The grand vision of Market Square as an exclusively pedestrian zone has hit a roadblock, with plans to eliminate vehicle traffic now being pulled back. As reported by WPXI, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership originally aimed to transform the bustling hub into a car-free space, potentially enhancing its appeal as a gathering place in downtown Pittsburgh.
However, dissent residing among local business owners has effectively steered the proposal off course. Concerns were primarily focused on practicality and business operations. Jordan Nicholas, owner of Nicholas Coffee & Tea Company, a longtime Market Square merchant, mentioned the necessity of road access for business functions, "I just think, logistically, you really can’t do it. You have a parking garage and you also have businesses that rely on the automobiles, still," Nicholas said, per WPXI.
Similarly, CBS News captured echoes of opposition, with Talib Hussain from Cherries Diner expressing the importance of vehicle access: "We need it to have someone come for supplies, sometimes deliveries. I bring my own supplies," Talib Hussain of Cherries Diner said. "We're not happy. We need cars to bring stuff here."
The overhaul of Market Square is now set to begin in 2025, with a completion date aimed ahead of the NFL Draft in 2026. Amidst the consensus and conflicts, stakeholders find themselves at the drawing board again, attempting to balance commercial vitality and urban livability.
