The final draft of
Allegheny Places, the County’s first comprehensive plan, will be on view during a public open house on July 29. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., at
Duquesne University’s new
Power Center on Forbes Ave.
The public will have the opportunity to view 20 display boards and maps, and discuss the plan with staff from Allegheny County’s planning division and lead project consultant
McCormick Taylor.
Kay Pierce, planning manager with
Allegheny County Economic Development, says that Allegheny Places is the first comprehensive plan in the country to include an equity and diversity principle. “Equity and diversity are woven throughout the plan. State agencies are looking at this as a national model. It’s really important and unique,” adds Pierce, who says that key plan elements include transportation, future land use and energy utilization.
“The plan encourages patterns of development that are supportive of transit use and promote pedestrian and bike-friendly concentrated mixed-use developments. It’s definitely a priority,” adds Pierce. “Sustainability is a solid goal—we’re ahead of the curve.”
Next steps for the plan include a hearing before
Allegheny County Council followed by a 45-day formal public review period. “After this we’ll go to adoption. It’s been monumental,” adds Pierce, who hopes to get on Council’s agenda in August. “We need to get the plan adopted by the end of the year.”
Calling for a more effective coordination of public and private efforts, Allegheny Places aims to enhance and rebuild communities, protect natural resources, critical infrastructure and historic assets, nurture cultural facilities, and encourage economic growth.
To view the plan, go
here.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Kay Pierce, Allegheny County Economic Development
Image courtesy Roy Kraynyk