Quote:
Originally Posted by Private Dick
That's a problem with Pittsburgh and other cities like it (read: poor) -- ANY "development" is seen as better than no development at all. Even though it often ends up being counterproductive in the near future.
How many times throughout this part of the country in particular have we seen prime, empty urban land (well, not really prime if there is no demand to warrant sound investment) used for completely inadequate purposes?
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I think a major problem is that those who possess the political power in the region are not really in tune with the vigorous economy, evolving demographics and market potential of today's Pittsburgh. They still function like this is a hopeless Rust Belt basketcase a la Youngstown or Elkhart ("We'll take any development we can get! Squander prime urban real estate with kitschy chain bars! Go Stillers!"). And of course, the municipal hyper-fragmentation of the region impedes progress as well.
We need to get some innovative DC region planners, designers and public policy people in here. It's not good to have all this land under the control of a myriad of myopic quasi-public authorities (see: Stadium & Exhibition Authority) who would rather trade favors with their cronies (see: Steelers) than pursue the highest and best use.