Mayor unveils vision for Allegheny Riverfront
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Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today released a comprehensive report on redevelopment of the Allegheny Riverfront corridor from the Strip District to Highland Park.
The 77-page "Allegheny Riverfront Vision Plan" envisions environmentally sensitive redevelopment of the corridor extending from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center east to the city line, including housing, retail, recreation and industrial uses, a commuter rail line and trolley "circulator" system.
The corridor has vast amounts of vacant and underutilized property and a poor transportation network and does not capitalize on its proximity to the river, said the report by a consulting team led by Perkins Eastman Associates. The document follows nearly two years of studies and meetings with property and business owners, residents, community leaders and nonprofit organizations.
"The Allegheny Riverfront Vision, through the feedback of hundreds of citizens, has assessed the potential of some of Pittsburgh's most exciting riverfront neighborhoods," Mr. Ravenstahl said in a press release. "With this road map now in place, Pittsburgh has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance urban communities like the Strip and Lawrenceville in ways that will create more jobs, attract new residents and reconnect the neighborhoods to our riverfronts."
The document envisions the corridor as a draw for young families with a variety of income levels seeking a healthy environment and affordable housing; new industries; the ability to walk to restaurants, shops and entertainment; better public transit including connections to Oakland and Downtown; streets that are pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly; and more river activity, including kayaking, water taxis and fishing.
One key element is creation of a multimodal "green boulevard" along the existing Allegheny Valley Railroad right-of-way that would include a continuous bicycle and pedestrian path as well as commuter rail service from Arnold to Downtown Pittsburgh, with special emphasis on ecological restoration and stormwater management.
First Published February 14, 2011 11:57 am
