PITTSBURGH, PA (June 24, 2019) The City of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that it and its partner agencies will begin working with the Oakland community this year to create a 10-year plan with a shared vision for Oakland’s future and the projects and programs necessary to make that vision a reality. Once adopted by the Planning Commission, the Oakland Plan will become City policy and guide public and private investments in the area. New land use regulations, transportation and infrastructure improvements, and public programs may also be recommended by the plan.
Why Oakland?
Oakland is known for its rich mix of cultural and academic institutions, businesses, and strong residential communities. In the last decade, the area has seen a sharp increase in development activity and investment, particularly on Fifth and Forbes Avenues. UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, Carlow University, and private developers are all proposing significant building projects over the next 10 years. Discussions with community leaders have made it clear that Oakland needs a shared plan to fully benefit from the changes taking place while increasing access to jobs and affordable housing. The Oakland Plan will also implement the City’s adopted goals from the Climate Action Plan, particularly those related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and livability.
Upcoming Events
The Oakland Plan Steering Committee will have its first meeting in October of 2019 and many events are being planned for the summer so that community members can engage with the topics before the planning work begins.
Fifth/Forbes Urban Design Workshop
- What: Open house format event where you can learn about urban design and how buildings can improve the pedestrian experience on Fifth and Forbes Avenues, hear more about the Oakland Plan process, and provide input to shape a regulatory tool (Interim Planning Overlay District) being considered to improve building design along these streets. Developers currently proposing projects will also attend and speak with attendees about their projects.
- When and Where: Thursday, June 27th. Two identical sessions will take place, a daytime session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a 5-8 p.m. evening session. The workshop will be held at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum (4141 Fifth Ave). This is a fully accessible venue.
- Details: Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Interpreters can be provided if requested at least one week prior to the event. A ramp and accessible entrance is located on the University Place side of the building.
Summer Education Series
- What: Informational sessions with City and non-profit experts on topics that will be covered in the neighborhood planning process, such as transportation and parking, stormwater, and energy.
- When and Where: Multiple evening sessions in July and August. Learn more at the Oakland Plan website.
- Details: Dinners will be provided. Interpreters can be provided if requested at least one week prior to each event.
How Can I Learn More?
The central place for project information is online at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/oakland. Social media will include Facebook, Next Door, Twitter, and Instagram. As they are developed, proposals will be shared with the public online and in person through public events.
About the Neighborhood Planning Program
Pittsburgh can meet its goals to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future through the collective action of our neighborhoods. Community input informed the creation of citywide goals that are now being translated into action through a new generation of neighborhood plans.
Pittsburgh’s neighborhood plans focus on four topics areas:
- Community: Meeting the needs of the residents, employees, students, and stakeholders.
- Development: Maximizing the benefits of new development for the community.
- Mobility: Making it easier, safer, and healthier for people to get around.
- Infrastructure: Nourishing neighborhoods through new energy, stormwater, and open space systems.
The City’s neighborhood planning process offers many opportunities for active involvement including through a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of community interests, Action Teams that develop projects and programs for specific topics, community events such as block parties, workshops, and open houses that allow more casual involvement throughout the planning process. The project website and social media accounts will provide online opportunities to learn and provide input.
Staff from the Department of City Planning manage the overall planning process and support planning partners who lead discussions by topic. Partners include the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, Port Authority of Allegheny County, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Green Building Alliance, and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, among others. Neighborhoods that have already undergone City-led planning processes include Uptown, Homewood, Manchester-Chateau, and Hazelwood.
Contacts:
Derek Dauphin, Project Manager, Department of City Planning
Derek.Dauphin@pittsburghpa.gov
Andrew Dash, Assistant Director, Department of City Planning
Andrew.Dash@pittsburghpa.gov
