I commend the efforts
I want to commend the efforts of my friend and colleague Councilman Bruce Kraus and the many residents and stakeholders who make up the South Side Planning Forum.
Their focused, concerted efforts to put in place a long-term comprehensive plan to manage the growth of nightlife and entertainment establishments while improving neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and quality of life are exactly the kind of community planning efforts that can change a neighborhood for the better.
Councilman Kraus and the community’s work with the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) will create a model for balancing economic growth and quality of life that will benefit every neighborhood in Pittsburgh and they will have my full support when their recommendations come before City Council in December.
We went through many of the same issues facing the South Side now in Shadyside and Oakland several years ago and it was only through the kind of ‘all hands on deck’ approach that Mr. Kraus, the South Side Planning Forum, and RHI are working to put in place that we were able to solve many of the problems and facilitate both thriving business districts and clean, safe, and desirable residential neighborhoods. If I can be of service to the South Side community in any way throughout this process I urge community leaders, business owners, and the members of the South Side Planning Forum to reach out to my office.
I sincerely hope that their tireless work to address these issues is met with the same resolve and attention from the Mayor’s Office and our City Departments.
William Peduto
Councilman, City of Pittsburgh