Development News

On May 10, the One Hill Coalition voted to approve the tentative Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that the group has been negotiating with the city, county and Penguins for one year.

Incorporating most of the Blueprint for a Livable Hill, which articulates priorities of Hill District residents and businesses, the CBA includes the establishment of a model referral center to connect residents with family sustaining jobs, the availability of two million dollars for a grocery store/economic anchor and the development of a community center. The CBA also includes a commitment for the arena to develop a LEED certification plan and enforce diesel fuel emission laws during construction.

“The members voted in favor of supporting the tentative agreement. We didn’t get everything we wanted but that’s part of negotiations,” says Carl Redwood, with One Hill. “The key is that we had an open transparent process—that’s as important as the agreement itself.” Redwood—who hopes to see a final agreement signed as soon as possible—is aware of about 20 CBAs in the country.

Design modifications to the $290 million arena were recently made to its streetfront elevation along Fifth Ave., Southeast façade facing the Hill and parking garage. “Cosmetic adjustments were made to personalize the retail space, change the appearance and texture of the garage, and make the Southeast façade more aesthetically pleasing,” adds Noor Ismail, with the city's planning department, who says architect HOK Sport made the changes after concerns were raised by the planning department and advisory panel.

Expected to open in 2010, the 730,000-square-foot 18,500-seat arena calls for a 500-car garage, 2.5 acres of open space and 24,000 square feet of retail.

Also planned for the arena is a public art project led by Philadelphia-based urban designer Todd Bressi and Vancouver artist Jill Anholt, who are in Pittsburgh this week.
 
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Carl Redwood, One Hill Coalition; Noor Ismail, director, Department of City Planning


Image courtesy Department of City Planning