A New Chapter for the Lower Hill District
Residents of the Lower Hill District in Pittsburgh are now discussing what they envision for the neighborhood's future, following a significant change in development rights. This shift has sparked conversations about the community’s needs and aspirations.
Michael Brown, a local resident, emphasized the importance of affordable housing and a grocery store in the area. “Affordable housing, but definitely a grocery store. They don't have no grocery store for the whole Hill District, and they need that up here,” he said. His comments reflect a common sentiment among many who live in the district.
The Pittsburgh Penguins had held the rights to develop 28 acres of the Lower Hill since 2007. However, as of Thursday at midnight, the Amended and Restated Comprehensive Option Agreement with the Sports & Exhibition Authority and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh expired. This means the development rights have now been returned to the authorities.
For some residents, this change is seen as an opportunity. “The Hill is a great opportunity. It's a lot of historical things going on, so they dropped the ball in my opinion,” Brown told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. His words highlight the mixed feelings surrounding the redevelopment process.
The former site of the Civic Arena has witnessed several new developments, including the FNB Financial Center and the Citizens Live at The Wylie, which is still under construction. These projects have brought some changes to the area, but there remains 21 acres of land available for redevelopment.
Henry King, a longtime resident of the Hill District, expressed his desire to see Bethel AME Church return to the Lower Hill. “They tore down Bethel Church just to build the Civic Arena, and you know they didn't get the finances that they should have gotten,” he said. This sentiment underscores the emotional connection many residents have with the area’s history.
In 2023, the Penguins transferred the development rights to a parcel of land in the Lower Hill to Bethel AME Church. At the time, the church announced plans to construct affordable and middle-income apartment housing, a daycare center, and other mixed-use facilities on the site. This move was seen as a positive step toward addressing the community's needs.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle issued a joint statement highlighting the significance of this transition. “While this transition marks a significant change in the course of the site's redevelopment, it also represents an enormous opportunity to move beyond the barriers that have hindered truly equitable progress,” the statement read.
Despite losing the development rights, the Penguins remain committed to the vision for inclusive development in the Lower Hill. “The Penguins remain committed to the vision for inclusive development in the Lower Hill and are proud of the meaningful progress achieved in recent years with community leaders despite challenging economic circumstances. Following the expiration of the Option Agreement, the organization will stay engaged in the City's plans for the area and continue to be a collaborative partner in advancing future development,” the team stated.
The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have outlined their next steps in a joint statement. “The Authorities will continue to engage their respective boards of directors to evaluate future redevelopment options that include a transparent public process. The Authorities thank all community stakeholders for their time and commitment to the redevelopment process up until now and look forward to future engagement as development moves forward.”
As the Lower Hill District moves forward, the focus remains on creating a more equitable and inclusive community. Residents, local leaders, and organizations are working together to ensure that the future of the neighborhood reflects the needs and aspirations of those who call it home.
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