With an approaching mayoral transition, Mark Belko looks at what Pittsburgh's next leader will need to focus on to keep downtown's rejuvenation rolling. Should building more parking be at the top of the list?
A surging office market and residential boom are signs of downtown Pittsburgh's remarkable renaissance over the last decade. But the work is not done, says Belko, who lays out some of the challenges facing the city's next mayor.
"While the Golden Triangle no doubt is in midst of a transformation, property owners, merchants and others say there is still plenty of work to do -- from creating more parking to developing more specialized retail that appeals to suburbanites and Downtown residents alike," he notes.
"There will be other issues on the new mayor's plate as well after January's swearing-in. Should tax increment financing or other public incentives be used to help put in roads and utilities at the former Civic Arena site? What can be done to encourage office development, particularly with Class A vacancy rates at a nearly 30-year low?"
"For many, one of the biggest issues has nothing to do with swanky restaurants, trendy retailers or shiny new office buildings but a far more basic amenity -- parking."
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