Ongoing Clash: Community Debates $600M North Side Project at PPS Hearing

On Monday, a collection of labor union members voiced their backing for the Esplanade initiative. This endorsement faced resistance from numerous Manchester locals who have long demanded town hall gatherings and additional details regarding the plan.

Diverse responses were sparked by the proposed $600 million initiative aimed at transforming an industrial area on the North Side into a riverside attraction during Monday’s Pittsburgh Public Schools monthly public hearing. This discussion took place just prior to the board voting on establishing a Manchester-Chateau Transit Revitalization Investment District, known as the TRID.

For us and my organization, job creation is key," stated Steven Mazza from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. "This initiative focuses on training and aims at achieving various goals within our neighborhoods, communities, and across the entire city.

Mr. Mazza stated that union jobs are all about "shattering the bonds of poverty."

However, some individuals who supported the unions countered those claims and voiced their worries about potential adverse effects the initiative might have on Manchester, which is predominantly a Black community.

One of the misunderstandings surrounding Manchester Neighbors is that we aim to halt this process," stated Manchester local Terrance Turk. "Many folks around here, including union members and others, often promise job opportunities and such. But where were these individuals over the past five decades when things were different for me in Manchester? Why do they only show interest now?

The Esplanade initiative—a 15-acre renovation alongside the Ohio River featuring a massive Ferris wheel—has sparked considerable debate among residents in the Manchester neighborhood who have opposed it since. In December, people have attended public hearings. scheduling a meeting with the development team to receive further details regarding potential project effects.

Residents formed the group Manchester Neighbors In an attempt to share data and details with the community about the proposed plan.

The Esplanade project, the master plan Approved in November by the Pittsburgh Planning Commission, this project aims to revitalize a previous industrial area on the north side of the city, situated just west of the West End Bridge. The development plan includes constructing a Ferris wheel along with a towering residential building reaching up to 19 floors, capable of housing 408 units and providing approximately 308 parking spaces. Additionally, it will incorporate commercial areas and a marketplace for dining options.

In the initial stage of this project, we will see the construction of the apartment building along with a Ferris wheel. Additionally, there'll be a massive three-story area covering 64,256 square feet designed for various purposes such as hosting a market hall, cultivating plants year-round within gardens, and accommodating multiple dining establishments. This complex structure aims to link seamlessly with an open-air theater located outdoors. Moreover, plans encompass developing a harbor alongside introducing about seventeen floating residences akin to traditional boats but resting upon large pontoons instead. Other features under consideration involve commercial spaces meant for business activities plus a sizable car park capable of holding up to 651 vehicles.

The second phase of projects might involve adding either offices or residences over the garage, developing a "destination aquarium," along with two additional residential developments.

Out of all the apartments, the developer committed to setting aside 20% for households earning up to 80% of the regional median income, ensuring they would be priced affordably.

The approval of the project’s master plan was reached following backing from various Manchester community organizations and several local residents who argued that it might serve as a driving force for the area and initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing options.

The school board members are currently considering the TRID, which could assist in funding approximately $54 million worth of infrastructure enhancements and additional upgrades linked to this initiative. For the TRID to proceed, it requires support from both the district and local entities such as the city of Pittsburgh along with Allegheny County.

However, numerous individuals are attempting to encourage the board to pause before proceeding with the vote on the proposal.

"Basically requesting that you all postpone the vote temporarily to allow us the chance to discuss with the developers and gain additional insights into how this might impact us," stated Taylor Woodruff, a resident of Manchester.

Ms. Woodruff, who has lived in Manchester for three generations, does not wish to see her neighborhood disappear.

We understand precisely what this appears to be," Ms. Woodruff stated. "We've witnessed similar situations occur in East Liberty and recognize their appearance well. Over time, as you move about the area, you notice fewer and fewer individuals of color, which makes us feel like we lack a sense of belonging.

The sentiments mirrored those expressed by Carol Green, who also stated: "I certainly have no desire to depart from Manchester. It's where I call home."

On Monday, a petition bearing several hundred signatures was handed over to the school board members as stated by local resident Roberta Bowra. Both she and Mr. Turk advocated for developers and labor union representatives to engage in discussions with the people of Manchester.

We're big supporters of unions," Mr. Turk stated. "A lot of my relatives work in unions too. So we've got nothing against them. And we aren’t opposed to the real implementation of TRID either. What we do desire is a strategy specifically for Manchester so everyone can understand how it will affect our city and see the advantages it brings to us.

However, various union representatives, together with some individuals who endorsed the initiative, highlighted the employment opportunities that would arise throughout and following the construction phase.

The economic activity generated by such developments has long-lasting effects across generations. ... This presents an opportunity for employment not just within these specific job roles or this particular project, but also for numerous future initiatives," stated Jason Markovich from the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council. "This could significantly alter the livelihoods of both the residents of Manchester and the greater city of Pittsburgh.

A Manchester resident named Sabreena Woods-Miller mentioned that she noticed a substantial sense of disconnect both physically and economically within the community. She believes that the TRID could offer a considerable chance to tackle these issues provided it is implemented properly.

The school directors will cast their votes on the TRID during Wednesday’s legislative assembly.