Pittsburgh Mayor Announces Riverfront Revamping

Historically, the rivers in Pittsburgh have not fulfilled their potential as a recreational amenity - leisure has been overshadowed first by industry and subsequently by pollution. The city has recently announced a new riverfront plan, with recommendations to be completed in about a year.

""These rivers used to be used for industrial purposes, to carry goods up and down them. Today we have the opportunity to use them as amenities, as an asset to connect them to neighborhoods and give people the recreational opportunities they're calling for," [Mayor Ravenstahl] said.

"But ultimately, he stressed, it will be for residents, business owners and other stakeholders from the Strip to Highland Park to decide the fate of the various parcels.

"Toward that end, the city Urban Redevelopment Authority has hired Perkins Eastman to conduct the $350,000 master plan. It intends to hold three community meetings over the next year to gather input.

"A 10- to 12-member steering committee that includes representatives from the city, the URA, Riverlife, companies like Buncher, and community organizations will oversee the effort. It will hold its first planning meeting today. An advisory committee also will be formed."

Thanks to Franny Ritchie