Top Stories

City of Pittsburgh, developer return to court over Penn Plaza site

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh returned to court Friday over development of the Penn Plaza apartment site.

A developer wants to convert the site into luxury apartments and a Whole Foods grocery store.

Friday in court, an attorney for the developer argued the city is attempting to derail the project entirely.

“Based on the city response, it seems clear to us that they are interested in just killing this project. At this point, we are happy to go ahead and have our day in court,” said attorney Joe Kamin.

Last month, the planning commission denied the developer’s plan. Several weeks after that, the city asked a judge to order a work stoppage at the site, citing health complaints from residents.

“No, the city is not attempting to kill (the project). We just want to make sure it’s done according to the law and according to our zoning laws. That’s what we are trying to do. Protect those citizens and residents,” said Lourdes Sanchez, solicitor for the city of Pittsburgh.

TRENDING NOW:

The developer has appealed the planning commission ruling and voluntarily suspended work. However, Kamin indicated Friday that work may resume now.

Kamin said the developer has met every demand from the city, including agreeing to contribute to an affordable housing fund and helping more than 200 residents relocate.

“We have worked with hundreds of residents over the last 15 months and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in relocation assistance to make sure that everybody had a place to go,” Kamin said.

Eighteen residents are still living in the building. Kamin said all but two of them have found new homes and will be moving out soon.

The judge Friday ordered both sides to submit written arguments by the end of the month.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 

 

Cox Media Group

Most Read