Protesters claim Pittsburgh mayor didn't do enough for affordable housing

EAST LIBERTY — People are protesting Mayor Bill Peduto and his administration, saying he didn't do enough to give them affordable housing in East Liberty.

Protesters sent a message to the mayor on a banner: ‘Our families can't move into your empty promises’ accusing the mayor of failing to discuss affordable housing and policies to prevent displacement.

“We are asking him now live up to his rhetoric,” Helen Gerhardt said.

This comes after 200 residents of Penn Plaza were forced to relocate because a developer planned to build luxury apartments.

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The mayor defended his work and says they helped find housing for many residents.

“Those same people that chose to move outside the city are now saying you didn't help us when we did,” Peduto said.

But some of the residents say the options were limited and they had no choice but to leave East Liberty.

The project has been held up in court because the city and developer have been unable to agree on how many units need to be affordable housing.

“To categorize it as, ‘you didn't keep your promise’ is an insult after what we were able to provide,” Peduto said. “There's no guarantee when you live in private housing that government will come in and offer you a place. They can evict you at the end of your lease.”

Cox Media Group