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We thought it might be helpful, as we prepare for the March 25th city council public hearing, to take a look at some of the stories that shaped the neighborhood we know today. We started to provide links to news articles that chronicle development in Mt. Washington yesterday. Check out Chapter I for development tales from 1998-2003. More to come.

Development News 2004-2005

October 2004
Grandview battles over bulk

City council votes 8-1 to establish restrictions for what is called the Grandview public realm, a special zoning district for Grandview Avenue. The changes restrict the number of housing units that can be built on a plot of land and limit the height of any new building to no more than 40 feet. “A brand-new mountain could probably be built at this point from the mud slung between the two opposing sides of the development debate on Mount Washington.”

January 2005
Mt. Washington developer wins council’s approval for commercial site

After an 18-month process, Richard Pirain wins approval to build a three-story commercial building on Mount Washington (Virginia Avenue and Maple Terrace).

Mt. Washington plan moves forward

Pittsburgh City Council gives preliminary approval to a controversial request to change the zoning of a vacant lot in Mt. Washington (Virginia Avenue and Maple Terrace). The property is zoned for residential use, even though there once was a grocery store there, which burned down 40 years ago. The Pirains, who are seeking a commercial zoning designation, plan to spend about $1.3 million to build a six-unit, loft-style condominium with a pair of storefronts on the ground floor. The change council OK’d yesterday by a 4-2 vote had the unanimous backing of the city Planning Commission. A minimum of five votes is needed for final passage. Councilmen Bill Peduto, Luke Ravenstahl, Doug Shields and Alan Hertzberg voted for the change; Jim Motznik and Sala Udin voted against it.

Feedback request backfires on owner

The Pirains go before Pittsburgh City Council attempting to clear the final hurdle before building something on the site that once held a grocery store. Neighbors concerned about the project’s size and impact on traffic and parking, attended a public hearing and expressed their desire to keep the property zoned residential in November.

February 2005
Veto override fails for zoning change

City Council fails to override Mayor Tom Murphy’s veto of a zoning change for a vacant lot on Mt. Washington (Virginia Avenue and Maple Terrace). Councilman Alan Hertzberg, who represents Mt. Washington, was unable to get the six votes needed to override last week’s veto of the zoning change the council approved in January by a 5-4 vote. Hertzberg, Bill Peduto, Luke Ravenstahl, Doug Shields and council President Gene Ricciardi voted in favor. Len Bodack, Twanda Carlisle, Jim Motznik and Sala Udin voted against. Richard Pirain is not able to proceed with a $1.3 million condominium and retail project on Virginia Avenue.

Councilman: Plan veto political

Councilman Alan Hertzberg alleges that efforts to block a businessman’s plan to develop a vacant lot on Mt. Washington have more to do with the political ambitions of a City Council candidate than a desire to do what is best for the neighborhood.

April 2005
Judge OKS tall Mt. Washington condos

An Allegheny County Common Pleas clears the way for the construction of two condominium buildings on Grandview Avenue. President Judge Joseph James upholds decisions by the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment that allow proposed condo buildings at 501 Grandview and 341 Grandview to exceed 40-foot height restrictions in that area.

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