Council Should set this bill aside in favor of passing the proposed zoning from the Oakland Plan
On May 25, 2022, City Council held a public hearing on Council Bill 2021-1906, formerly known as “Oakland Crossings,” which makes way for high-end, market-rate development in Oakland.
OPDC joined Oakland residents and community organizations from around Pittsburgh in fierce opposition to the bill, which has been heavily criticized since it was introduced last fall for disregarding inclusionary zoning, affordable housing requirements, and equitable development.
Residents took issue with the “extreme dimensions” requested by developer Walnut Capital, which are “totally out of scale with adjacent residential areas,” according to community member Elena Zaitsoff.
Referring to a 3-D model, community member Millie Sass added, “The people are small next to the structures. Developers will always build to what is permitted.”
Mayor Ed Gainey, who intervened to reduce the footprint of the zoning change, include affordable housing, and remove the most noxious uses, received praise for his efforts. Even so, residents and community organizations urged Council to set the bill aside in favor of passing the proposed zoning from the Oakland Plan.
“The pressure is on from Walnut Capital,” said Greenfield community member Barb Warwick. “Not only would [the bill] be a slap in the face to residents and community groups who have sacrificed their time and energy to create the [Oakland Plan], it would set a terrible precedent of large-scale developers throwing their weight, money, and power around in order to bully through projects at the expense of local communities.”
For more, check out Executive Director Wanda Wilson’s full testimony. Check back on the project page for updates on Council committee dates and the date it will be on their agenda for a vote.
