City of Pittsburgh

This document outlines the 2017 City of Pittsburgh Capital Budget Deliberative Community Forums, detailing the capital budget process and the mayor's priorities for infrastructure investments. The plan emphasizes five key areas: extending the useful life of existing assets, promoting a complete streets vision for all transportation modes, enhancing public facilities to improve quality of life, investing in processes and infrastructure to improve service delivery and efficiency, and supporting all communities through economic development and neighborhood building. Projects are evaluated based on public safety, compliance with mandates, leveraging external funding, operational impact, service efficiency, quality of life, public support, and alignment with comprehensive plans. The goal is to gather public input to prioritize city and neighborhood needs for the 2017 budget and a five-year capital improvement plan.

The public hearing was convened to discuss Bill 2022-0782, a resolution amending the designation of an Oakland Business Improvement District (BID). The Oakland BID presented its mission to establish Oakland as Pennsylvania's Global Center, focusing on placemaking, economic vitality, capacity building, and partnerships. The presentation confirmed no changes to the existing BID boundary map. Discussion covered the BID's operations, budget composition (including assessments from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh), and key program areas such as clean and safe initiatives, events, and placemaking efforts involving public art and outdoor dining structures. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted, noting the temporary shift to outdoor dining and delivery space usage, which has since become semi-permanent due to proven success. The organization also reported on increased foot traffic surpassing 2019 levels, new business openings, and the launch of a signature event called Glowland, a lighting festival. Future plans focus on increasing personnel, enhancing placemaking, and installing pedestrian kiosks.

The standing committees meeting commenced with roll call, establishing a quorum. Key public comments focused on neighborhood concerns, including opposition to reapportionment efforts affecting Bonaire's district assignment and opposition to Ordinance 2021-1906, the Walnut Capital rezoning proposal for Oakland, citing concerns over building heights, impact on historic homes, and lack of guaranteed compliance with affordable housing provisions. Another speaker advocated for creating secure 'kid globes' as refuges for children. Additionally, testimony was heard from an employee suspended for using medical marijuana, arguing the city's drug policy is outdated since it predates the state's medical marijuana program, and urging policy updates. Another public comment highlighted the services provided by Father Gainey's shelter for the homeless.

The key discussions during the meeting included the presentation and approval of two proclamations: one commending 'Women in Data Science' for their annual conference at Carnegie Mellon University and declaring a 'Women in Data Science Day,' and another declaring a 'Wendy Miller Day.' Following proclamations, public comments addressed community concerns regarding neighborhood blight, the proposed use of a former school building as green space instead of apartments, housing insecurity, gentrification in the Hill District, and calls for transparent voting records from elected officials. Indigenous speakers raised concerns about historical discrimination and genocide. Subsequent council business involved resolutions regarding the adoption of a plan revision for the sewage facilities related to the new Arena and Sports Performance Complex project, increasing grant funding for the Stevens Elementary School Redevelopment project, and authorizing payment for 2023 Pennsylvania Municipal League dues.

The regular meeting included a significant public comment period where local small business owners expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed construction across the street on Forbes Avenue. These business owners stated that the construction would virtually eliminate essential street parking and loading zones necessary for their operations, potentially leading to a 75 percent reduction in business revenue over the estimated 15 to 20-month duration. They requested the City reevaluate the proposed plan due to this detrimental impact. Following public comment, council members provided updates on their respective committee matters, noting no new papers for most committees, except for one paper introduced during the Human Resources report. Councilman Krauss offered extensive thanks to various city departments, including Public Safety, Public Works, and PennDot, for their coordinated efforts in stabilizing a building collapse on the 1600 block of Carson Street, noting the building was saved and stabilized. He also mentioned ongoing work related to Greenview Park in his district. The meeting concluded with administrative actions, including a motion to excuse absent members, approve minutes, and adjourn.