The document outlines a proposed EcoInnovation District plan for Uptown/West Oakland in Pittsburgh. The plan was created through community engagement to improve equitable growth, economic development, and sustainability in the area. Key strategies in the plan include preserving affordable housing, encouraging mixed-use and green development, protecting existing residents and businesses, and providing more transportation choices such as improved bus service.

2. WHAT IS AN
ECOINNOVATION
DISTRICT plan?
A community plan focused on equitable
growth, economic development, and
sustainability.
Centered around Uptown/West Oakland,
this EcoInnovation District plan will be
created WITH you and include your ideas
FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. This includes
ensuring that improvements here reinforce
the work already underway in the Hill
District.

3. But none focus specifically on uptown / west Oakland. The
opportunity here is to support the work of Oakland 2025, the
greater hill district master plan and greenprint to name a few
while identifying specific improvements in uptown / west
oakland.
Yes, there have been other plans

4. The process has been an opportunity to bring
community members together and talk about
their hopes for the future

8. The strategies for uptown / west Oakland
came directly from these conversations.
(TO DATE)

9. This plan was built with uptown [partners, Oakland
Planning & development corporation, the city of
Pittsburgh, residents, business owners, local service
providers, and key institutions.

10. vision:
Uptown/West Oakland will reinforce Pittsburgh as a hub of innovation and
serve as a model for equitable growth, economic opportunity and
sustainability.
> As Pittsburgh’s healthiest community, Uptown/West Oakland will test
new tools and innovative techniques to improve the quality of the
community’s air, water and land for the benefit of its residents, businesses,
employees and the Hill District at large.
> We will be intentional in fostering an inclusive and diverse community
while encouraging new housing that will support new stores, new
businesses and new jobs for residents.
> Strategic investments in our infrastructure will improve and expand the
community’s green space, create safe streets and, provide transportation
choices for all.

11. Community Goals:

12. PRESERVE AND
STRENGTHEN
THE EXISTING
COMMUNITY

13. SO WHAT ARE we trying
to accomplish?
- Protect affordability
- Create jobs for residents
- Invest in what makes the
community unique

14. > Work with banks to address credit issues of local residents.
> Connect residents with available housing programs.
> Monitor housing conditions and report nuisance properties.
> Uptown / West Oakland needs a Housing
Advocate to:
> Put the proposed Housing Trust Fund to work in Uptown for housing
rehabilitation support for owner–occupied and rental housing
> Adjust the Homestead Exemption
> Local partners need to work with the City to
implement the Affordable Housing Task Force Plan:
WE NEED TO INVEST IN EXISTING RESIDENTS & PROTECT
THE RESIDENTIAL CORE OF THE COMMUNITY

15. TAXES
LAND
• The next assessments are in 2021 so we
have 4 years to pursue a Longtime
Owners Occupants Program (LOOP)
program. Modeled from Philadelphia,
this is a real estate tax freeze. BUT,
Pittsburgh needs State authorization to
start the program.
• To protect long-time affordability for
owners and renters, we should create a
Land Trust operated by a non-profit.
But what about the cost of land and taxes?

16. > We need to support weatherization and basic systems
rehabilitation for existing homes.
The other thing we can do is lower the utility costs and the
costs to fix your home when necessary

17. Repairing or weatherizing a home requires work. As do
many of the things contained in this plan. We need to
connect residents to these job opportunities by partnering
with organizations that provide training.

18. > We have active artists and, due to the area’s location, a
highly visible canvas for more public art
> Perception is reality so issues around lighting, blight and
illegal dumping need to be addressed
We also need to address some quality of life issues like
the look and feel of the community

19. > Create a
“chamber” of
local institutions
to coordinate
services and
responses to
local issues /
concerns like
illegal dumping
and traffic
As Uptown moves forward, the 27 service providers should
be an active part of its future – its one of the things that
make the community unique

20. ENCOURAGE
BALANCED,
EQUITABLE,
AND GREEN
DEVELOPMENT

21. Those that know the community best
remember when fifth avenue looked like this.

22. Unfortunately, fifth avenue today too often
looks like this.

23. What If we could replace
parking lots and the empty
land in the community with
something else?

24. If we encouraged new housing for all
family sizes and incomes, we could
again support local stores.
“When I was a child
there were a lot of
stores up and down
Fifth and Forbes
Avenues- there were
a lot of mom and pop
stores, small
businesses. There are
some opening up near
the university, but
there aren’t many
stores left. “

25. But today, zoning in Uptown doesn’t work. New construction
would look something like this, a lot of variances and ground
floor parking (instead of retail). This is expensive for
developers and bad for residents.

26. So we should change the zoning to get more of what we
want. The approach is to both allow for higher densities and
protect the core of the neighborhood.

27. The emphasis is to promote small scale infill in the
residential core and develop a mix of uses on key sites.

28. Imagine new uses filling space within empty and underused buildings which
will help to preserve the community’s character

29. Imagine new
development at
5th and
Dinwiddie that
includes a civic
plaza – one that
helps to
connect
Uptown to the
Hill District.

30. What 5th and Dinwiddie looks like today

31. What 5th and Dinwiddie could like in the future

32. New infill
development
provides
housing and
space for jobs
as well as
improved
infrastructure
throughout
the
community.

33. And close to
the Arena,
there are
opportunities
for more
density
designed to
support more
retail services.
The potential
density is
achieved by
meeting
affordable
housing and
stormwater
goals.

34. To capture this potential, the EcoInnovation District is seeking to replace the existing zoning
with a new one – the UPTOWN PUBLIC REALM DISTRICT. The intent is to set rules
customized to each part of the community while encouraging the development of
affordable units and green infrastructure.
FOUR)potential sub-districts:
> ARENA DISTRICT
> To encourage mixed use development
> Height bonus achieved through incentives
> RESIDENTIAL CORE DISTRICT
> Preserve the existing small scale residential community
> Encourage small scale infill development
> Encourage creative/industrial uses in existing suitable buildings.
> GATEWAY DISTRICT
> To encourage a mixed-use and green gateway to Uptown / West Oakland.
> HILLSIDE PARK DISTRICT
> To encourage public use of the Hillside for open space, trails and infrastructure (stormwater
management, air quality monitoring, food production)
> To manage development on sites not limited by steep slopes in line with EcoInnovation District
goals

36. The new zoning should set both
base requirements and
performance metrics that, IF
MET, WOULD ENABLE HIGHER
DENSITIES WHERE APPROPRIATE
BASE REQUIREMENTS
> MUST DEMONSTRATE OBSOLENCE TO DEMOLISH BUILDINGS
> NO GROUND LEVEL STRUCTURED PARKING ON 5TH / FORBES
> NO STAND ALONE SURFACE PARKING
> STRUCTURED PARKING MUST BE SCREENED & ADAPTABLE
> ACTIVE OUTREACH REQUIRED
> ACTIVE GROUND FLOOR USES & GROUND FLOOR TRANSPARENCY

37. A FEW SCENARIOS

38. DISTRICT PARKING + BATTERY STORAGE + COMBINED HEAT & POWER + BIKE
STORAGE AND BIKE SHARE + SOLAR + AIR MONITORING…
A key component of the new zoning is to separate parking requirements from each
development site. Instead, parking is managed at the district scale which is more efficient.
This is how its envisioned – as community infrastructure hubs that provide not just parking
but also district energy and other amenities.

39. DISTRICT PARKING + BATTERY STORAGE + COMBINED HEAT & POWER + BIKE
STORAGE AND BIKE SHARE + SOLAR + AIR MONITORING…
Here is a smaller scale version within a parking lot.

40. If we change zoning and encourage investment, what could this mean for
Uptown / West Oakland?
TODAY
> Households: 691 total -
264 affordable rental
units
> Vacant commercial
space: 300,500 sq. ft.
> Open Space: 4.8 acres
> On- and Off-Street
Parking: 7,304 spaces
POTENTIALLY…
> Households: 2,400+ total
-- 400+ NEW affordable rental
units
> Rehabilitated commercial
workspace: 300,500 sq. ft.
> New ground floor commercial
space: 180,000 sq. ft.
> New office / research /
workspace: 360,000 sq. ft.
> Open Space: 15.06 acres
> On- and Off-Street Parking: 7,582
spaces

41. PROVIDE
CHOICE IN
MOBILITY &
ACCESSIBILITY

42. uptown / west Oakland is dominated by car traffic resulting in
“places” like this.

43. RESIDENTS HAVE TALKED ABOUT ISSUES WITH
SPEEDING TRAFFIC

44. The result is far too many crashes, many involving pedestrians.
Note the darker blue areas – these are hotspots of crashes in
2013-2014. we need safer streets for everyone.

45. WE NEED TO INCREASE TRANSPORATION CHOICE
TO DECREASE CONGESTION
Uptown has way too many
cars passing through but
also a large number
commuting to work in the
community – almost 7 in 10
are driving a car
It goes without saying that
the space a car takes up is
significantly more than that
of a bike or multiple people
riding a bus. Too many cars
result in congestion and poor
air quality

46. We need to offer true choice in how to get around. If you
want to drive, you should be able to do so but if you want
to take transit, bike or walk, these should also be safe and
efficient options.

47. To offer choice, we have to fix the infrastructure – it’s the
only way to provide streets that are safe for children and
those with disabilities

48. And there is great need in the community. We need a lot of
money to address the existing infrastructure issues

49. A DEDICATED BUS LANE OPENS UP FUNDING WE WOULD NOT
HAVE ACCESS TO OTHERWISE TO FIX THESE ISSUES WITH OUR
STREETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
AND THESE UPGRADES DON’T INCLUDE STREET or INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

50. SO how COULD IT WORK?
THERE ARE OPTIONS
TODAY, THE WIDTH OF BOTH
5TH AND FORBES
ENCOURAGES speeding.

51. BOTH OF THESE OPTIONS SHOW SPACE FOR CARS, PARKING, BUSES, BIKES AND
PEDESTRIANS. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE LOCATION OF THE BIKE LANE. A
similar approach can be taken to 5TH AVENUE.

52. Brt rendering
Imagine streets that are safe for all, that help to reduce congestion and are
attractive for new and existing businesses

53. Brt rendering
Imagine streets that are safe for all, that help to reduce congestion and are
attractive for new and existing businesses

54. Imagine the opportunity to address severe safety issues like this – the longest
crosswalk in Pittsburgh?

55. Imagine creating a new plaza and improving safety for pedestrians

56. BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES: The original idea…
“With an ample roadway for all kinds of traffic,
with trees for shade and decoration, with a
broad promenade overlooking the river and
the hills to the south, it would furnish rare and
much-needed facilities for recreation”
1910 Olmstead plan for pittsburgh
Besides neighborhood streets, we should start a conversation about the future
of the boulevard of the allies

57. What it became…

58. …and how it evolved

59. Look at the license plate – you can’t make this up

60. For blank buildings For empty / underused lots For intersections
So what could be done? There are some ideas that can be done without any changes to the
Blvd itself. Improvements like these could help to create a buffer between Uptown and the
Blvd and, present a much better face to those passing by…

61. Today, the Blvd
functions like this

62. +- Creates large promenade
- Opportunity for landscaping
- Retains 2 driving lanes during
high traffic times
-- Expensive
- Requires active
management /
monitoring
Imagine a trail
overlooking the
River. This option
allows the same
number of cars to
pass through by
using a middle
alternating lane

63. +- Creates large promenade
- Opportunity for median
landscaping – a true
boulevard!
-- Very expensive
- Politically very
difficult to
accomplish
Alternatively, we
could just create a
turn lane to allow
better access to
uptown and enable a
lot more green space
along the Blvd

64. The Blvd could be a very different space – one that allows passing traffic
but also offers amenities for uptown residents

65. Imagine transforming the Boulevard of the Allies, a highway only in Uptown,
from this…

66. …to this – Uptown’s Riverfront

67. INVEST IN
SUSTAINABLE
INFRASTRUCTURE

68. “Sustainable infrastructure” like addressing
stormwater runoff, flooding and energy

69. “More green spaces like a play ground and
place for the kids to play. They are always
outside, which is great, but have to play
baseball in the streets and explore the
alleys for fun.”
“Severe runoff is a problem, especially
in heavy rainstorms water cascades
from Fifth to Forbes, via connector
streets such as Moultrie.”
And residents agree,
we need more green
space…

70. Imagine energy efficient, inexpensive and resilient energy…made in the
community
Combined heat and power solar
Here are the two main technologies to make this happen. Solar
and Natural Gas combined heat and power units distributed
across the neighborhood

71. The improvements along Fifth and Forbes enables us to provide district
energy – we add the micro-grid while the streets are being improved.

72. > Installing high-efficiency lighting systems and controls
> LED interior lights and street lights
> Occupancy and daylight controls
> Converting electric air conditioning to:
> Gas fired absorption chillers
> Gas fired heat pumps
> Expanding opportunities for small Combined Heat and
Power systems in commercial and multifamily new
construction
Embedding these strategies in zoning and building codes would increase
the use of renewable energy in Uptown and create jobs in the installation
and maintenance of these systems
But we also need to Reduce energy demand by:

73. With respect to stormwater, this plan follows the PWSA’s approach but also the
desires of the residents – to better manage water through the design of local
parks. There are a number of opportunities for new park spaces:

74. Communitypark:
Tustinstreet
Civicplaza:
5th/dinwiddie
We asked
residents
about
programming,
here are some
of the ideas

75. This is a key opportunity – to expand and connect the Tustin Street
Tot Lot and Tustin Gardens while addressing stormwater issues
along Tustin Street

76. Imagine if Tustin Street was a true community space – a place
where kids and their parents could meet their neighbors

77. Imagine if Tustin Street was a true community space – a place
where kids and their parents could meet their neighbors

78. Watson street near boyd
floods…a lot. What if we created
a “blue alley” to better manage
this issue but also retain parking
and create some outdoor space?
Another key opportunity – Watson Street
near Boyd Street. Site of some flooding but
also the location of a homeless drop-in
center

79. Watson street near boyd
floods…a lot. What if we created
a “blue alley” to better manage
this issue but also retain parking
and create some outdoor space?
Imagine if this street provided outdoor space for the
clients of the drop-in center and reduced localized
flooding…

80. “We absolutely need a
clear and safe
connection to the
heritage trail through
this area”

81. But what about a broader approach? Thinking of the hillside as a park, managing
stormwater and extending connections to the Hill District and the Heritage Trail

82. What if the Hillside were redesigned to slow stormwater coming down the hill and include
overlooks. These overlooks would be part of a larger trail network nestled within an
“edible forest.” The overlooks could include air quality monitors to measure air quality.

83. A major opportunity is to reconnect MLK Gardens with new trails and potentially an
extension of De Raud Street.

84. Extending from the Hillside, imagine if Colwell Street was a “green connector” – a trail from
the Hillside to Albert “Turk” Graham Park in the Hill. A fitness trail that can be used by
clients of the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services as well as other local service providers.

85. Extending from the Hillside, imagine if Colwell Street was a “green connector” – a trail from
the Hillside to Albert “Turk” Graham Park in the Hill. A fitness trail that can be used by
clients of the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services as well as other local service providers.

86. Down from the Hillside, imagine a “Freeway Park” under the Birmingham Bridge designed
to manage stormwater, clean the air and connect residents to the Heritage Trail.

87. Down from the Hillside, imagine a “Freeway Park” under the Birmingham Bridge designed
to manage stormwater, clean the air and connect residents to the Heritage Trail.

88. What is now a “moonscape” could be much different

89. What is now a “moonscape” could be much different

90. implementATION
1. Traditional community planning
Neighborhood capacity, City priorities and institutional support
2. Statutory/regulatory approval from Harrisburg
3. Examine non-traditional funding sources
Innovative programs/non-traditional financing
Best practices

91. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO FUND
1. ORGANIZING: business retention, administering housing programs / activities, land acquisition,
linking to training programs, community events, transportation demand management, clean & safe,
art
2. ADVOCACY: tax policy changes at State level, energy tariff for district energy at the state,
PennDOT coordination and, local advocacy to steer dollars (like the housing trust fund) to Uptown
3. ZONING: re-writing local codes to support EID goals
4. MIXED INCOME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: development of affordable housing and
new market-rate housing
5. ACADEMIC VILLAGE: Development of Duquesne Light site plus connection with local
academic programs / institutions
6. COMMERCIAL WORKSPACE CREATION / REHAB: working to secure financing /
subsidy for ground floor retail / commercial space and rehabbing existing buildings for small
businesses
7. BUS RAPID TRANSIT: full reconstruction of 5th / Forbes
8. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE HUBs: development a prototypical hub with energy,
bike share, stormwater and parking - either a garage or lot or both
9. STORMWATER PARKS: 5th & Dinwiddie, Tustin Street, Hillside, Watson Alley, Highway Park
(around Birmingham Bridge)
10. DISTRICT ENERGY: installation of Solar PV, battery storage, CHP and digester gas power
generation systems interconnected by a micro grid to ensure secure electricity supply to Uptown
11. Performance: installation, maintenance and monitoring of smart sensors and real-time data

92. HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT???
> Federal, State, Local funding opportunities
• Federal resources expected to be directed to BRT and related infrastructure
• Local funding required for Federal match
• Competitive state programs (RACP, GTRP, MTF, LIHTC, etc)
> Utilize the DCED Neighborhood Assistance Program
• Competitive program
> NID / BID
• Requires agreement of major institutions and business owners
> Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing
• Requires changes to State regulations
> Carbon Trading
• Requires changes to State regulations
> District Energy Micro-Grid Financing
• Requires changes to State regulations
> TRID / Value Capture
> Pay for Success Social Impact Bond

93. Pay for Success – social impact bond for
Green Infrastructure
Create mechanism to capture some of the anticipated value to help pay for the improvement

94. Property Assessed Clean Energy
Financing
 Voluntary assessment on property to
pay for efficiency, renewable energy
and water conservation projects
 Can pay for 100% of hard & soft costs
with financing up to 20 years
 Can be combined with other programs
– impact of TRID unclear
 Filed as a lien on property – PACE
financing stays with property
 Surrounding states have access to this
mechanism
 May be possible through existing
statutory structures such as
Neighborhood Improvement Districts
 TRID impact unclear – it is not a TIF –
more like a special assessment
This structure may be available for green infrastructure such as
green roofs and site specific improvements

95. Carbon trading
California carbon auction – now linked with Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba
Can Pittsburgh participate on its own?

96. > ?
Today, a community facing a lot of challenges, some traditional and some unique

97. > ?
Imagine an Uptown / West Oakland that puts new technologies & design techniques to
work for the community and serves as a model for community revitalization

98. > ?
Promoting EcoInnovation through technologies & design approaches

99. > ?
Linked to innovative financing mechanisms to capture the benefits and support some of
the capital costs

100. > ?
And supporting job development by linking job training for new construction technology

101. We are currently working on ways to ensure these things happen.
Want to learn more? Visit ecoinnovationdistrict.org

102. THANK YOU! > ?