Controversial Redevelopment Plan Pleases No One in Pittsburgh

"The Pittsburgh Planning Commission pushed through a proposal Tuesday to redevelop the former Penn Plaza site in East Liberty over opposition from dozens of affordable-housing advocates who packed the meeting," reports Mark Belko.

The controversial decision seems to please none of the interested parties, according to Belko. The developer had to concede its proposed 150-foot height to the Planning Commission's demands for a 108-foot height limit. Another change added a "requirement for a community gathering space adjacent to Enright Park."

The Planning Commission was so concerned by the process that it "passed what it called 'a resolution of concern' urging city leaders to give it more power to consider issues such as social, environmental, and economic impacts and housing strategies in making decisions."