Council to redirect funds to affordable housing

Citing an ongoing housing crisis, a rise in hunger, and Pittsburgh’s own financial woes during the pandemic, a city councilman wants to shift millions in city spending from what some describe as a “luxury transit” project to pay for affordable housing and to help struggling businesses.

Councilman Corey O’Connor negotiated with his counterparts and the mayor’s office to move $4.1 million in next year’s budget that was set aside for a controversial commuter road plan to instead fund programs for rental assistance, small business loans and other community programs.

Mr. O’Connor criticized the Mon-Oakland Connector — that could feature an electric shuttle bus for tech workers — because he said it was pushed by the administration without being thoroughly vetted.

“Especially while we’re in this COVID world and once we get out of it, we see, as most council members have talked

about, a number of housing issues that could come up” he said.

While the administration argues the planned thoroughfare through Schenley Park would be a benefit to commuters and a boon for development, some of Mr. O’Connor’s constituents say the project “is not an investment in the people.”

Dan Yablonsky, an advocate for Hazelwood residents, said the everyday citizen is not asking for these types of projects, particularly during a global pandemic. He praised Mr. O’Connor’s budget move.

“The whole time, this is what people have been calling for,” Mr. Yablonsky said.

The funds will be split among the following areas:

• $1.9 million for the city’s Housing Opportunity Fund.

• $1 million for bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Hazelwood.

• $500,000 to housing in federally designated areas.

• $420,000 to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s small-business programs.

• $270,000 to the Avenues of Hope business district funding for historically Black neighborhoods.

Council is expected to give a final vote next week.

The administration agreed but still plans to explore the project in coming years.

“The mayor’s office was happy to work with the councilman on this onetime transfer of capital funds during the ongoing pandemic,” said mayoral spokesman Timothy McNulty.