Thanks.
The following article contains a lot of interesting information regarding the site. The city of Pittsburgh, along with the URA(Urban Redevelopment Authority) are attempting to fast track the development of the site. Under the current agreement,starting a year after the Civic Arena is razed, the Penguins are required to develop at least 2.8 acres per year or forfeit that amount of land and development rights to an outside developer. So while the headline seems somewhat pessimistic towards the Penguins developing the land, it is essentially referring to the fact that if the Penguins don't act quickly somebody else will be given the opportunity to jump in. A legitimate concern with the short leash given the Penguins is that they may try to spit out anything just to meet deadlines and avoid forfeiture. Still, I like that the city is pushing this to get done quickly and even though the agreements are in writing, I wouldn't be surprised if the Penguins get some leeway as long as they are making steady progress.
Penguins skating uphill over arena site plans?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
If the history of development around Heinz Field and PNC Park is any guide, the Penguins organization is facing a daunting task in its bid to replace the Civic Arena and the surrounding land with offices, housing and shops.
On the North Shore, the Steelers, the Pirates and their partner, Continental Real Estate Cos., failed to reach targets that required them to develop -- on average -- less than one acre a year over the course of a decade. .......
Read entire article at:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11347/1196481-28-0.stm