Support resounds for affordable housing plan in Lawrenceville
Approval seems likely for zoning measure
A chorus of supporters filled Pittsburgh City Council chambers Tuesday in support of an affordable housing measure for Lawrenceville.
Noticeably absent: opposition. Of the roughly 40 housing activists and residents who took to the lectern at the two- hour public hearing, only one opposed the special zoning designation that would require developers to make 10% of units affordable in any new project in Lawrenceville that has at least 20 units. Affordability is defined in the proposal by the area median income set by the federal government.
The city planning commission unanimously recommended the plan in April, and it looks set for a smooth process through council as five members voiced support for the inclusionary zoning bill before the hearing was adjourned.
“This is really a manifestation of us to be able to enable in law Lawrenceville’s own plan for itself. This conversation has been happening in Lawrenceville on street corners and living rooms for years now,” said Councilwoman Deb Gross, who represents the neighborhood and introduced the bill in February.
Representatives of community groups described a 2 ½ - year process of mailing out surveys and hosting “jam- packed” meetings.
Dave Breingan, executive director of the nonprofit Lawrenceville United, said the hotmarket neighborhood “urgently” needs the legislation, as “rising housing costs have priced out significant groups of our residents who stand to benefit from and helped to bring about [ the] positive changes.”
He cited census data that reflects a loss of African American residents and a 2017 Pittsburgh PostGazette analysis that found the neighborhood lost 120 units that accepted Section 8 housing vouchers for low- income residents between 2011 and 2016.
“At the end of the day, this is about what kind of community we are planning for. Do we want to live in a city where revitalization means growing opportunities for some and inevitable exclusion for many of our neighbors?” Mr. Breingan said.
Loretta Millender, a resident of 27 years, said she has seen the loss of diversity.
“The reason I’m here today is Lawrenceville has changed so much,” said Ms. Millender, 78. “We need to live in an America that is mixed. Watch now ... the old will learn from the new, the young will learn from the old. We need your support.”
The crowd applauded her and Lawrenceville resident Cory Ricci, 33, who said, “We don’t want to keep losing the people that we love.”
“And while I understand that there may be some better ideas than inclusionary zoning,” he said, “the point is we’re not done. This is the start, this is what we’ve been