Planning official at Pitt game for part of arena hearing
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The absence of a member of the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission from large portions of the public comment period at last night's hearing on the new arena master plan upset some neighborhood advocates today.
Todd Reidbord, a developer, voted for the master plan after missing many of the long list of community speakers on the topic. He did not return multiple calls to explain his whereabouts during that part of the seven-hour meeting, which wrapped up after the vote that occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m.
He spent part of the time at the Pitt Panthers basketball game against Georgetown University, which started at 7 p.m., witnesses told the Post-Gazette. At one point he sat directly behind Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who was sitting next to Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin and two seats from former Panthers star Curtis Aiken.
"I talked to Todd, and I told him it was in his best interests to get back to the vote," Mr. Ravenstahl said today.
A member of Mr. Ravenstahl's security detail then drove Mr. Reidbord back to the commission's Ross Street offices, the mayor said. Mr. Reidbord later returned to the game, but not courtesy of the security detail, the mayor said.
"I thought it was important that he get back and thought that was an appropriate way to get back to the vote," Mr. Ravenstahl said.
"I feel like constantly, people in the community are being ignored and disregarded," said Maryellen Hayden, head organizer at the local chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. "I'm tired of it. Everybody at Pittsburgh United is tired of it. Everybody at One Hill is tired of it."
Pittsburgh United is a coalition of unions and community organizations backing the One Hill Community Benefits Agreement Coalition's efforts to get guaranteed benefits for the Hill District, where the $290 million arena is located.
Ms. Hayden was one of many people who were initially told they would not be allowed to speak at the meeting, and then argued vociferously for their chance to be heard. The commission eventually relented and let everyone speak.
"I do believe that we changed a couple of minds," said Ms. Hayden. "We were very excited to see that the vote was close. We don't think, if they hadn't listened at all to the people, that the vote would have been as close, and we're proud of those planning commission members who listened."
More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First Published January 15, 2008 4:03 pm
