He said more than 30 firms that submitted letters of "expression of interest" last year produced a cluster of estimates between $10 billion and $15 billion for a lease. The upfront proceeds would be put into an annuity to provide money for PennDOT in lieu of raising the gas tax and motor vehicle fees.

Mr. Rendell said stipulations would be written into the law to prevent future governors and state legislators from spending the upfront lease money as public officials have done in Chicago and Indiana, both of which recently bid out toll facilities to global investment firms.

"This is infinitely preferable to anything else," he said, including raising the gas tax, already one of the nation's highest. "This takes care of our roads and bridges for the next 30 years."

He called the proposed tax on oil company profits another means of raising revenue without hitting taxpayers, with the money dedicated to public transit.

Mr. Rendell said seven major oil companies sell more gasoline in Pennsylvania than anywhere else, a total of 11 billion gallons a year. He said they used tax and accounting loopholes to avoid paying more than $70 million in state taxes -- half of it by just one company headquartered in the state.

He said the state attorney general's office would be empowered to ensure that the tax would not be passed along to consumers at the pump.

He said 6.17 percent is lower than the state's corporate income tax, adding "all it takes is for the Legislature to have the spine to do this. Then -- bingo -- we have $700 million for mass transit."

Earlier, Mr. Onorato said the only way Port Authority can be saved is if four issues are addressed: reducing routes, cutting management's benefits package, restructuring union costs and finding a source to increase local funding to $35 million a year to match state dollars.

He said he will spend much of his time lobbying not for new taxes but for a way to earmark some of the state taxes already collected in Allegheny County for transit.

"We do not have dedicated funding locally. It doesn't exist," he said.

Mr. Onorato said he'll ask the Legislature to allow Allegheny County to keep part of the gas tax or the sales tax collected locally.

Currently, county government matches state funds with $25 million from property taxes. Mr. Onorato said the amount of the local match should be $35 million, but that the county cannot afford that much money from its budget.

If the Legislature were to provide dedicated funding, he said, the $25 million would be freed up to bolster the county's budget surplus, which would improve the county's bond rating and save money on borrowing.

No matter what changes the Legislature makes, Mr. Onorato said service reductions will be made at the Port Authority, which faces up to an $80 million budget deficit for the 2007-08 fiscal year that begins July l.

"It's about fixing it and saving [transit] for the long term," he said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Staff writer Ann Belser contributed. Joe Grata can be reached at jgrata@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1985. )

BMikeSci

03-20-2007, 06:33 AM

Something is certainly going on here. Check out these numbers from zillow.com for zipcode 15219

* For Sale (7)
* Make Me Move™ (4)
* Recently Sold (699)
* All other homes

BMikeSci

03-20-2007, 06:37 AM

Does anyone know where to get residential sales statistics online for pittsburgh?

hyperion1110

03-20-2007, 06:46 AM

Hmm...something is definitely up. I just checked the same site for 15219 and it said 744 sold. It seems very strange. Then again, we don't know how accurate their numbers are because we don't know the methodology. I am skeptical, myself, if for no other reason than they they don't even have the right zip codes on their map. The whole North Side is 15212, and they have the area around Brighton Heights, where I live, listed as 15233. Something is amiss.

And Evergrey, I'm complete agreement with you about these "lifestyle centers." They take everything that is wrong with suburban sprawl and kick it up to the next level. While I applaud the investment in the Pittsburgh area, that entire region (northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County) is so completely out of control as to be absurd. Same goes for Robinson and Moon. These suburban townships exemplify a more generalized problem in America. It's all about being functional and maximizing the return on investment, while little or no attention is paid to the aesthetic of the development, and to how it is to be integrated into the whole.

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 06:55 AM

[QUOTE=hyperion1110;2703585]Hmm...something is definitely up. I just checked the same site for 15219 and it said 744 sold. It seems very strange. Then again, we don't know how accurate their numbers are because we don't know the methodology. I am skeptical, myself, if for no other reason than they they don't even have the right zip codes on their map. The whole North Side is 15212, and they have the area around Brighton Heights, where I live, listed as 15233. Something is amiss.

And Evergrey, I'm complete agreement with you about these "lifestyle centers." They take everything that is wrong with suburban sprawl and kick it up to the next level. While I applaud the investment in the Pittsburgh area, that entire region (northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County) is so completely out of control as to be absurd. Same goes for Robinson and Moon. These suburban townships exemplify a more generalized problem in America. It's all about being functional and maximizing the return on investment, while little or no attention is paid to the aesthetic of the development, and to how it is to be integrated into the whole.

Concerning Zillow.com ... it depends how far in you are zoomed... I just took a walk through Uptown yesterday... it's quite pockmarked from years of neglect and disinvestment... but what remains is a delightfully intimate urban environment hearkening back to the mid-1800s... but it's also a very slender neighborhood and has a very rough edge along the Blvd. of the Allies... Fifth and Forbes... which are one-way two-lane corridors... act as "automobile sewers" blasting a constant stream of high-speed traffic through...

being the key link between Downtown and Oakland makes it attractive... but it has a number of drawbacks as well...

as stated previously... Uptown has recently been declared as a "Keystone Innovation Zone"... which should hopefully spur development there... there have been a few companies that have located their operations to Uptown... Duquesne University is expanding there... which will bring in a Barnes and Noble... and the new arena will be located right along Fifth... which will radically transform much of Uptown

themaguffin

03-20-2007, 02:16 PM

The papers annoy me when the do lame articles like these. Lifestyles center aren't new and they aren't new to Pittsburgh. Sure maybe that will be the first one in Cranberry, but so what? It is preferably to vast parking lots in a maze of big box stores.

It is unfortunate that the Pointe in Robison wasn't designed in such a fashion, it is hellish to traverse and otherwise ugly and greatly wastes space with parking where flat land should be maximized.

themaguffin

03-20-2007, 05:45 PM

I was hoping that this would be Allegheny County's gain, but still metro jobs nonetheless...

Westinghouse picks Cranberry for new research center
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By Dan Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Westinghouse Electric Co. has chosen Cranberry over Monroeville as the site for a new research center and headquarters for the nuclear energy firm's western Pennsylvania operations.

Construction of the new complex at the Cranberry Woods office park will begin within three months.

The company's nuclear power plant unit will occupy the new buildings during the first half of 2009. Employees currently in Monroeville and Churchill will follow, with all employees expected by year end 2010.

Westinghouse, which employs about 3,450 people locally, expects its workforce to increase by at least 1,000 over the next five years.

Employees currently located in Blairsville, Madison and New Stanton will remain in their existing facilities.

The selection of Cranberry ends a regional competition that began late in 2006 when Westinghouse said it would keep its worldwide operations here in southwestern Pennsylvania and choose between an expansion of its current headquarters in Monroeville or a new facility in Cranberry, near the intersection of Interstate 79 and Route 228.

The decision to build in Cranberry is due to the site's ability to accommodate future growth and handle parking requirements of a larger work force. The facility will be 775,000 square feet and cost more than $100 million

Construction is still contingent on approval of tax abatements by local governing bodies.

Evergrey

03-20-2007, 06:00 PM

yeah... not the optimal situation... but still awesome for the region... Cranberry is the new center of the metro after all lol

themaguffin

03-20-2007, 06:05 PM

Regarding Uptown, having lived on the Bluff, I always saw so much potential for that area and reclaiming it would not be (relatively) expensive.

This could be a great residental area with some business too, but that stretch of road has so much potential.

I think some of the housing should be preserved and salvaged, but most can go and particularly the middle blocks sandwiched between Forbed and Fifth could be lined with mid rise apartments and maybe some office space etc to keep the area well rounded.

The structures that border the Blvd should go (east of Mercy) so that the Blvd can be widened and an appropriate exit can be placed. Additionally, a nice wall should be placed to reduce the highway noise and make it look nicer.

Since this is an extension of downtown it should be treated with some density. If a plan were to be made, like Riverparc, I think developers would sign on.

UrbaniDesDev

03-21-2007, 02:47 AM

I am so disappointed in Westinghouse's decision. They have a sprawling campus in Monroeville, with vast area for expansion, but are opting for a vast, pristine wooded area in Cranberry. The word is because most CEOs already live there. I believe it is simply more accessible to the Airport and The Parkway North allows for much easier access to Downtown. Perhaps Cranberry is more fashionable but the cost to Monroeville and Allegheny County is immeasurable. This is terrible blow to Monroevile and the immediate area. I am still glad they are staying in the region but they would have played a real role in the future development of this region. It's ashame that corporate America has no loyalty but to themselves.

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 03:11 AM

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 03:13 AM

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/53anegley.aspx

March 21, 2007

$8.3M Negley Neighbors project to build 41 units throughout East Liberty
Negley Neighbors, an $8.3 million scattered site housing initiative, is bringing 41 new rental units to East Liberty. The project will feature a combination of new construction and property renovations on Jackson St., Mellon St. and N. Negley Ave.

Project developer is Residential Reinvestment LP, a partnership between East Liberty Development, Inc. and State College-based S&A Homes. Thirty-three rental units will be located within seven rehabilitated buildings and eight units will be in three new properties. Swissvale-based Lami Grubb Architects is designing the units. Repal Construction is overseeing property renovations; S&A Homes is contractor for the new construction.

“We expect to close on construction financing within the next sixty days,” says Collette O’Leary, development manager with the URA, who is working with the Coalition of Organized Residents of East Liberty (CORE). “The eight new units will be completed by the end of 2007.” The rehabilitated properties will be completed in one year.

Apartments will be located in brick three- and four-story buildings, as well as in spacious renovated houses. Units will range in size from 700 to 1,350 square feet and will feature one-, two- and three-bedrooms and porches.

Project financing is being provided by the URA, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, and Mellon Bank. The City of Pittsburgh has contributed $1.4 million to support the project. In addition to providing financial support, the URA is also providing construction oversight.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Collette O'Leary

Image courtesy of the URA

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%2053/negley_300.jpg

BMikeSci

03-21-2007, 04:45 AM

Thank you for all the interesting replies.

On another note, I agree that it is a great shame to damage any pristine wild areas. There are enough previously developed areas that would greatly be improved by a wrecking ball and a new development project. What a shame that Westinghouse is seemingly so indifferent to this regions needs.

BMikeSci

03-21-2007, 05:11 AM

The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that would amend the state's construction code so that a new standard regarding a house's foundation and retaining walls is not required. The move could save builders thousands of dollars per home.

The standard, part of the 2006 International Residential Code that took effect Jan. 1, is that all new residential construction should have "anchor bolts" when the foundation and retaining walls are built. That could increase home building costs by as much as $3,000, said Sen. Bob Regola, a Westmoreland Republican and the prime sponsor of the legislation.

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 05:37 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_498710.html

The novelty of a new venue might draw new artists to Pittsburgh

By Regis Behe
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Hockey fans aren't the only ones who are going to benefit from a new arena in Pittsburgh.
A bigger and better facility could improve the atmosphere and prospects for major concerts, benefitting the fans, the acts and the promoters who book shows in the venue.

When a new arena is built, "there's a honeymoon period that usually lasts a year or two, for two reasons," says Rich Engler, the former president and CEO of DiCesare-Engler Productions, the main concert promoter in Western Pennsylvania. The company was bought out by SFX Entertainment, which became Clear Channel, then Live Nation.

"One, that concert crowd wants to get in their and see the new facility, what kinds of bells and whistles are there, how's the sound, the sightlines," he says. "It's kind of like buying a new car: Everybody wants to take a ride."

Secondly, he says, acts who may have otherwise skipped Pittsburgh may decide to play here because of the facility's novelty.

It's a phenomenon that's been repeated at new venues across the country.

When the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia opened in 1996, it spurred the interest of music fans in Southeastern Pennsylvania, according to John Page, the chief operating officer for Global Spectrum, the firm that runs the facility.

"Therefore, it becomes an attraction to touring acts," says Page in an email. "Many new arenas offer new enhancements, not just for the guests, but for touring acts, the performers, the promoters and those involved in producing the show."

Bennett Kleinberg, a former tour publicist who has worked with Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones and is now a vice president with Goodman Media International, a publicity agency, in New York, agrees.

"A new arena is a great addition to an urban landscape," he says.

In Kansas City, the new Sprint Center opening in October is expected to be a boon to the local concert industry, says Michael Roth, vice president of communications for AEG, the firm that is operating the new arena.

"We do know there are acts that bypassed Kansas City because the stage (at the Kemper Arena) was not to their specification," Roth says.

Concert have already been lined up or are being scheduled for the new venue, he says.

The Mellon Arena has not been much of a deterrent in attracting acts. Justin Timberlake performed there Monday, and Christina Aguilera will perform there on April 14. In the last 10 years, some of the biggest acts on the planet -- Bruce Springsteen, U2, the Rolling Stones and AC/DC -- have played the venerable facility.

"The Mellon Arena didn't lose that many shows," Engler says, adding the notable exception was Paul McCartney.

Two years ago, Kyle Smith, director of content and programming at WYEP-FM on the South Side, went to Washington, D.C., to see the McCartney concert.

"You don't want Pittsburgh to be forgotten about, or seen as a non-music city," Smith says.

Older or inadequate venues can cause problems. When Kleinberg was doing press for the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels Tour in 1989, the band was booked to play the Alpine Valley Music Theatre near Milwaukee. Because the venue could not accommodate the entire stage set-up, the concert experience was diminished, for fans and the band.

"They had to amend the set, adjust it dramatically, to fit inside this venue," Kleinberg says. "And it took away from some of the show. Artists that are playing sizable venues ... put a great deal of creative energy into putting on something that is visually and audibly great. A lot of attention is paid to it. ... A better facility that can accommodate a wider range of stage set-ups is better for everybody."

A similar situation happened in Pittsburgh a few years ago when Celine Dion performed at the Mellon Arena and she had to put on an abbreviated version of her touring show. Engler says the arena's loading docks have long been substandard, and that the crews in charge of setting up stages and lighting rigs have complained about the arena's inadequate load-in and load-out capabilities.

"When the bands hit the stage, they didn't know that much about it," he says. "But it costs a lot more money, and the cost of the production, those numbers escalated because of that fact."

Upgraded facilities that go with a new arena may include better sound systems, attractive and comfortable dressing rooms and more expansive load-in areas for the trucks that carry equipment, says Page of the Wachovia Center. While loading docks may seem to be an insignificant aspect, Page says that the "increased efficiency creates lower costs, making the new arena more effective."

Engler thinks the biggest factor that limits concerts in Pittsburgh is the city's amusement tax. A tax of 5 percent is levied on the gross admissions of events, including concerts and sporting events.

"It made it much more difficult for me to make a deal with these acts," says Engler, who now works for Targe Energy in Aspinwall, which deals in coal, natural gas and oil. "We were dealing with other cities, comparable cities, that didn't have any amusement tax. These acts ... they want to walk out with every cent they can walk out with. They're counting all the potential profits, and when there's an amusement tax and a city tax, that comes off the gross. Nobody sees that. But sometimes when your battling another town for an act, sometimes you'll lose that battle."

It's not only artists who look to perform in better, more modern arenas. Kleinberg says when patrons are asked to pay exorbitant admission prices -- for instance, the top tickets for Barbra Streisand's tour were $900 -- they, in turn, expect more comforts.

"When you are charging that kind of money you are going after a very different kind of clientele than you are with a punk band where kids are primarily going to be up on their feet the whole time," Kleinberg says. "If you want something that's going to fit a Tony Bennett or a Barbra Streisand, you've got to take the comfort of your audience into consideration.'

WYEP's Smith believes that a new venue will not only help attract larger acts, but also buoy smaller shows.

"Hopefully, it will have a trickle-down effect," he says.

In the Pittsburgh area, Belkin Productions, of Cleveland, runs the Pittsburgh office of Live Nation, booking acts into the Post-Gazette Pavilion, the Chevrolet Amphitheatre and sometimes the Mellon Arena. President Michael Belkin declined to comment.

Live Nation's national headquarters in Beverly Hills, Calif., did not respond to a request for comment.

Regis Behe can be reached at rbehe@tribweb.com or (412)320-7990.

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 05:48 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07080/771158-147.stm

Extra Port Authority transit funding explored

Increased sales tax share, leasing turnpike among options discussed

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG -- Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato met yesterday with Pittsburgh-area legislators to try to find a "dedicated" source of $35 million a year to use as county funding for Port Authority mass transit.

Nothing was decided, but various options involving the state sales tax were discussed, said state Reps. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, and Marc Gergely, D-Whitehall.

One idea -- not a politically popular one, they admitted -- would be to change the 1994 Allegheny Regional Asset District law to let the Port Authority receive some RAD funds, which are generated by a 1 percent sales tax in Allegheny County. Currently, the $77 million RAD budget goes for city and county parks, for debt service on bonds that funded Heinz Field and PNC Park, for libraries and dozens of arts and cultural organizations in the county.

The annual battle over who gets RAD funds already is fierce and if the Port Authority were made eligible for the funds, legislators fear that many of the current recipients would be upset.

"I think that RAD idea is a non-starter. I think we'd be asking for trouble," said Mr. Frankel. "Libraries and arts groups need more support. They're not exactly swimming in money."

He noted that Gov. Ed Rendell has proposed raising the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent statewide (and from 7 percent to 8 percent in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties). If 2/10 of a percent of the additional sales tax revenues were "dedicated" to the Port Authority, that would provide about $36 million, or about what Mr. Onorato is seeking.

But the deficit-ridden Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Agency in the Philadelphia area would probably want a slice also, and Mr. Rendell already has ideas on how to spend the additional $1.3 billion a year that a higher sales tax would bring. He wants to use some of it for property tax relief.

Another option, said Mr. Gergely, would be to raise the current cap of $75 million on the amount of sales tax revenue that can be allocated for transit systems statewide. The current sales tax generates about $9 billion a year for the state, but the money is always fully allocated in the state budget, so shifting a greater amount to mass transit could mean that current recipients get less.

Other ideas for generating mass transit funds include leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private operator for a payment of $10 billion or more, which could bring in as much as $965 million a year in investment income. Mr. Rendell has proposed that idea, but he wants to use all the revenue for much-needed repairs to state roads and bridges.

Another option for mass transit funds, oddly, could be putting tolls on Interstate 80, Mr. Gergely said. But those I-80 tolls also were proposed yesterday by the Turnpike Commission as one part of its $965-million-a-year program to fix roads and bridges.

Mr. Frankel said that mass transit funding must be tied together with road and bridge funding in the same bill. Urban legislators want to help mass transit, while rural and small-town lawmakers favor better roads and bridges, so combining the two issues should net the necessary votes in the Legislature, he said.

Funding for both purposes may not be agreed upon until the new state budget is voted on June 30, he added.

Currently, Allegheny County only provides $25 million from property tax revenues for its mass transit needs. Mr. Onorato is seeking a new source for the funds, and an increase to $35 million a year, to better match the amount the state provides.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 717-787-4254. )

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 06:06 AM

oh wow... this HQ looks extraordinarily bland

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07080/771146-56.stm

Westinghouse center goes to Cranberry

Butler County site picked over Monroeville; nuclear energy complex will employ 3,000

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070321ho_westinghouse_450.jpg
An artist's rendering of the planned Westinghouse headquarters and research facility in Cranberry.

By Dan Fitzpatrick and Karen Kane, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When John Milius heard yesterday about Westinghouse Electric Co.'s decision to leave Monroeville and bring more than 3,000 jobs north to Cranberry, he called it a "great day for our region."

"Westinghouse has been a pillar of the Pittsburgh area's economy for more than a century," said Mr. Milius, chairman of the Cranberry supervisors. "Cranberry is flattered to become the steward of that legacy."

Westinghouse's plan to build a 775,000-square-foot, $140 million nuclear energy campus in Cranberry Woods, an office park at the corner of Interstate 79 and Route 228, was the subject of fist-pumping celebration yesterday in fast-growing Butler County -- and in Harrisburg, where state economic development chief Dennis Yablonsky hailed the move as "a huge win."

Mr. Yablonsky cited the average salary of $70,000 that will be paid to at least 1,000 new workers that will come with the expansion, in addition to the 2,150 high-paid workers moving from Monroeville and Churchill, and the fact that the research facility could have been built in another state altogether, such as North or South Carolina. "It's a great story," Mr. Yablonsky said.

Only Monroeville was not in the mood to celebrate. A local official involved in the effort to keep Westinghouse in that eastern Allegheny County town was "stunned" and "disappointed" by the decision.

"It is like losing a family friend," said Chad Amond, president of the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce. "Westinghouse has been an integral part of this community for 35-plus years and losing them, it stings, it really does. It stings."

Westinghouse is the largest employer in Monroeville, with 1,900 people, and its 585,000-square-foot campus is a major source of tax revenue for the Gateway School District.

By the end of 2010, there's concern much of that will be gone. Westinghouse expects to be permanently established in Cranberry by then, and Monroeville leaders worry that local run-off business will vanish, too.

"Westinghouse is our No. 1 client," said Lance Rihn, general manager of the Radisson in Monroeville. "It's 5,000 room nights per year with our hotel." The loss of such a large employer means "I just have to go out and find new business. It's going to impact the Monroeville area and community."

The competition between two communities from separate counties was politically delicate from the beginning.

Both offered to forgo taxes for 15 years and become one of Gov. Ed Rendell's Strategic Development Areas, free of all state, local, county and school district taxes. The package in Cranberry will save Westinghouse $3 million a year.

While the economic development derby between Cranberry and Monroeville never got nasty, both sides had concerns about the other, and that tension was still there yesterday. Back in December, when Westinghouse narrowed its search to two sites, state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, complained openly about the potential use of tax incentives to shift jobs from one part of the region to another.

Asked about that yesterday, Mr. Amond of the Monroeville chamber admitted to mixed emotions.

"We wish the folks in Cranberry nothing but the best as part of this deal," he said. "Having said that, it is difficult for us to really sing the praises of this decision as a step forward in terms of economic development in southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Essentially what has happened is the pieces have been moved around the chess board. From a broader perspective, it is a great thing for Pennsylvania that Westinghouse stayed [in the state]. From a regional standpoint, it is difficult to argue there is a net gain to the region in making this move."

He added: "It is a difficult pill to swallow to imagine that tax incentives are being used for that purpose. It is what it is."

Mr. Yablonsky, secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, said he understands Monroeville's disappointment but argues that it was better to keep the 1,000 new jobs than lose them to another state. "I believe we all have to think regionally about these kinds of things," he said.

Cranberry was not exempt from competitive concerns, either. Some in that Butler County community were privately critical of the lobbying done for Monroeville by Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, someone who defines himself as a regional politician.

"Many of us were upset" by Mr. Onorato's actions, Butler County commissioners Chairman Scott Lowe said yesterday. "We in Butler County have always tried to promote regionalism. But, it seems like there are some in Allegheny County who have a vision of regionalism that ends at their county line."

Mr. Onorato, who could not be reached for comment, issued a statement saying the decision, while disappointing for Monroeville, is still a "testament to our region's competitiveness."

In the end, Westinghouse chose Cranberry for reasons of cost and future convenience.

The move to a flat 80-acre site in Cranberry Woods, an office park owned by O'Hara-based MSA, formerly known as Mine Safety Appliances, will save Westinghouse $10 million over the cost of adding new office and parking space at the Westinghouse Energy Center in Monroeville, a sloped site of 138 acres where Westinghouse first moved in 1971.

Westinghouse needs more space to fill a worldwide demand for nuclear power plants, including four in China. Westinghouse expects to add at least 1,000 workers over the next five years, and it's possible that the number could grow to 2,000.

Westinghouse, which employs about 3,450 people in southwestern Pennsylvania, will keep about 1,300 employees currently located in Blairsville, Madison and New Stanton in their existing facilities.

Construction of the new Cranberry complex will begin within three months, the company said yesterday. Westinghouse's preliminary plans are for three office buildings, the first 406,000 square feet and the next two 182,000 square feet apiece.

A fourth building would be planned later, if growth goes as expected. Detailed site plans are expected to be submitted to the township in May. It will likely take will take three or four months to complete the approval process.

The plan is for the company's nuclear power plant unit to move during the first half of 2009. Employees currently in Monroeville and Churchill will follow, with everyone expected by year-end 2010.

Before construction can begin, three taxing bodies need to sign off on the tax abatement package -- Cranberry, the local school district and the county.

No one reached yesterday expected that to be a problem.

"What are we going to do?" said Jerry Andree, Cranberry Township manager. "Say 'No' and have them go to North Carolina and get the governor mad? That's not going to happen. This what the governor requested of us and each of our supervisors has indicated support for the project. They believe it is good for southwestern Pennsylvania."

Forgoing taxes for 15 years means Butler County would give up about $224,000 annually, the township would waive $135,000, and Seneca Valley School District would pass on $1 million a year.

Nevertheless, "I see it as a boon for the community and for our students," said Seneca Valley Superintendent Don Tylinski. "The potential ancillary benefits, in terms of jobs and even in terms of connections for our students is profound,"

The superintendent could not predict how his board would vote on the issue, but he acknowledged a 6-3 vote late last year in favor of the concept.

Butler County commissioners Chairman Lowe said he is certain he and his fellow commissioners will vote in favor.

"We are on board with this. We're behind it 100 percent," he said. "Yes, we're giving up taxes, but it's shortsighted to emphasize that. We're all about bringing jobs to Butler County, and these aren't minimum wage jobs. These are high-paying jobs. How could we not be in favor of this?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Anya Sostek contributed. Dan Fitzpatrick can be reached at dfitzpatrick@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1752. Karen Kane can be reached at kkane@post-gazette.com or 724-772-9180. )

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070321westinghouse.gif

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 06:15 AM

more on the casino... the "jewel of the North Shore" lol

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07080/771130-336.stm

Proposed casino touted as a riverfront jewel

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Don Barden's proposed Majestic Star casino will be a "true riverfront destination" featuring a 110-foot glass atrium as its centerpiece and a second-floor nightclub with panoramic views of the city.

Mr. Barden is serious about making the $435 million casino, to be built on the Ohio River shore near Carnegie Science Center, his legacy, spokesman Bob Oltmanns said yesterday.

"This is not just a casino to him. This really is something much, much larger. This is the thing he wants to leave behind him and give to the people of Pittsburgh," Mr. Oltmanns said. "He wants to do it right."

His comments came after city planning commission members got their first briefing on the casino yesterday. City planners are seeking to move the construction along as expeditiously as possible, breaking project approvals into four separate parts.

Zoning administrator Jeremy Smith said, however, they won't accelerate the approval process simply for the sake of Mr. Barden's ambitious construction schedule.

Mr. Barden is pushing to have the casino open by summer 2008, a timetable that could be in jeopardy because of the appeals filed before the state Supreme Court by the two losing bidders for the city casino license.

Forest City Enterprises and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. are challenging the decision by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to award the Pittsburgh license to PITG Gaming LLC, Mr. Barden's company.

Despite the appeals, Mr. Barden is moving ahead with the required planning approvals. Mr. Oltmanns said the goal is to be able to move quickly with land preparation and the demolition of two warehouses on the site as soon as the court rules, assuming the license award is upheld. Arguments are scheduled for mid-May.

Mr. Barden is planning a two-story glass and steel casino that will feature a 1,000-seat riverfront amphitheater plus restaurants and shops overlooking the water.

Those not interested in gambling will be able to access riverfront shops and restaurants without ever stepping onto the casino floor.

The casino's most striking architectural feature will be the 110-foot cylindrical glass atrium facing the water, with a bar on the first floor and another on the third floor. Its 110 feet exceeds the standards for buildings on the river but is permitted for steeples and atriums. A water or light feature will be part of the atrium.

The casino also will have a second-floor nightclub with direct views of the Point and the Downtown skyline.

The casino footprint will include an extension of the North Shore riverfront trail to the West End Bridge and a 10-story, 3,802-space parking garage behind the building.

"We worked very, very hard to make this a true riverfront destination. This will be unlike any casino anywhere else in the country and, in fact, the world," Mr. Oltmanns said.

"Pittsburgh's three rivers really [are] an international icon and we realize putting a facility of this size and profile at that location brings with it a responsibility to follow through with a design that rises to that standard."

The planning commission got an overview of the master plan for the casino at its meeting yesterday and will conduct a hearing on the proposal April 3. A vote has been scheduled for May 1.

In breaking the project into pieces, planners will be able to devote more attention to transportation issues, including the impact the casino will have on game day traffic on the North Shore. Mr. Smith said.

Assuming the license award is upheld, Mr. Barden's casino would open with 3,000 slot machines and expand to 5,000.

Bergman Walls and Associates of Las Vegas, which has been involved in the expansion of Caesars Palace and the design of the Paris and Trump casinos in Sin City, is lead architect for the project. It is being assisted locally by Strada architects.

"I think it will be an exciting building on the riverfront," Mr. Smith said.

"It really brings some activity to that part of the North Shore where it's kind of been dead down there for a long time. This will really extend the North Shore Park and starts to bring us closer to the West End Bridge in terms of the feeling of the Downtown."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262. )

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 09:26 PM

whoa... this was unexpected...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07080/771349-100.stm

...

now that i thought about it for a minute... it makes sense......... Peduto drops out of the Democratic nomination race... and will run as an Independent for the fall election... giving him more time to get his issues across... he's been polling behind Luke... this gives him more of an opportunity

themaguffin

03-21-2007, 09:54 PM

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 10:09 PM

I just saw that too. I don't know if he would be great, but Luke really seems to leave a lot to be desired. Luke doesn't seem to be savy or in control.

Hopefully Peduto can shake things up. We really need some vision. It is particularly sad because a unique opportunity presented itself last year and it really isn't being taken advantage of....

agreed... I'm growing increasingly unimpressed with his pseudo-leadership... and I think a lot of his widespread support from the political elite (such as Onorato) comes from the fact they view him as easily manipulated to their goals....... just my speculation

Dropping out of the race right now seems to be the type of radical strategy Peduto is known for. I'll bet anyone a fish sandwich and cold IC that Peduto resurfaces as the Independent candidate this summer with renewed vigor... he can press his independent agenda and unique vision... not like he's received any support from the local Democratic establishment anyways

AaronPGH

03-21-2007, 10:09 PM

Do you really think Peduto is going to run as an independent? I didn't pick up from that article that he might make that move. I'm pretty disappointed in his dropping out....I am all for Peduto. The man knows what he's doing. :(

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 10:10 PM

Evergrey

03-21-2007, 11:37 PM

Dropping out of the race right now seems to be the type of radical strategy Peduto is known for. I'll bet anyone a fish sandwich and cold IC that Peduto resurfaces as the Independent candidate this summer with renewed vigor... he can press his independent agenda and unique vision... not like he's received any support from the local Democratic establishment anyways

§ 2911.1. Limitations on eligibility of candidates

Any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party during any period of time beginning with thirty (30) days before the primary and extending through the general or municipal election of that same year shall be ineligible to be the candidate of a political body in a general or municipal election held in that same year nor shall any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party be eligible to be the candidate of a political body for a special election.

(25 P.S. § 2911.1 (2006))

themaguffin

03-21-2007, 11:52 PM

Any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party during any period of time beginning with thirty (30) days before the primary and extending through the general or municipal election of that same year shall be ineligible to be the candidate of a political body in a general or municipal election held in that same year nor shall any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party be eligible to be the candidate of a political body for a special election.

Too bad that isn't the law in CT.

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 12:34 AM

btw, has anyone noticed how the City of Pittsburgh website appears to have become Ravenstahl's campaign website? lol

http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/

...

here's the Request for Proposal for the South Side Ice Rink
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/assets/07_neville_rfp.pdf

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 01:16 AM

... so the Burgh Report political blog is using that law I posted to claim that Peduto CANNOT legally run as an independent in the general election...
http://burghreport.blogspot.com/index.html

what am I missing?

The primary is May 15... which is well over THIRTY days from now... Peduto has dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination... according to the law cited... Peduto should be able to run in the general election as an Independent... or Republican... or Communist...

§ 2911.1. Limitations on eligibility of candidates

Any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party during any period of time beginning with thirty (30) days before the primary and extending through the general or municipal election of that same year shall be ineligible to be the candidate of a political body in a general or municipal election held in that same year nor shall any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party be eligible to be the candidate of a political body for a special election.

(25 P.S. § 2911.1 (2006))

However, the Burgh Report also listed this:

In fact, according to 25 P.S. § 2911(e)(5), a candidate running as an Independent must certify “that his name has not been presented as a candidate by nomination petitions for any public office to be voted for at the ensuing primary election, nor has he been nominated by any other nominations papers filed for any such office.”

This seems to be the part the Burgh Report is hung up on... It seems a bit cryptic... there is no timeframe mentioned here... If this refers to the 30 day period before the primary election... Peduto should still be eligible... bah, I'm just confusing myself now

themaguffin

03-22-2007, 02:21 AM

Have you seen the Luke interviewing medley on the blogs? What an idiot.

Wheelingman04

03-22-2007, 04:13 AM

I cannot believe Luke is mayor. He has no friggin idea what he is doing. Everybody around him seems to influence everything he does. He has no real ideas. He has copied many of Peduto and other politicians ideas without having his own and doing his own research. I really hope Peduto comes back and can win, because the leadership in the city right now is almost appalling. Even when the Penquins were thinking of moving, the governor did almost all of the work and negotiating. Luke just stood back and watched. When the Steelers and Pirates were thinking of moving, mayor Murphy took the reigns and did most all of the negotiating.:(

B4burgh

03-22-2007, 04:38 AM

I agree that he shouldn't be mayor, he is basically a mouthpiece for everyone else. The situation that put him in that position though, is something no one could expect. Peduto should have stayed in the race, but would he have had a shot?

hyperion1110

03-22-2007, 05:32 AM

Check it out...this looks cool...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771561-53.stm

Developer wants to 'do our dream' on Forbes
Millcraft Industries is planning a $70 million, 18-story high-rise with unique retail that will be its signature project Downtown

Thursday, March 22, 2007
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Washington County developer heavily involved in reshaping the Fifth and Forbes corridor Downtown might be saving its best for last.

Millcraft Industries Inc. wants to make a proposed 18-story high-rise planned on Forbes Avenue its signature piece, with one-of-a-kind destination retail and an equally one-of-a-kind parking garage that would allow some residents to park right at their doorstep.

The building, to be known as the Gardens, would be the last of the three projects Millcraft is doing Downtown. The firm also is spearheading the $65 million conversion of the Lazarus-Macy's building at Wood Street and Fifth into condos, offices, and retail, and the $32 million make-over of the former G.C. Murphy's store on Fifth into apartments and shops.

Millcraft is looking at an estimate of $70 million or more for the Gardens project, up from $50 million, and has boosted the amount of retail space from about 25,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet.

Unlike the two other projects, where it is working around existing facades, Millcraft will have the opportunity to create from the ground up with the high-rise. It plans to demolish several buildings on the south side of Forbes between Wood Street and Market Square to make way for the construction.

"We can pretty much do our dream there," said Lucas Piatt, Millcraft vice president of development.

With that in mind, Millcraft hopes to put unique retail in the building, Mr. Piatt said. As one example of what the developer had in mind, he mentioned the shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which include Christian Dior, Gucci, Gianni Versace, and Valentino.

Not all of those contemplated at the Gardens will be ultra expensive but they will be "unique retailers not here right now that will create high energy and a regional draw," Mr. Piatt said.

"We don't want this to be a playground for just the rich. We want to create a neighborhood for everyone," he said.

Millcraft also is planning several levels of parking as part of the high-rise.

But the unique feature being contemplated is building the garage space behind apartments or condos.

That way, pedestrians looking at the building from the outside will see windows, not concrete, while at least some of those who buy or rent units will be able to park right at their door. He said the concept has been done in other cities, including Atlanta and Chicago.

"Literally, it's like having your own garage," Mr. Piatt said. "From a facade standpoint, it makes it look better. From a lifestyle standpoint, it makes sense."

Overall, Millcraft is planning a mix of condos and apartments, up to 250 units in all, in the building. Mr. Piatt said they would be mid-range in terms of price or rental.

"We want to focus on that middle market, younger folks buying Heartland Homes or Ryan Homes," he said.

Millcraft also is looking for other partners as part of the venture. It has already had discussions with some, Mr. Piatt said, although he would not name them.

He stressed the developer's more immediate priorities are the Piatt Place and Market Square Place projects. Both must be successful if the Gardens project is to proceed as planned, he said.

Sixty-five condos are planned at Piatt Place, plus office space and ground-level retail.

Two restaurants, the Capital Grille and McCormick & Schmick, will open there this year.

Work is expected to start later this year on the G.C. Murphy's conversion, which will feature some 42 apartments and 65,000 square feet of stores.

Mr. Piatt is hoping that those projects, plus the construction of the Three PNC Plaza office, residential and retail building on Fifth Avenue and smaller developments, will create a nucleus that will allow the Gardens and its proposed retail to thrive.

Combined with anticipated street improvements on Forbes and the synergy created by other development, he envisions the Gardens as a "high energy" project that people will want to see.

"When people talk about going Downtown, they'll be talking about going to the Gardens. This will be a destination Downtown," he said.

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 06:17 AM

tonight's report on KDKA seems to indicate that Peduto can run as an Independent in the general election if he so chooses... I assume they did their research as they have Jon Delano...a respected political analyst...

the report also said that according to polls Ravenstahl was leading Peduto 60-20... which is amazing... I guess Pittsburghers aren't as intelligent as I give them credit for... "gee, well he's such a handsome young boy... and I feel like we should just give the kid a chance n'at"...

if running as an Independent is indeed Peduto's strategy... I think it's a smart move... he's obviously getting crushed due to the novelty factor of our babyfaced mayor... this gives him some time for Ravenstahl to make some additional bloopers and tell some more lies and skip out on more meetings with Hill District residents in favor of jet-setting to exotic locales with billionaires... although that might not even be enough to sway the starstruck populace here... Ravenstahl has been savvy in cultivating a "cult of celebrity" due to his frequent national television commercials, Redd Up Pittsburgh billboards featuring his smiling face and the ubiquitous photos of himself on the city's website

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 06:26 AM

thanks for posting that, hyperion... the rendering of that Millcraft tower has been posted previously in this massive thread... though I wouldn't be suprised to see the design change significantly

it's a great site for a new structure... as the buildings currently residing in that block are extremely crappy... I think we're gonna lose that one-story building on the corner of Forbes and Market Sq. housing a hot dog shop... we'll lose that small parking lot... and the Record Exchange...

landing some of those high-end boutique retailers like Christian Dior and Gianni Versace should quiet the "Pittsburgh doesn't have blah blah blah" crowd a bit...

...though I'm not sure about their strategy to try and lure people who buy Ryan Homes... do we really want those types of people in the city? lol

... I'm having a tough time visualizing this revolutionary parking garage design

-50 points, Mark Belko, for using the word "synergy" in your article

...

ok... here's the rendering of the 18-story Gardens tower from Strada... they came up with this last year... I believe it was known as "Forbes Village" then

http://www.stradallc.com/files/fifth_district_3.jpg

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 06:38 AM

ok... this Post-Gazette analysis seems to spell out pretty clearly that Peduto can indeed run as an Independent in the general election if he chooses... and in fact, the timing of his withdrawal coincided with the last possible day he could withdraw from the Democratic primary and retain this possibility...

I assume he'll survey the landscape over the next couple months and see if Ravenstahl screws up further before deciding on whether to run this year or save himself for 2009

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771552-182.stm

Analysis: Negative race could have marred Peduto's future

Thursday, March 22, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20070322rd_peduto_windowPJ02_450.jpg
Rebecca Droke, Post-Gazette
William Peduto pauses in his headquarters after making his announcement yesterday.

By James O'Toole, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

City Councilman William Peduto ceded the Democratic mayoral nomination to Luke Ravenstahl because, he said, he could not defeat him without waging a negative, divisive campaign.

Mr. Peduto implicitly acknowledged, however, that on the current record, there is no evidence that he could have defeated Mr. Ravenstahl even if he had been willing to scorch his party's earth.

"Luke's popular,'' he said at one point. "In the image category, Luke was going to beat me.''

Mr. Peduto's internal polls and his own feel for the electorate after months of campaigning combined to suggest that the public attitude toward the young incumbent was, "Give the kid a chance.''

Given that sentiment, the negative tactics Mr. Peduto described had the potential to mar his own political future as much as bring down the incumbent's popularity.

Speaking to reporters after a news conference that was alternately somber, resigned and defiant, Mr. Peduto recalled another campaign that had turned negative, leaving an indelible political lesson. That was the 1996 challenge that his old boss, former Councilman Dan Cohen, waged against former U.S. Rep. William Coyne. Mr. Coyne was popular. No stark issues divided the two Democrats. So the challenge that Mr. Peduto presided over as campaign manager turned sharply negative. The tactics didn't help. Mr. Coyne won in a walk, leaving Mr. Cohen with a defeat that was an even bigger blot on his political resume given the sharp elbows he'd thrown.

"I went through that 11 years ago in a congressional race and it stuck with me, and I wasn't willing to do it again,'' Mr. Peduto said.

In citing the likely effect of a divisive campaign, Mr. Peduto noted its cost on the city. But had he stayed a candidate, Mr. Peduto would have faced long odds and, potentially, a big loss for his own public future.

But the fact that that political calculation could change overnight was another message of yesterday's news conference and the tactical options Mr. Peduto left so pointedly open.

The Democrat insisted that he hadn't thought through the possibility of running in the general election as an independent, but he repeatedly refused to rule that out. He said would continue to pursue issues embraced in his campaign.

The unspoken message was that during that time, the novelty and popularity of the young mayor's new administration could fade.

"When he has a record, there will be issues to run on,'' Mr. Peduto said. "Right now, it's just image that he's running on and it's very difficult to run against image without being negative.''

Mr. Peduto's partisans can only hope that controversies like the questions over Mr. Ravenstahl's recent trip to New York City with Penguins owner Ron Burkle can start that process and that other, unforeseen events would accelerate the incumbent along the vector of political vulnerability.

That could set the stage for a renewed Peduto challenge, either in November or in 2009.

Even a November race would leave plenty of time for events to alter a landscape now tiled against Mr. Peduto. But he doesn't have much time to make the first decision to preserve that possibility.

The late Mayor Richard Caliguiri ran and won as an independent after succeeding Mayor Pete Flaherty when he took a job in the Carter Justice Department. Mr. Caliguiri sat out the 1977 Democratic primary but then ran and won as an independent in the fall, albeit with all of the advantages of incumbency. Burned by that experience, the political establishment that Mr. Caliguiri had circumvented changed state law to create hurdles for major party figures pursuing an independent route in general elections.

Mr. Peduto said the timing of yesterday's news conference was triggered, in part, by the spate of publicity Monday over his opponent's New York trip. That, he said, reinforced in his mind the likelihood that this would not be a campaign focused on issues.

That may be true, but a more significant element in his timing was that fact that yesterday was the last day that a candidate could withdraw his nominating petitions without a court order. Had he not withdrawn, his name would have gone on the primary ballot and he would have forfeited the option of running as an independent in the fall.

A second decision date looms for Mr. Peduto on April 15. That is the last day he can change his party registration from Democratic to independent. The law passed in the wake of Mr. Caliguiri's success states that no one registered as a member of a major party within 30 days of a primary election -- May 15 this year in Pennsylvania -- can run as an independent.

If Mr. Peduto decides to bide his time on council, that could create a perhaps unprecedented situation in which a sitting Pittsburgh mayor coasts to election with no formal opposition.

The situation would be all the more remarkable given the way that Mr. Ravenstahl ascended to his office as a relative political neophyte, selected as City Council president as a compromise candidate at least in part because he had not been in office long enough to make enemies.

This possible, even likely, mayoral coronation coincides with a similar lack of competition at the top of the Allegheny County ballot. Chief Executive Dan Onorato has only token opposition in the Democratic primary and, barring the emergence of an independent, would be alone on the November ballot. All of that is a recipe for a remarkably low turnout election -- good news for candidates with the party endorsement, but not for voters hoping for a heated discussion of issues at any local level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Politics Editor James O'Toole can be reached at jotoole@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1562. )

another interesting article on Peduto's withdrawal:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771595-182.stm

Ravenstahl evades and deceives some more concerning his trip to NYC:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771594-53.stm

a scathing editorial on Peduto's withdrawal:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771514-192.stm

a scathing editorial on Ravenstahl's violation of the public trust:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771513-192.stm

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 06:50 AM

the day of judgment is near... soon we will receive all the details about the impending transit apocalypse

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771562-147.stm

Transit cuts to be aired

Riders to find out tomorrow just how bad it will be

Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Riders will learn tomorrow how they could be affected by an unprecedented level of service cuts and other changes at the Port Authority.

Restructuring of the bus-trolley system to bring expenses in line with revenues and address a projected $80 million budget deficit in the 2007-08 fiscal year will be disclosed at board committee meetings.

Numerous sources have said they don't expect management to recommend cutting as much as 25 percent of service hours as first proposed, which would have eliminated 124 of 213 bus routes. Nonetheless, they expect the cuts to be the biggest in the agency's 43-year history and to have a far-reaching impact on riders.

And as of yesterday, no decision had been reached about whether to propose a new $2 flat fare or retain the existing "zone" system and raise the base fare by 75 cents, to $2.50, with proportional hikes in weekly, monthly and annual passes.

It will be up to the full nine-member, county-appointed board to ratify or modify the staff's recommendations at the March 30 regular meeting.

"The [financial] problem is very real," authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland said. "As distasteful as reducing service is, it is less distasteful than going nine or 10 months and being forced to shut down the system altogether."

Service planners have been working virtually "around the clock to wrap up in time for Friday's meeting," he said, indicating recommendations will be tweaked and numbers will be crunched through late today.

"We've spent an incredible amount of time trying to do this in the best possible way," Mr. Bland said. "Unfortunately, people will be negatively affected, whether they are workers, students, businesses, what have you. But we have to take what we have and build for the future in a way that can be sustained."

He has the support of Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, who has said the county can no longer afford paying $25 million -- with prospects for more money -- to match state subsidies.

Mr. Onorato spent the past two days in Harrisburg, lobbying for long-sought dedicated funding for public transit. However, state officials have already warned that, even if approved this summer, money will not come in time to delay service cuts, will not be enough to fill the authority's $80 million budget gap and will not be forthcoming without significant corporate reform.

Also tomorrow, board committees are to endorse reforms recommended by Mr. Bland two weeks ago. They include consolidating departments, ending generous pension and health care benefits for nonunion and management personnel, freezing salaries, eliminating 56 office positions and possibly moving the headquarters back to Manchester.

Mr. Bland is leading by example, having given up his authority-owned car and a deferred compensation package and sacrificing the same early retirement and health care benefits and salary increases as other management employees.

"At the end of the day, we all have to deal with reality," he said.

Bus-trolley cuts and changes will go into effect June 17, rather than June 24 as announced earlier. Whatever fare increases are ultimately approved will not go into effect until Jan. 1.

The service cuts and other changes that Mr. Bland will recommend to board members tomorrow morning will be explained to elected state, county and city officials at a private meeting later in the day.

He said the authority will retain the highest level of service possible given the financial situation. He said planners also have taken into account the testimony and suggestions of thousands of people who weighed in through nine public meetings, calls, letters, e-mails and petitions.

The Port Authority is currently ranked as the nation's 15th-largest transit system, and carries about 240,000 people on an average weekday on buses, trolleys, the Mon Incline and ACCESS.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Joe Grata can be reached at jgrata@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1985. )

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 06:57 AM

the casino saga continues... Barden's casinos "underperform"

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771555-336.stm

Barden's casinos were losers in 2006

Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Gary Rotstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Don Barden's casino company that operates in Indiana, Mississippi and Colorado reported yesterday that it had a bad year in 2006, but a spokesman denies that has any relevance to his slots parlor planned on the North Side.

Forest City Enterprises, which lost out on the Pittsburgh casino license to Mr. Barden's PITG Gaming LLC, has called his existing company "one of the weakest operators in the gaming industry" with "historic track records of negative results."

That was before the existing company, Majestic Star Casino LLC, filed documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday reporting a net loss of $14.3 million for 2006, compared with $5.3 million the year before. It also reported a fourth-quarter loss of $9.5 million compared with $4.6 million for the same period in 2005.

In a conference call with investment analysts, Majestic Star officials said revenues were less than projected at casinos in Gary, Ind., and Tunica, Miss. The company also has extensive debt obligations from its purchase in Gary in late 2005 of Donald Trump's adjacent casino operation. Mr. Barden has hopes of merging his side-by-side Indiana casinos into one, and moving the second license elsewhere, for greater returns.

Majestic Star's financial officials said they have begun taking steps to attract more customers, and targeting more high rollers, to boost revenue at existing locations in 2007. The company also has a smaller casino in Black Hawk, Colo., and Mr. Barden privately owns another casino in Las Vegas separate from Majestic Star.

Mr. Barden's track record in the industry was a key issue raised by Forest City earlier this month in asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's award of the Pittsburgh license to PITG Gaming. Forest City wants to partner with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. in developing a casino at Station Square. Another losing bidder, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., has also appealed the license decision, but did not raise concerns about Mr. Barden's existing casinos in doing so.

Representatives of PITG Gaming and the gaming board have insisted all along that Mr. Barden is financially capable. Majestic Star officials say their operations in other states have no financial connection to the Pittsburgh venture, however. Because of the pending court case, they declined to discuss anything about Pittsburgh in yesterday's discussion with investors.

The local firm is set up as a separate subsidiary from Majestic Star under a common parent, Barden Development Inc. Spokesman Bob Oltmanns said the $450 million in credit committed to the Pittsburgh project by Jefferies & Co., a Wall Street investment firm, shows confidence in the new venture and Mr. Barden's overall capabilities.

Gregg Klein, a high-yield analyst for BNP Paribas Group, called Majestic Star's latest report one that shows disappointing "under-performance" in the other locations. Overall, the company's revenues increased 35 percent last year to $354.8 million, but that was only because of the acquisition of Trump's casino. As two connected casinos under Majestic Star, the Gary operation drew less gambling last year than they did when competing.

Mr. Klein believes Mr. Barden has a capable management team to turn around both Gary and Tunica, and regardless, he said it has no bearing on the plans in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh casino license is widely viewed as one of the most lucrative in Pennsylvania.

"If I were a loser in a bidding process, I'd attack Majestic's finances as well -- it's one of the weak links in their story, but not weak enough to deny them that license," Mr. Klein said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Gary Rotstein can be reached at grotstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1255. )

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 07:00 AM

now for the annual article where we can feel depressed about ourselves

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771550-85.stm

Population drain continues in region

Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Gary Rotstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Allegheny County and most of the metropolitan region show continued trends of modest population loss, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The bureau reported yesterday that the county's population was estimated at 1,223,411 as of July 1, 2006, a drop of 9,625 from the year before and 58,255 from the last formal census head count in 2000.

Allegheny remained the 30th largest county in the nation. Wayne County in Michigan and Cook County in Illinois showed bigger population losses in the past year than Allegheny, according to the estimates, but only Wayne had a more severe percentage loss of residents.

Within the seven-county metropolitan region, only Butler County showed any significant population increase between 2005 and 2006, a net gain of 1,375, to 182,901. Washington gained an estimated 14 residents, to 206,432.

Other counties losing population were Armstrong, down 431 to 70.096; Beaver, down 1,089 to 175,736; Fayette, down 446 to 145,760; and Westmoreland, down 693 to 366,440.

The Pittsburgh metro area's population was estimated at 2,370,776, down 10,895 from 2005 and 60,309 from the year 2000, with Allegheny's net loss representing most of the decline in both cases.

All of the counties except Butler have more deaths than births occurring on an annual basis, and only Washington has been able to make that up with more people moving in than moving out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Gary Rotstein can be reached at grotstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1255. )

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 07:14 AM

Allegheny remained the 30th largest county in the nation. Wayne County in Michigan and Cook County in Illinois showed bigger population losses in the past year than Allegheny, according to the estimates, but only Wayne had a more severe percentage loss of residents.

This is sort of an incomplete and misleading statement... I haven't analyzed every large county... but Cuyahoga County, Ohio, for example... suffered a larger numeric and percentage decline than Allegheny as well... a loss of 16k. Cuyahoga lost 1.2% while Allegheny lost 0.8%. In fact, Cuyahoga's rate of decline was even greater than Wayne's, which was 1.0%. Cuyahoga is also amongst the top 30 counties.Allegheny's rate of decline is lower than the previous two estimates, which were 1.0% and 0.90% in 2005 and 2004 respectively.

Just for comparisons sake... as Pittsburghers tend to think we're the only shrinking region in the world... I calculated the 2006 estimates for the counties in the Cleveland metro... the Cleveland MSA lost 10,503 people from 2005-2006...
The Cleveland-Akron CSA lost 10,995 during this period.

The Pittsburgh-New Castle CSA... which is the MSA plus Lawrence County lost 11,512 people... Lawrence County took a relatively huge hit. It's amazing that the only county in entire metro to post a gain of any significance... and a very minor gain if you compare to other areas... is Butler County (thank you, Cranberry!)...

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 08:30 AM

this is hilarious... "The Cranberry Story: The Perfect Community"

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_498957.html

Strict rules primed Cranberry to grow

By Bonnie Pfister
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, March 22, 2007

In selecting Cranberry, on Butler County's southern edge, as the site for its expansion, local leaders say Westinghouse Electric Co. validated the careful planning that transformed a once-sleepy community into a destination for well-heeled young families.
The nuclear engineering firm announced Tuesday it will leave the building constructed for it 36 years ago on Monroeville's Northern Pike in favor of new digs in the Cranberry Woods Office Park, across from the Pittsburgh Marriott North. With plans to add 1,000 high-paying jobs in the next five years -- and the possibility of more to come -- Westinghouse said the Cranberry site offered greater flexibility for future expansion, as well as parking space for more than 3,000 employees.

Located near the confluence of Interstate 79, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 228, Cranberry has put the brakes on unchecked retail growth in favor of strict land use rules that weren't too popular when introduced in 1995, township Manager Jerry Andree recalled.

"We call that the tidal year," Andree said Wednesday. "Our board saw Cranberry developing like every other community in Western PA. ... They're not thinking about aesthetics. You drive down so many arterial roads and it's a sea of pavement."

He called retail growth "cannibalistic," jumping from one hot new venue to the next, leaving vacant buildings in its wake. In the 1995 strategic plan, periodically updated, the board of supervisors outlined protection of green space, requirements for replacement of uprooted trees, and infrastrucuture investment by developers.

The $8 million widening of Route 228 in the late 1990s from two lanes to five was paid for entirely by private developers, of both the Cranberry Woods park and Cranberry Commons shopping mall to the east. Although developers might chafe at Cranberry's rules, they appreciate its consistency.

"Location gets them in the door. We offer predictability," Andree said. "We say, 'Here are our plans, our ordinances. We're obstinate that you follow them.' "

Cranberry Woods also is home to Mine Safety Appliances, which owns and developed the land beginning in 1997 with Trammell Crow Co. (now CB Richard Ellis Inc.). Other tenants include Verizon Wireless, McKesson Automation, Sky Insurance, offices of the FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and the U.S. headquarters of both Italian steel equipment supplier Danieli and MHF Logistical Solutions.

The Marriott opened in 2003, followed soon by highway connectors to the community from I-79 and the turnpike.

"Our chairman selected the Cranberry Woods site saying, 'This is an upcoming emerging market. One day it's going to be the place to be in Pittsburgh,' " said the hotel's general manager, Ron Antonucci. "It looks like with developments of Westinghouse coming and talk of the Simon Mall project, he was dead on."

News on whether Simon Properties will build a mall -- and invest at least $50 million to upgrade transportation infrastructure -- is expected in about a month, Andree said. The township has required the would-be developer to build an overpass across 228 to avoid further congestion.

Westinghouse's builders will break ground in June on a 400,000-square-foot main building, to be occupied by mid-2009. Work on two additional wings of about 165,000 square feet each will follow, with all of the company's Monroeville and Churchill staffers to be in place by late 2010. Total cost is estimated at more than $140 million.

One thing is out of sync in Cranberry: Butler County's nearly 40-year-old property tax assessments might be on borrowed time. County Commission Chairman Scott Lowe said a reassessment is something that should be done out of fairness to the county's older districts -- although no leaders have taken on this political hot potato.

Those rock-bottom assessments are a large part of what has fueled the real estate boom. Among those now calling the community home are Westinghouse CEO Steven Tritch and senior vice president James Fici, both with houses in nearby Adams.

Bonnie Pfister can be reached at bpfister@tribweb.com or 412-320-7886.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2007-03-21/0322rjoan-a.jpg
Joann Hildreth and her daughter, Tori, 15 months, enjoy the Cranberry Municipal Center on Wednesday. Strict land-use rules that weren't too popular when introduced in 1995 have turned the once-sleepy community into a destination for young families.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2007-03-21/0322rlinda-a.jpg
Malinda Smocer lives in the Hunter's Creek development of Cranberry, which in its strategic plan outlined protection of green space, requirements for replacement of uprooted trees and infrastrucuture investment by developers.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

mercurypa

03-22-2007, 01:22 PM

I have an idea:

Let's board up or demolish the city, move everyone into a planned housing tract in Cranberry, give everyone an suv, racially segregate the neighborhoods, move the Steelers, Pirates, Penns, all of the universities and museums, and pretend like its 1955 all over again!

Im sure the world will be drawn to the Cranberry Metropolitan area for its diversity, richness of history, gorgeous architecture, and of course easy access to highways.

mercurypa

03-22-2007, 01:24 PM

On the population drain:

When will we have accurate reports? Or at least reports showing that people are moving here, but we have to replace those elderly people who are dying out? This will be happening in many places of the country soon, but we are just going to go through it first. Just this week I have met 5 new couples that have moved here. 3 to the city and 2 to the burbs. Why can't the PG try to put a positive spin on it for once? DRAIN is such a heavy word for such a miniscule adjustment.

hyperion1110

03-22-2007, 05:23 PM

I agree about the uselessness of all the negative press surround population loss, specifically Allegheny County. If memory serves, we are the oldest or second oldest county in the country, second (I think to Dade County in FL). As mercurypa mentioned, any fool can see that the death rate exceeds the birth rate. In the next ten years or so, those numbers will invert, here and elsewhere. Pittsburgh will rise again :cheers:

And Evergray, I loved the comparison to Cleveland. One of the greatest joys in being a Pittsburgher is that we can always say that we are better off than they are! :banana:

Btw, I think the plans have changed quite drastically from the original Forbes Village to this new idea of the Garden (you have to wonder what makes it a "garden"?). I found them interesting, albeit really bizarre. But, heck, if they want to invest the money in it, more power to them...it could only make things downtown better!

themaguffin

03-22-2007, 06:14 PM

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 08:06 PM

I know that the death=birth trend will eventually change, but I just wish Allegheny County could generate enough jobs to get over the this challenge.

Actually, I don't know about that... while our proportion of elderly has been declining... our births have continued to decline.. and I think it's more likely that most of the country will join us in the birth deficit... due to trends common in modern post-industrial countries... Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation anticipates our region to begin growing very soon... but they also anticipated us to start growing in 2000 in an earlier study...

The Census Estimates have been proven to be wrong before... which I'm hoping for... the methodology penalizes areas with older housing stock... which we have in abundance...

it just seems anecdotally that there's a lot more energy here and a lot more people from "abroad" discovering the area... and our economy has been on the mend...

... and on a side note... it appears Cranberry isn't all candy canes and sugar plums... muhahahahaha
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771706-100.stm

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 08:09 PM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07081/771676-100.stm

Deal reached on Hill housing development

Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A contentious standoff over coveted land at the top of the Hill District appears to be over, with the City of Pittsburgh, public housing residents, the University of Pittsburgh and a developer reaching a split-the-baby deal last night.

The deal allows for the expansion of the Oak Hill housing development while giving Pitt room to build soccer fields and other amenities.

Under the terms of the deal, Pitt will get the Robinson Court site, adjacent to its upper campus, which it has long sought for expansion of its athletic facilities. It will pay $4 million, which will go toward redevelopment of what's known as the Waring Court site, near Reed Street in the Hill.

Pitt is expected to spend another $2 million leasing commercial space in Oak Hill, and contribute another $1 million over 10 years to resident services.

Waring Court will become the site of 450 units of housing, including 195 mixed income rental units, 205 for-sale homes including 41 available to Oak Hill residents at affordable prices, and 50 homes the nature of which will be decided later.

The city will pay $1 million to offset project costs.

Boston-based developer Beacon/Corcoran Jennison will remain in charge of building and managing the site. In recent years, the developer sued Pitt for allegedly interfering with its plans to develop Robinson Court, but saw the case dismissed, and the Pittsburgh Housing Authority attempted to jettison the developer from future involvement in the project.

The Oak Hill Residents Council approved the arrangement last night, and the Housing Authority board approved it unanimously today.

themaguffin

03-22-2007, 08:19 PM

Both the Census and other organizations predicted Pittsburgh metro to be lower than what it was in 2000. I hope that's the case again and yes having an older population with relatively little movement I think skews the numbers.

That said several measures used are obviously accurate - migration based on IRS data (I presume tax returns) tracking movement to and from counties, as well as birth and death certificates.

BMikeSci

03-22-2007, 10:01 PM

B4burgh

03-22-2007, 10:31 PM

More on the much hated Cranberry Town Center, found their leasing sheet and details on the property.

http://www.simon.com/mall/LeasingSheet/Cranberry1208.pdf

This thing looks bad, like the Waterfront but with no river views. The least they could do was keep some of the nature instead of having giant parking lots.

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 11:27 PM

Evergrey

03-22-2007, 11:59 PM

Mt. Lebanon condo news... I can't believe they got a TIF for this

http://www.post-gazette.com//pg/07081/771052-55.stm

TIF approved for Washington Road condos

Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

After a lengthy discussion and public debate, the Mt. Lebanon school board voted 6-3 to participate in tax increment financing for the Washington Park luxury condominium project proposed for Washington Road.

Michael Zamagias Interests is looking to develop the property at Washington and Bower Hill roads into a 72-unit condominium project with 14,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and asked the school district and municipality to allow 72 percent of the increased real estate tax revenues over 20 years to go back into the project. The sales prices of the units would range from $290,000 to $1 million.

The total cost of the project is projected at $42.8 million and the total amount of the TIF would be $6.1 million. The TIF amount would be used to fund $4.6 million in public improvements, including a turning lane from Bower Hill onto Washington Road, improved parking and a public park. The remainder of the money would pay for costs, interest and other fees.

Though school directors Mark Hart, Josephine Posti and Susan Rose voted against participation in the TIF, the board voted unanimously to include an amendment that calls for the school board to have representation in the negotiation of the development agreement that will be drafted if the municipal commission also approves participation in the TIF.

Among the issues school directors hope to address in the agreement is some sort of guarantee that it will receive the 28 percent of new tax revenue it is slated to get and a stipulation that at least 50 percent of the units be pre-sold with deposits in escrow before construction starts.

The TIF decision now goes to the municipal commission, which will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 26 in commission chambers. The commission then must wait at least three weeks before taking its vote on participation, said Sara Davis Buss, an attorney representing Zamagias.

Ms. Posti voiced her opposition to the TIF at last week's board discussion meeting. Among her reasons are the fact that the school board was not included in the process from the beginning when the developer was selected and the fact that there is no market data to support the project. She also wanted to see the TIF used to provide more affordable housing.

Mrs. Rose said she didn't think the school board should be involved in economic development, in particular in funding public improvements that she said she believes the municipality and parking authority should fund.

Mr. Hart said he believes the project will be "wildly successful" but he agreed with Mrs. Rose that the school board should not fund public improvements. He also said he believed the property could be developed without a TIF.

The school directors who voted for the TIF all generally agreed that the future revenues the property could provide and the good it would do for the Washington Road business district were too beneficial to pass up. They also noted that the property has sat vacant for many years with no development.

The property currently provides the school district with $10,466 in annual real estate tax revenue.

Projections are that after the first phase of development, including 46 condos and 8,600 square feet of retail space, about $133,000 in new real estate taxes will come to the school district as the 28 percent of new taxes it gets to keep and $342,000 would be diverted to the TIF.

In the second phase, with 26 condos and 4,838 square feet of retail space, $89,500 in new revenue would come to the school district, with $229,000 diverted to the TIF. At the end of the 20-year TIF, all of the new tax revenue will be paid to the district and it could be even higher if the project's assessed value increases. It's projected total assessed value is $37.3 million.

School Director Dan Remely was the first to raise the issue of an amendment in order for the board to get some guarantees into the development agreement.

Board President Joseph Rodella said while there may be some risk involved with participating in the TIF, there was also a risk involved in not participating -- the risk of losing future tax revenues.

He noted that Mt. Lebanon is "land-locked" and doesn't have many opportunities to expand its tax base.

The board heard from about a half-dozen residents who opposed the plan. Long-time opponent Bill Matthews repeated his argument that the project could be undertaken without a TIF. Bill Lewis warned the board that the 28 percent of the real estate taxes it is set to collect could be used to pay off the project's debt if the property is not assessed at the projected level.

However, Ms. Davis Buss said that was not true. "The 28 percent is not at risk for the debt," she said.

Municipal Commissioner John Daley acknowledged that "mistakes were made along the way" in developing the TIF, including the fact that the school board was not part of the process from the beginning. Yet, he urged the board to participate. "I think it's a good project and I think it's important to move forward with it," he said.

Two local real estate agents, Mimi O'Malley and Vera Purcell, said calls to their offices indicate there is strong interest in the project.

Hoddy Hanna, owner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, said he's been involved with other high-rise condominium projects and that he does not believe Washington Park could be developed without a TIF. "The property has very, very high costs to develop because of infrastructure costs," Mr. Hanna said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Mary Niederberger can be reached at mniederberger@post-gazette.com or 412-851-1866. )

mercurypa

03-23-2007, 01:34 AM

That brochure that steals the city's image to use for there own non real place existence is exactly why the suburbs or so wrong. They aren't even in the same county as the real city. At least it somewhat higher density.

cdc

03-23-2007, 03:39 AM

I don't know why this is so much negative talkk about Ravenstahl. He seems to be doing a lot of good. He did the lien buy back, made tax changes, made, changes to the inspection process, and in general seems to be on a fast track for revitalizing the city. I think that's pretty good for six months.

The negative talk is due to a number of things:

First, there was Ravenstahl's attempt to promote Dennis Regan to be
the city's public safety directory (in charge of the police, firemen,
etc.). It appears that Regan was not qualified for the job and also
it was claimed that Regan did some questionable stuff back when he was
working for the previous mayor. So why would Ravenstahl want to
promote him?

Second, it was reported that when police commander Catherine McNeilly
attempted to blow the whistle on Regan, Ravenstahl ignored her. She
ended up sending personal information on Regan to the City Council.
That killed Regan's promotion and likely caused him to resign shortly
thereafter. Ravenstahl then demoted McNeilly for blowing the whistle
on Regan to the City Council (this demotion was based on a
questionable "investigation" initiated by Ravenstahl and conducted by
acting solicitor George Specter -- someone who should have been
un-biased, but it turned out that Specter was involved in this mess
and so was a bad choice to lead an investigation). McNeilly, with
help from the ACLU, has sued the city and a judge reversed her
demotion. There is a pretty good summary of all this in Chris
Potter's January 18th article "Analysis: Demoted Commander's Case
Still Unsettling" in the CP archive (at www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws).

Third, Ravenstahl was handcuffed during an October 2005 altercation
with a police officer at a Steelers game (this was back when he was on
City Council). This came up after he became mayor, but rather than
address the issue he "dodged questions about the issue for months" (as
the citypaper put it, see Chris Potter's January 25th article "Cop Out
in Ravenstahl Scandal" CP archive).

Fourth, there was an editoral in the March 22nd PG about Ravenstahl's
recent trip to NYC and its relationship with the city's code of
conduct. To quote the PG: "Luke Ravenstahl took a free ride to New
York on the private jet of Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle
only hours after announcing a deal that builds a new arena and keeps
the hockey franchise in town. The mayor then accepted an offer to dine
at the billionaire's expense in Manhattan. Yet the city's code of
conduct says, with very limited exceptions, that an elected official
'shall not solicit or accept from an interested party ... anything of
value ... .'" The PG then goes on to say: "After admitting to the
trip, the mayor tried to obfuscate: 'Nothing that I did was illegal,
nothing I did cost the city taxpayers a dime,' he said. That misses
the point. This isn't about blowing taxpayer money; it's about
violating the public trust. For a politician, stonewalling in
answering questions, or even telling outright falsehoods, is not
technically illegal."

My personal opinion is that Ravenstahl appears to be in over his head
and makes poor decisions. I am also concerned that he is being used
and manipulated by the old boys in the Democratic machine that really
runs Pittsburgh. He seems like more of a figurehead than a real
leader.

BMikeSci

03-23-2007, 04:41 AM

The thing that sucks though is that the metro lost 1.5% in the 90s which was certainly a great improvement over the 80s loss, but the metro gained in population for 3 years in the early 90s, reducing the loss.

However so far this decade it's been straight losses.

I know that the death=birth trend will eventually change, but I just wish Allegheny County could generate enough jobs to get over the this challenge.

It's not so bad, we are gaining jobs here at last. That should go a long way to improving population trends. Moreover, we need to look at demographics more closely. If we are losing low income population because of lack of manufacturing, but we are gaining healthcare and hightech workers, we are finally moving in the right direction.

BMikeSci

03-23-2007, 04:59 AM

The negative talk is due to a number of things:

First, there was Ravenstahl's attempt to promote Dennis Regan to be
the city's public safety directory (in charge of the police, firemen,
etc.). It appears that Regan was not qualified for the job and also
it was claimed that Regan did some questionable stuff back when he was
working for the previous mayor. So why would Ravenstahl want to
promote him?

Second, it was reported that when police commander Catherine McNeilly
attempted to blow the whistle on Regan, Ravenstahl ignored her. She
ended up sending personal information on Regan to the City Council.
That killed Regan's promotion and likely caused him to resign shortly
thereafter. Ravenstahl then demoted McNeilly for blowing the whistle
on Regan to the City Council (this demotion was based on a
questionable "investigation" initiated by Ravenstahl and conducted by
acting solicitor George Specter -- someone who should have been
un-biased, but it turned out that Specter was involved in this mess
and so was a bad choice to lead an investigation). McNeilly, with
help from the ACLU, has sued the city and a judge reversed her
demotion. There is a pretty good summary of all this in Chris
Potter's January 18th article "Analysis: Demoted Commander's Case
Still Unsettling" in the CP archive (at www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws).

Third, Ravenstahl was handcuffed during an October 2005 altercation
with a police officer at a Steelers game (this was back when he was on
City Council). This came up after he became mayor, but rather than
address the issue he "dodged questions about the issue for months" (as
the citypaper put it, see Chris Potter's January 25th article "Cop Out
in Ravenstahl Scandal" CP archive).

Fourth, there was an editoral in the March 22nd PG about Ravenstahl's
recent trip to NYC and its relationship with the city's code of
conduct. To quote the PG: "Luke Ravenstahl took a free ride to New
York on the private jet of Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle
only hours after announcing a deal that builds a new arena and keeps
the hockey franchise in town. The mayor then accepted an offer to dine
at the billionaire's expense in Manhattan. Yet the city's code of
conduct says, with very limited exceptions, that an elected official
'shall not solicit or accept from an interested party ... anything of
value ... .'" The PG then goes on to say: "After admitting to the
trip, the mayor tried to obfuscate: 'Nothing that I did was illegal,
nothing I did cost the city taxpayers a dime,' he said. That misses
the point. This isn't about blowing taxpayer money; it's about
violating the public trust. For a politician, stonewalling in
answering questions, or even telling outright falsehoods, is not
technically illegal."

My personal opinion is that Ravenstahl appears to be in over his head
and makes poor decisions. I am also concerned that he is being used
and manipulated by the old boys in the Democratic machine that really
runs Pittsburgh. He seems like more of a figurehead than a real
leader.

You are right. These things are bad. I guess I'm only looking at it from one perspective. I hope he straightens up, becasuse I also like some things he's doing. I don't like when politicians get freebees from rich people or corporations, but they all do. Some are just older and wiser about how to do that. Ravenstahl said he would use his campaign fund to cover the expenses. I guess he's learning how to do that sort of thing.

I can understand why a new mayor would look around for people from the old administration to help keep the transition smooth. A transition from the death of a mayor cannot be a smooth one since it was not anticipated in the way an election transition is. I can also understand why a new executive would have to respond to an attack to his authority. It's normal.

Regarding the handcuffing, he should have fessed up. It's no big deal. A cop got upset because someone challenged his authority. It happens easily. I can understand Mayor R not wanting to get the cop in trouble - and trying to protect him. It's important for a Mayor to have the support of the force - especially when the commander is against him.

Evergrey

03-23-2007, 06:23 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07082/771825-28.stm

Westinghouse move puts local developer at the right place

Friday, March 23, 2007

By Dan Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

At the end of last year, developer Don Rodgers purchased 45 acres in Cranberry for about $4 million.

Earlier this week, that gamble paid off with Westinghouse Electric's decision to build a 775,000-square-foot nuclear energy campus in Cranberry Woods, an office park at Interstate 79 and Route 228.

As it turns out, Mr. Rodgers' wooded lot is contiguous to Westinghouse's 80-acre plot -- the site of more than 3,000 workers by 2010 -- and the Tuesday announcement was enough for Mr. Rodgers to start work on a plan for apartments, town houses, retail, office, restaurants and hotels to serve Westinghouse's clients, employees and families.

"As a matter of fact, the main [Westinghouse] entrance will be coming through our property," said Mr. Rodgers, president of Cranberry-based Creative Real Estate Development Co. Knowing that construction on Westinghouse's $140 million campus could begin in three months only makes Mr. Rodgers' plans "more urgent," said the well-known Cranberry developer, who now hopes to have his buildings up sometime next year.

Westinghouse's departure from Monroeville after more than 31/2 decades is a big economic concern for that eastern Allegheny County town, where Westinghouse is still the largest employer, a big taxpayer and accounts for 12,000 to 15,000 hotel room nights per year. Up in Cranberry, Westinghouse's arrival is expected to generate demand for new homes, businesses and retail in a community that already stands as one of the fastest-growing areas in southwestern Pennsylvania.

On the north side of Route 228, Indianapolis mall developer Simon Property Group is planning a "lifestyle" retail center that would mix shops, restaurants and homes over 80 acres. To the north and east of the Simon site, Mr. Rodgers, landowner Joe Fisher and Indianapolis development firm Lauth Property Group are drawing up plans for 800,000 to 1 million square feet of office space.

Transportation improvements, including a Route 228 overpass, will be needed to accommodate all the new buildings. The state is involved in those discussions.

Westinghouse will be building on the south side of Route 228, inside the 325-acre Cranberry Woods, an office park owned by O'Hara-based safety equipment firm MSA. Mr. Rodgers does not own anything inside Cranberry Woods but has several other retail developments up and down Route 228, including Cranberry Commons. Lauth, the same developer working with Mr. Rodgers on the north side of Route 228, may team up with Mr. Rodgers' Creative Real Estate Development on the south side of Route 228, too.

A Lauth vice president could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Rodgers expects to meet with Westinghouse soon to discuss what the company wants and needs on the nearby 45-acre plot. Mr. Rodgers also is working with township officials to develop a zoning classification for the wooded site that "would benefit Cranberry and Westinghouse," Mr. Rodgers said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Dan Fitzpatrick can be reached at dfitzpatrick@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1752. )

Evergrey

03-23-2007, 06:25 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07082/771856-53.stm

City, Pitt, Hill finally agree on Oak Hill project

Friday, March 23, 2007

By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A bitter multiyear fight over 12 acres of prime city land ended yesterday with a compromise among the University of Pittsburgh, Hill District residents and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The deal paves the way for the $90 million development of 450 new homes in the Oak Hill community atop the Hill, and a major expansion of the university's athletic fields on some of the land residents had coveted.

It was pounded out in an hours-long meeting in the mayor's office Wednesday and phone conversations that went on until midnight, a happy ending to five years of accusations, protests and lawsuits over the land.

It also relieves anxiety among many of the 639 families of Oak Hill, who had lived in the dilapidated Allequippa Terrace public housing project that previously occupied the site. They had feared their new community would fall into similar isolation and disrepair.

"We compromised, so that in the end, we got what was promised us, and the university will get what they need," said Eloise McDonald, president of the Oak Hill Resident Council, breaking down in tears while addressing the Pittsburgh Housing Authority board.

Boston-based developer Beacon/Corcoran Jennison, or BCJ, which had sued Pitt and lost, and was headed for a legal battle with the authority, will remain in charge of building and managing Oak Hill. Construction could start in the summer of 2008.

The housing will sit on a site stretching from Oak Hill toward the Hill District's Reed and Kirkpatrick streets and Centre Avenue. It will include 195 rentals, 205 for-sale homes and 50 units the nature of which will be decided later. The development will feature a town square, small park and community center.

Because many homes will be market rate, Oak Hill will be transformed from a low-income community to a neighborhood in which most residents are middle-income or above, said Marty Jones, president of the development company.

"A low-income community is like a public housing site," said Ms. McDonald. "We don't want to live like that."

Besides adding amenities for students and taxable homes to the city, the deal provides an opportunity to connect Oak Hill with other parts of the Hill District that are being rebuilt, said Councilwoman Tonya Payne, who represents the Hill District.

Under terms of the deal, Pitt will pay $4 million for the 12-acre Robinson Court site. It will become the site of one soccer field and one baseball field, both built to NCAA regulations, and possibly a softball field.

"Our baseball team has been playing on a completely nonregulation field," said Paul Supowitz, Pitt's vice chancellor for governmental relations. The existing field, east of Robinson Court, may become a running track.

In addition to the $4 million sale price, which will help fund the housing, Pitt is committing $1 million to programs for Oak Hill residents, and around $2 million in lease payments for 20,000 square feet in commercial buildings in the new development. Pitt will use most of the commercial space for unspecified purposes and 3,000 square feet will be set aside for community use.

The total university contribution -- $7 million -- is double what Pitt had offered for the land since 2005, when it matched a $3.5 million bid several developers made in 2002.

In addition to Pitt's payments, the housing authority will invest $9 million that had long been committed to Oak Hill. The city will pay $1 million toward the homes and join with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to build $12 million in roads and sewers.

The rest of the $90 million package consists of state tax credits, money from the developer and the sale of homes.

The trade-off has Oak Hill residents receiving that rarest of commodities -- vacant land near Oakland -- and Pitt kicking in money that neither the city nor the developer could raise.

"Everybody -- BCJ, the residents of Oak Hill, Pitt, myself -- came to the realization that without a significant contribution from each, this project could not have moved forward," said Mr. Ravenstahl.

Ms. Payne credited the mayor with ending a contentious process that had residents "hitting brick walls after brick walls."

The Oak Hill Residents Council approved the arrangement Wednesday night, and the housing authority board approved it yesterday.

In 1996, the residents and authority chose Beacon/Corcoran Jennison to tear down the 1,749-unit Allequippa Terrace and build a new, mixed-income community.

Relations worsened, though, when the authority accused the developer of cost overruns, and then launched a series of efforts to sell off pieces of land that had been slated for more homes. The elected resident council first supported Pitt's position, but then swung to the developer after new members were elected.

The developer sued Pitt for allegedly interfering with its plans to develop Robinson Court, but saw the case dismissed. Last year the authority told the developer that it was terminating any agreement to build more homes and would seek another private partner.

Housing authority Executive Director A. Fulton Meachem Jr. said the deal starts "a healing process, too, between the University of Pittsburgh and the residents and the housing authority."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Rich Lord can be reached at rlord@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1542. )

timmydogg91

03-23-2007, 06:49 AM

I wonder where this Rt. 228 overpass is going to be?

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 02:27 PM

Regarding the massive liefstyle center proposed fro Cranberry. These are still better than the traditional big box lots as they make for a more cohesive project - contrived or not, it's better than before.

cdc

03-23-2007, 04:08 PM

Regarding the handcuffing, he should have fessed up. It's no big deal. A cop got upset because someone challenged his authority. It happens easily. I can understand Mayor R not wanting to get the cop in trouble - and trying to protect him. It's important for a Mayor to have the support of the force - especially when the commander is against him.

I don't think the mayor was trying to protect the cop. How did you
come up with that? My impression is that the mayor was trying to
prevent the handcuffing story from getting out in order to protect his
own reputation and avoid embarrassment. I don't think he was that
concerned with the cop that handcuffed him. On the other hand, I bet
the cop that handcuffed Ravenstahl wanted to keep the story quiet in
order to avoid possible retaliation.

Note that there are multiple commanders in the city police force. The
head of the force is the chief (Nathan Harper) and he has a whole team
of management staff (including the zone commanders) that support him.
(see the org chart here:
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/police/assets/PO_Org_Chart_March_04.pdf ).

At any rate, I don't think it matters that much who is mayor, since
there are not any local pols who are going to volunteer to risk taking
on the big problems that face Pittsburgh and make the personnel and
benefit cuts that are necessary to get the debt load and
pension/health care obligations down to something that isn't going to
strangle the city in the long run. That will get you un-elected.
Better to hope for state or casino money to save the day!

Evergrey

03-23-2007, 04:56 PM

At any rate, I don't think it matters that much who is mayor, since
there are not any local pols who are going to volunteer to risk taking
on the big problems that face Pittsburgh and make the personnel and
benefit cuts that are necessary to get the debt load and
pension/health care obligations down to something that isn't going to
strangle the city in the long run. That will get you un-elected.
Better to hope for state or casino money to save the day!

I disagree... I think Peduto would indeed attempt to take these long-overdue necessary actions. He's progressive... but he's also a fiscal realist.... which is why he has NO SUPPORT from the local Democratic machine, labor interests, police, fire, etc. The arbitration process for police and fire is eating this city alive.... but there's no political will for change because firefighters are seen as "heroes" and deserve $100,000 a year.

Evergrey

03-23-2007, 05:02 PM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07082/771993-100.stm

Transit cuts scaled back to 15% for now

Full schedule of cuts could occur in September if more funding isn't found

Friday, March 23, 2007

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Port Authority of Allegheny County has revised its proposed service cuts so that 15 percent of bus and rail service would be eliminated beginning June 17.

The authority had previously proposed a 25 percent reduction.

At a meeting of the authority's operations committee today, the new figures were forwarded to the full board for an expected vote next Friday.

The revised plan restores some level of service to 95 weekday, 42 Saturday and 32 Sunday bus and rail routes originally proposed for elimination. Among those routes being restored are the 500, which runs from the East End through Oakland and Downtown to West View, and the 28X Airport Flyer.

The original plan, which proposed a 25 percent service reduction in light of a projected deficit of $80 million, was modified based on comments received during a comment period that included nine public hearings.

The revised plan, however, would carry out the remaining 10 percent service reduction beginning Sept. 2 if ways are not found to reduce the remaining $45 million deficit.

Suggested fare increases will not take effect until Jan. 1.

The revised plan, however, increases the base fare for ACCESS service 50 cents, effective July 1. The original proposal called for a $1 increase.

"Today's revised plan represents our best effort to manage operating costs over which we have control and to begin to address our financial challenges in a way that affects the fewest customers," said Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland in a news release. "Even if the board adopts this plan next week, our fiscal year 2008 budget will show a $45 million deficit that we must continue to address.

The 15 percent service reduction, while less than originally proposed, is one of the largest one-time service adjustments in Port Authority history and comes after a 7 percent reduction in 2002.

Nevertheless, 22 weekday, eight Saturday and eight Sunday bus routes that had been proposed for elimination will be retained in their entirety as a result of public comment.

Ridership losses, estimated at 11 percent under the original proposal, are estimated at 4 percent under the revised plan. About 150 operators jobs would be cut, as would 85 maintenance positions and 56 administrative staff positions.

PORT AUTHORITY'S REVISED PLAN

Service would be reduced 15 percent beginning June 17.

Some service would be retained on 95 of the 124 weekday bus and rail routes proposed for elimination. Twenty-two weekday routes proposed for elimination would be retained intact: 1F, 13U, 21B, 25A, 26A, 26B, 36D, 43E, 55E, 58C, 58P, 61F, 67E, 69A, 94A, 500, AVN, BM, CO, G, OV, W.

Of the remaining 184 weekday routes, 104 would have reduced service levels.

The 29 weekday routes eliminated under the revised plan include: 1B, 1C, 5C, 11A, 11F, 13D, 25C, 25D, 28F, 28G, 31A, 36B, 41A, 50B, 65E, 73B, 79B, 83B, 88A, 91S, 501, CL, CV, DB, F, GR, JL, SW, U.

Some service would be retained on 42 of the 59 Saturday bus routes proposed for elimination. Eight Saturday routes proposed for elimination would be retained intact: 11E, 21C, 24A, 26A, 36D, 38C, 41E, 56E.

Of the remaining 83 Saturday routes, 52 would have reduced service levels.

The 17 Saturday routes eliminated under the revised plan include: 5C, 6C, 15A, 25D, 31E, 36B, 41G, 46D, 46F, 50B, 60A, 60B, 60E, 60K, 67H, 79B, 91S.

Some service would be retained on 32 of the 39 Sunday bus routes proposed for elimination. Eight Sunday routes proposed to be eliminated would be retained intact: 21C, 25A, 26A, 41D, 41E, 56C, 68D, 74A.

Of the remaining 68 Sunday routes, 35 would have reduced service levels.

The seven Sunday routes eliminated under the revised plan include: 5A, 6C, 31E, 41G, 60M, 60S, 75D.

An additional 10 percent service reduction would take effect Sept. 2 if no other means are found to reduce the remaining $45 million deficit.

Changes to fixed-route fare structure, to take effect in January 2008, have been deferred.

No change to ACCESS service levels.

ACCESS base fares would increase 50 cents on July 1. The original proposal included a $1 increase in the base fare.

All 28X Airport Flyer service will be provided by regular 40-foot buses.

Beginning Sept. 2, upon completion of the Palm Garden Bridge reconstruction, the following operational changes would be made: 47S South Hills Village via Overbrook rail trips would be reduced; 42S South Hills Village via Beechview trips would include additional two-car trains; the 42M Mt. Lebanon Short rail route would be eliminated; two bus routes, 36A (some trips) and 37A (all trips), would become "feeder routes" to the T as the 41C is eliminated, with some of its service provided by 36A.

Two new bus routes would be created and act as "feeder routes" with connections to other bus routes: 29E would operate seven days a week between Chartiers Valley Shopping Center and Cecil, replacing a portion of the 31E, which is losing off-peak service; and 60S would operate on Saturdays only and replace some service now provided by 60A, 60B and 60K, which would be eliminated under the revised plan.

Other bus routes which would become "feeder routes" include 11C, 35A, 79A and LP on weekdays; 35A, 67F, 79A and LP on Sundays.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Spreadsheet showing all routes:
http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/Service%20ChangesJune2007.pdf

Steve Bland's presentation
http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/CommitteePresentation.pdf

weekday routes
http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/weekdaysrvcuts.pdf

saturday
http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/saturdaysrvcuts.pdf

sunday
http://www.portauthority.org/paac/portals/0/sundaysrvcuts.pdf

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 06:19 PM

it's a great site for a new structure... as the buildings currently residing in that block are extremely crappy... I think we're gonna lose that one-story building on the corner of Forbes and Market Sq. housing a hot dog shop... we'll lose that small parking lot... and the Record Exchange...

landing some of those high-end boutique retailers like Christian Dior and Gianni Versace should quiet the "Pittsburgh doesn't have blah blah blah" crowd a bit...

...though I'm not sure about their strategy to try and lure people who buy Ryan Homes... do we really want those types of people in the city? lol

Yeah arguably the crappiest block downtown and starting from scratch would be ideal there.

As for Ryan homes etc., they can be pricey.

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 06:37 PM

North Shore casino may feature glass tower (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) By Andrew Conte, The Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewMcClatchy-Tribune Business News
Mar. 21--The owner of Pittsburgh's planned North Shore casino will be allowed to build a 10-story glass atrium along the Ohio River, a city planning administrator said Tuesday.

Detroit businessman Don Barden wants his Majestic Star Casino to have an 85-foot, glass-walled casino with views of Downtown and the three rivers, according to a master plan submitted to the city.

The proposed tower exceeds allowed riverfront building heights but qualifies under an exemption for atriums and steeples, said Zoning Administrator Jeremy Smith.

The city Planning Commission heard a brief description of the proposal yesterday and is scheduled to get more details at a hearing April 3. The commission could vote on the first phase of the master plan May 1.

"We realize the responsibility that comes with the location we have at the three rivers and as part of downtown Pittsburgh's skyline," said Majestic Star spokesman Bob Oltmanns. "This will be unlike any casino in the country or the world."

The planning commission will consider the project in pieces, giving administrators time to work on traffic concerns, Smith said. Officials will look at access ramps at Route 65 and traffic capacity at the intersection of Reedsdale Street and North Shore Drive.

City officials are being flexible but have not accelerated the timetable for approvals, Smith said.

"We're not going to violate our own process to accommodate their construction schedule," he said.

Barden's own schedule has been delayed from his original goal of opening the casino in March 2008. He won the license for a Pittsburgh slots parlor in December, but two losing bidders have appealed the state Gaming Control Board's decision to the state Supreme Court. A ruling isn't expected until May, at the earliest.

Barden plans to open the casino 14 months after the appeals process ends, if he retains the license.

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 09:35 PM

Walnut Capital looks to add hotel above Strip District restaurant
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 23, 2007by Tim Schooley

http://cll.bizjournals.com/story_image/76046-400-0.jpg?rev=2

Joe Wojcik
Walnut Capital would take a storefront next to Lidia’s Pittsburgh as part of a hotel that would be built on top of the 1400 Smallman St. building in the Strip District.
View Larger Lidia Bastianich may soon get a potential new supply of guests for her Lidia's Pittsburgh restaurant in the Strip District.

Shadyside-based Walnut Capital Partners, which owns the 36,600-square-foot property at 1400 Smallman St. in which Lidia's Pittsburgh is located, is planning to convert a portion of the property into a hotel.

Anthony Dolan, a principal of Walnut Capital, said the firm has retaken the former Touch/X-Bar nightclub space next door to Lidia's and plans to replace it with a 100-room hotel of six to 10 stories.

Dolan said Walnut Capital's goal for the building has been to attract quality restaurants but that it faced heavy competition from other projects when it first opened.

A new hotel will help draw other quality restaurants to the neighborhood and support the nearby David L. Lawrence Convention Center as well as Lidia's Pittsburgh itself, Dolan said.

"She's a major asset for the city," Dolan said. "We want to do whatever we can to support her."

Dolan declined to disclose the hotel brand Walnut Capital wants for the project. The hotel is expected to be developed jointly with Concord Hospitality Enterprise Co. and be a limited-service property with valet parking.

Based in New York, Bastianich, an award-winning celebrity chef who hosts the public television cooking show "Lidia's Family Table," is cautiously supportive of the plan, if construction is handled carefully so as not to harm her operation.

"That would be beneficial," Bastianich said. "Those people will need to go out. They need to eat."

But she also is not satisfied with the status quo at 1400 Smallman, where only half of the building's four leasable spaces are operating.

On one end is Lidia's Pittsburgh, which has been operating in the building since it was built in 2001. On the other, Sports Rock Cafe, a large sports bar owned by Tom Jayson, has often drawn large crowds with its sports bar theme but filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors a few weeks ago.

The space next to Sports Rock had been occupied by Panera Bread until it closed a few years ago.

Touch, also owned by Jayson, operated for a few years before a shooting inside the club wounded seven people last year.

Its closure meant less trouble, but less energy for the project as a whole.

"It doesn't help a going business to have an empty store next to it," she said.

Michael Kratsas, development director for Primanti Brothers, who has pursued hotel projects in the past when he worked for Harmar-based Kratsa Properties, said he believed it wouldn't be too difficult to convert the property.

"It would be easy if they were going to drill and create some kind of foundation support," Kratsas said. "You can split the building and do that if it's wide enough. You only need about 60 feet."

He said the 1400 Smallman property, which Walnut Capital developed out of a former seafood warehouse, was an ideal location for a hotel. The site is a short walk from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center as well as the Strip's bustling neighborhood markets on Penn Avenue.

Within view of the restaurant, The Buncher Co. is nearing completion of a Hampton Inn across Smallman Street from the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.

"Now, she might get to have a captive audience," he said.

---

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 09:35 PM

Marriott hotel on Neville Island part of Concord's regional plans
Bakery Square, Cranberry lodging also in works
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 23, 2007by Tim Schooley

Keith McGraw can count 200 reasons to put a new 110-room Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites on Neville Island. And they all converge through Interstate 79.

"When you realize that approximately 200 companies are located within four miles, that will create demand for hotels," said McGraw, principal of Sewickley-based Sierra & Associates and a partner in Raleigh, N.C.-based Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. "When you add that up with no competition, we feel we can be successful there."

Concord expects to begin construction in June on the new hotel on property near the I-79 interchange that's owned by Charles Snyder, who also owns Neville Metals, which is located on the island.

McGraw also plans two restaurants as part of the Neville Island project and expects to draw retail development, building on Robert Morris University's growing sports facilities nearby.

The new hotel would be the seventh Marriott-branded project for Concord in the region and the second Fairfield, a value-priced hotel complete with an indoor swimming pool, meeting rooms and wireless

Internet access among other amenities.

It's also just one of a handful of hotels Concord has in the local development pipeline, including two in partnership with Shadyside-based Walnut Capital Partners.

The company has agreements with Walnut to develop and manage a new hotel planned for Bakery Square, a mixed-use project planned for the former Nabisco plant in East Liberty.

Concord also will open a new Courtyard by Marriott as part of a mixed-use development Walnut Capital is pursuing on Route 19 in Cranberry Township.

Walnut Capital principal Anthony Dolan confirmed Concord's participation in both projects.

McGraw added the company also has a letter of intent for a new Courtyard by Marriott at Settler's Ridge, a lifestyle development planned for Robinson Township. He said each of the hotel projects will cost between $12 million and $15 million to develop.

Concord is not alone in finding southwestern Pennsylvania to be ripe for new hotel development.

Bill Kratsa, general partner of Harmar-based Kratsa Properties, currently has three new hotels in development on Pittsburgh's North Side and South Side, as well as in Monroeville.

Kratsa noted financing is readily available for smaller hotels of 100 rooms or so because of the lower risk in developing them.

"These aren't big hotels. That's our m.o.," he said. "We put in certain-sized hotels. We don't get into the real, real big ones."

Ligonier-based hotel consultant R. Britton Colbert said much of the local hotel development boom is focused mostly on limited-service hotels, which come with reduced labor costs and more efficient operations than full-service hotels that incur higher food and beverage costs.

"Your hotel ends up being a profit center because it's based on rooms," Colbert said.

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 09:36 PM

UPMC, University of Pittsburgh split over $500M construction fund
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 23, 2007by Kris B. Mamula

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is backing creation of a $500 million state construction fund, while its research partner, the University of Pittsburgh, and others withhold endorsement until they can evaluate its impact.

The Jonas Salk Legacy Fund, named for the Pitt researcher who developed the polio vaccine, would use Pennsylvania tobacco settlement money for bricks-and-mortar projects at academic research centers. The money could also be used to help buy sophisticated laboratory equipment necessary to attract top researchers.

Sen. Jim Ferlo, a Democrat from Highland Park, introduced legislation on March 19 that would create the fund. A vote on the bill has not yet been scheduled.

State Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky said Pitt is among three institutions statewide that have not yet endorsed legislation to create the fund. He said the others are Fox Chase Cancer Center and Wistar Institute, cancer treatment and research centers, both located in Philadelphia.

However, Karen Mallet, a Fox Chase spokewoman, said the center does back the fund, adding "we look forward to reviewing the legislation."

"Seven of the top 10 institutions in the state support the bill," Yablonsky said, "and most have indicated a need for this brick-and-mortar funding."

Wistar Institute spokesman Franklin Hoke said the bill was currently being assessed. "It's too early to say more than that now," Hoke said.

Institutions like Pitt already receive tobacco settlement money with few strings attached. Pitt's share ranges between $9 million and $10 million annually. At issue are the restrictions placed on how the Salk money can be spent, and how creation of the fund will impact future tobacco grants to institutions like Pitt. Salk money would match construction project funds raised by institutions, and an advisory panel of out-of-state experts would evaluate applications to determine who gets matching funds.

Ferlo said work is under way to address concerns about the bill from Pitt and the other institutions.

"I think we're working through some of their issues, and I hope they join our allies around the state," he said. "We have a lot of hurdles here, but it's a progressive step forward."

The bill will continue to move forward, regardless of whether the institutions support it, according to DCED spokesman Neil Weaver.

"It's their choice," Weaver said. "We have the support of everybody else."

Jim Swyers, a spokesman for UPMC and the university, through its medical school, said university officials were in Harrisburg this week "consulting with legislators and trying to find out how it affects the school."

The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, a UPMC affiliate, is eager to tap the fund because the institute is at capacity and needs to expand, according to institute director Dr. Ronald Herberman. Moreover, the institute is counting on Jonas Salk money to leverage matching construction money from UPMC.

Statewide, the Jonas Salk Fund is expected to create 12,000 jobs, 2.2 million square feet of laboratory space and attract venture capital to dozens of new research-related spin-off businesses, Yablonsky said. Because the fund will be backed by a bond issue, institutions that choose to compete for the money would be free from the vagaries of tobacco settlement money, which can vary from year to year.

The fund could also be used to help recruit researchers like Thomas Conrads, a 35-year-old scientist who came to UPCI last fall from the National Cancer Institute with the promise of a bigger laboratory, Herberman said. Conrads' specialty is the early detection of cancer and other diseases, a rich area for entrepreneurs because of the potential for spin-off companies for things like diagnostic testing products.

themaguffin

03-23-2007, 09:37 PM

Port Authority seeks developer for Robinson-North Fayette mixed-use project
Pittsburgh Business Times - March 23, 2007by Ben Semmes

The Port Authority of Allegheny County will solicit proposals for a mixed-use development on the site of its planned 850-space park-and-ride garage on the border of North Fayette and Robinson townships, an official for the agency said this week.

Downtown-based Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate Inc. will assist in a search for a developer to pursue a commercial project alongside the park-and-ride facility, said Henry Nutbrown, the Port Authority's assistant general manager of engineering and construction.

Known as the Robinson Town Centre Intermodal Site, the authority's 7.7-acre property is adjacent to the 125-acre The Pointe at North Fayette retail development across the parkway.

Nutbrown said that of the 7.7 acres, which it purchased for $1.6 million from Norman McHolme of Elizabeth-based McHolme Construction Co., 6.2 acres are available for development.

The push to develop the property comes as the Port Authority pursues other mixed-use transit opportunities in the region.

Spokesman Bob Grove said the authority is pursuing commercial development on the upper lot above a garage that it owns at South Hills Village. Also, the agency has spent several years working with Strip District-based JRA Development Group Inc. on a plan to transform its park-and-ride facility in Castle Shannon into a $27 million retail and residential development.

The idea for a park-and-ride facility along the Parkway West began to take shape in the 1990s after the passage of the Intermodal Service Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 that provided $155 billion in federal funds toward highway projects and mass transit. More federal funding came in 1998 when the act was reauthorized through 2003.

Authority officials signed off on the Robinson-North Fayette garage in 2001.

"The completion of this project is much overdue," Nutbrown said.

Part of the problem has been securing necessary funding to finish the planned connection of Montour Church Road, which would put the property within easy access of a Lowe's Home Improvement store and a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. restaurant.

"The cost of the road is $6.2 million," Nutbrown said. "We are about $2 million short to complete the road with the dollars available."

Nutbrown said the Authority decided to pursue plans for a mixed-used development on the site to defray operating costs of the park-and-ride facility.

"We are looking for a business partner to help share the space on the ground," he said.

A bowling alley, a cinema or restaurants are some of the possibilities for the site, Nutbrown said, adding it was too soon to speculate about specific tenants.

Nutbrown said that if funding is secured, a full construction season would be needed to complete the road and install the necessary drainage systems.

For years, the Port Authority has set up make-shift bus stops in the area, and Nutbrown said the demand exists for a permanent bus depot.

"We have established a pretty firm clientele (base) out in that (area)," he said.

Jason Cannon, vice president of brokerage services for Downtown-based CB Richard Ellis/Pittsburgh, said he is familiar with the property since his firm is representing the owner of an adjacent parcel.

Cannon said despite the concentration of retail space already in the area, he expects that a developer will be able to attract tenants to the site.

"I really do think it can attract some retailers," he said. "It probably won't attract your traditional shopping center retailers. I still think there is a lot of room for growth retail wise ... with Settlers Ridge coming onboard. There is a lot of product out there, so it will have to be priced right."

Bob Cornell, president of Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate, confirmed that his firm had been selected for the assignment but declined to comment further.

BMikeSci

03-24-2007, 01:19 AM

I don't think the mayor was trying to protect the cop. How did you come up with that?

What do you mean? Isn't it obvious? The officer roughed up the president of the city council. Don't you think he needed to be protected? Don't you think that if Ravenstahl wanted to be a dick he would have crushed the cop? Had the story gotten out, don't you think the cop would have been fired? What do you think Ravenstahl took a swing at the cop? Have you ever told a cop he was overstepping his authority? They tend not to take that too well. If any cop didn't recognize Ravenstahl, my guess is any cop would have tried to put him in his place. It makes sense. Being a cop is tough - especially when the someone from the public steps in to tell a cop his job. It can be a dangerous situation. Police need to protect their authority. Sometimes it's all they have to protect themselves.

Evergrey

03-24-2007, 05:59 AM

I'll lose a lot of respect for Peduto if he decides not to run as an Independent in the general election. If he hadn't run for the Democratic nomination in the first place... perhaps we would've had another quality candidate running against Luke... such as Michael Lamb... who came in 3rd in the last Democratic primary. If he does not run... he's failing the city by conceding two more years of Ravenstahl leadership.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07083/772189-182.stm

Peduto to keep options open come fall

But councilman looking more toward 2009 race

Saturday, March 24, 2007

By James O'Toole, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

City Councilman William Peduto is keeping at least a vestige of his campaign organization in place, but, short of a renewed bid for the Pittsburgh mayor's office on his own part, he has no immediate plans of wielding it as a force in this year's elections.

Mr. Peduto, who effectively resolved the Democratic mayoral primary Tuesday with his surprising decision to abandon his candidacy, reiterated that he's made no decision on whether to pursue an independent candidacy in the fall.

He suggested, however, that barring some unexpected upheaval in the Ravenstahl administration in the next few weeks, 2009 was a more likely target for his ambitions. That is when Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who now faces no opposition in either the primary or general elections to serve out the term of the late Mayor Bob O'Connor, would have to seek re-election for a full term.

Such a politically damaging misstep by the mayor would have to come soon, from Mr. Peduto's point of view, since the councilman has only until April 15 to drop his Democratic registration to make himself eligible, under state law, to be an independent candidate in the fall.

In the meantime, Mr. Peduto said, he has no plans on endorsing anyone in the primary. That includes Mr. Ravenstahl, with whom, he said, he'd had a cordial conversation after his Tuesday announcement. Despite his decision on the mayor's race, Mr. Peduto is holding a fund-raising event for his campaign committee next week. He said he had no plans to use its resources to work for any other candidate in other races on the primary ballot.

While stressing that he intended to keep all of his options open, the councilman said he hadn't thought about what he might do if some other candidate challenged the mayor in November.

Mr. Peduto said that withdrawing from the race was a painful decision but acknowledged that his own polls showed that he had no realistic shot at defeating Mr. Ravenstahl. There is no evidence that even a strongly negative campaign designed to dent Mr. Ravenstahl's popularity would have brought a primary victory within his grasp.

Mr. Peduto acknowledged that staying in the race would have given him a forum to spotlight some of the issues he views as important, but he said that a thumping defeat at Mr. Ravenstahl's hands might have stifled his voice as an advocate of reform in the future.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Politics Editor James O'Toole can be reached at jotoole@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1562. )