Plans for a controversial revamp of Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh's bustling Strip District have finally been set into motion after a series of contentious debates and court interventions. Business owners and residents have been embroiled in a conflict with city officials over the details of this project, particularly concerning the introduction of a bike lane along a portion of the avenue.
The latest decision lands on a compromise, wherein a previously proposed physical barrier separating the future bike lane from vehicle traffic has been axed. Instead, the plan will involve a painted bike lane, flanked by parking on both sides, and two 3-foot wide buffers. This arrangement will provide 22 feet of navigable space for emergency vehicles - an essential element that addresses safety concerns put forth by the Strip District Business Owners Association, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) agreed to this plan after reaching an agreement with the Association amidst threats of legal action.
Business owners along the avenue, once anxious about the original design's impact on parking and emergency vehicle accessibility, welcomed the redesigned plan. Joe Coen, a local business owner, explained the importance of maintaining access for first responders, saying, "If I have a customer who has a heart attack, they’re not going to be able to get the response time; it could be really bad," in a statement detailed by WPXI.
Concerns over the city's engagement with the Strip community weren't entirely quelled by the agreement. Jim Coen, president of the Strip District Business Owners Association, relayed ongoing worries about the consequences for both safety and local commerce. Parking next to a bike lane, according to Coen, still poses risks, and he fears the reduced number of vehicle lanes could deter customers. "It’s better, but in our eyes, it’s really not safe," Coen remarked. The Business Association remains cautious, contemplating further actions against the city following the reduction of Penn Avenue to a single lane for motor traffic, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
