According to CBS News Pittsburgh, after an exhaustive 11-hour meeting, Pittsburgh's Planning Commission approved Mayor Ed Gainey's proposal for citywide inclusionary zoning. Gainey's proposal addresses the city's affordable housing crisis by mandating that developers with projects of 20 or more units reserve at least 10% as affordable housing. This policy extends one already in effect in four city neighborhoods.
This recommendation follows a contentious debate, as over 200 individuals packed into the commission's room, many throwing their support behind the Mayor's plan. The approval did not come without dissent, though, as critics argue the lack of substantial incentives for developers could stifle new housing projects. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, Council member Bob Charland's alternative plan, which sought to dilute requirements and allow more neighborhood input, failed to pass muster, with complaints about the lack of time to review the proposed bill.
Meanwhile, the Planning Commission's endorsement is a vital step but by no means the final hurdle - the matter now advances to the Pittsburgh City Council for a vote. The debate over increasing affordable housing options has been polarizing as stakeholders from all corners weigh in on the best path forward.
Some, like Tom Frank, executive director of NAIOP Pittsburgh, express concern, stating, "Developers will simply flee to these other areas where they can get deals done and qualify for these loans. It all sounds great, but some of this does not work," as WPXI reported. On the flip side, advocates such as Tim Stevens from the Black Political Empowerment Project underline the chronic housing shortfall, emphasizing the proposal is a step toward addressing a persistent challenge for Pittsburgh's population.
.jpg){kind=link}