The Pittsburgh planning commission has cleared the way for an ambitious $90 million hotel and condominium development at the site of the former Edge Restaurant on Mount Washington.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a preliminary land development plan for the project and to recommend a change in the zoning, now a combination of Grandview public realm, local neighborhood commercial, and multifamily to a residential/commercial planned unit development district.

"This certainly looks to me like a fantastic project," commission member Kirk Burkley said.

The zoning change now goes before city council for final approval.

Developer Steve Beemsterboer and architect Charles L. Desmone hope to break ground on the One Grandview Avenue project by this time next year. They plan to build a 110-room luxury hotel and up to 55 condominiums on Mount Washington next to the Monongahela Incline.

During more than an hour of testimony at a public hearing today, most people spoke in favor of the project, saying it would eliminate an eyesore and bring needed development to the neighborhood.

There were a few objections from neighboring property owners who were concerned about the impact of traffic, construction and potential runoff issues. Some said the new project and its 23-story hotel would block their views of Downtown or surrounding areas.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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