Oakland Crossings deal is a Gainey win
The approval process for the proposed Oakland Crossings development has demonstrated two very different models of public-private collaboration, and of mayoral leadership.
What began under former Mayor Bill Peduto as a textbook example of the aloof and heavy-handed use of power has concluded under Mayor Ed Gainey as a model of community engagement and professional negotiation.
As mayor, Mr. Peduto worked with Walnut Capital, the developer proposing the new complex near the Boulevard of the Allies, to produce a zoning proposal that would suit the company’s needs. He then introduced that new zoning to City Council as a fait accompli, dismissing arguments against the plan as “mostly on process.”
Well, process matters. And Mayor Ed Gainey has just shown that.
One of the first decisions the new mayor made on taking office was to pump the brakes on Oakland Crossings. He asked the planning commission for time to review the plans, to solicit more public comment — meetings he personally attended — and to talk with Walnut Capital about achieving the best solution possible.
Results of the just-announced solution should encourage Oakland and the entire city.
The mayor’s office received a commitment to 10% affordable housing from Walnut Capital. Walnut Capital received approval for a phased approach to building Oakland Crossings from the city. Both sides achieved a professional compromise they could live with.
Like Mr. Peduto, Mr. Gainey worked with the developer, but he operated as an advocate for those without a seat at the table: everyday community members, especially the poor and marginalized.
By contrast, Mr. Peduto’s M.O. divided a South Oakland community, and both sides — those in support and those opposing the development — felt ignored. Everything good about Oakland Crossings — and the plans do look impressive — was clouded by suspicion and rancor.
Mr. Gainey achieved a scaled-back development with broad support among stakeholders, including, most importantly, everyday residents.
The first phase of Oakland Crossings will include new apartment buildings along Halket Street, between Louisa Street and the Boulevard of the Allies, and the conversion of the former Quality Inn into a nonstudent apartment complex, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh. The project will produce roughly 400 new apartments.
A grocery store will occupy the first floor of the former hotel, filling a gaping hole in the neighborhood’s retail offerings. Giant Eagle and Aldi reportedly have expressed interest.
Walnut Capital also has the option to redevelop the former Isaly’s building across the Boulevard. Further plans along McKee Street are on hold, pending the completion of an Oakland master plan — a primary concern of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, the registered neighborhood community group skeptical of Oakland Crossings from the start.
Mr. Gainey’s approach, however, has mollified the OPDC, and advanced an impressive development that will bolster an entire neighborhood.