The Pittsburgh Civic Design Coalition

Q2. How do you address the environmental concerns of our combined sewer system and aging infrastructure?

DeSantis: You have to go back to the source of these problems and to my mind the source of our sewer and aging infrastructure problems can be traced to a lack of political will to do the right thing. The problems with our sewers and infrastructure did not emerge overnight. Those problems were not brought to light by some natural catastrophe or caused by some external event beyond our control. They have been on the table for years and in some cases decades. Yet, it was far more expedient politically to continue spending tax dollars as if Pittsburgh was still a city of 500,000 than it was to adjust our expectations to the shrinking tax base. Once we right our fiscal ship, we can undertake the kind of long term strategic planning necessary to get these problems under control.

Ravenstahl: We must think regionally to address the concerns about our infrastructure. Our new sustainability coordinator will be working on a plan to create to address environmental concerns specifically.

Q3. What is the role of the Department of City Planning and where does the Master Plan come in?

Ravenstahl: My Department of City Planning has several major roles in City government.

They work to quantify the health and vitality of City neighborhoods. They establish the framework within which the City resources are used to ensure that buildings are appropriately designed and that our resources are appropriately distributed. To that end, the Planning Department advises me on policy and strategy to revitalize, stabilize and support all necessary developments and enables me to leverage resources in a way that enhances the public safety and general welfare of all City residents.

Master planning is an important part to any City Planning Department. For years Pittsburgh has not had a true citywide Master Plan. Through the SNAP- Sector Neighborhood Asset Profile- I have laid the framework for a comprehensive neighborhood development strategy that will be our version of the City’s Master Plan.

DeSantis: I have proposed merging the City Planning Department with the URA. Under my administration the Planning Department will drive all development decisions, and the URA will be tasked with implementing the decisions made by Planning.

The Master Plan is the framework that should guide the Planning Department and the Planning Commission in their consideration of potential planning projects. We have to make sure that the Master Plan is sufficiently flexible to meet changing development needs without throwing all standards out the window. We should not be circumventing our own standards such as calling a single building with two addresses two buildings so as to avoid the necessity of installing sprinkler systems, as the newspapers have reported this administration to have done. The integrity of the Master Plan and the building code is a function of the integrity of those who administer the planning function. We should make sure that the people we put in those positions understand the importance of standards.

Q4. What are your plans to accelerate neighborhood development over the next two years, especially in our disenfranchised neighborhoods?

DeSantis: Neighborhood development will be a joint effort between the citizens of the neighborhoods and the City Planning Department. As part of the economic development plan I recently announced I will focus on building a minority economic development partnership that will assist aspiring minority entrepreneurs from all across the city of Pittsburgh in starting their own businesses. As part of this plan, we will open centers where individuals can undertake classroom learning and workshops on how to start and run businesses, as well as learn about how to receive micro-financing, grants, and loans for their new businesses. I plan on starting this initiative regardless of whether or not I win the election on November 6th.

Ravenstahl: My plans to accelerate neighborhood development are already underway. My residential tax exemption program enables a ten year, 100% tax exemption for new construction, conversion or rehabilitated residential units of up to $250,000 for Downtown and 27 other City neighborhoods. This tax exemption program not only stimulates the market for new residents, but leverages private investment, eliminates blight, promotes workforce and affordable housing, builds on existing momentum, complements development activity and provides spin-off economic development benefits as well. This is a program that allows for maximum benefit at minimum cost. At the end of the program, there will be $55 million in new property value in addition to more than $500,000 in new City property taxes. And the cost is negligible—total property tax loss per year less than $10,000. To encourage economic development and enable revitalization in our neighborhoods, I helped to negotiate a deal so that the City of Pittsburgh was able to buy back the liens on 11,000 properties for $6.5 million, approximately one-tenth of the original cost. The City is also offering grants of up to $5000 to businesses or commercial property owners located in any neighborhood commercial district for storefront improvements.

My administration is ensuring the future sustainability of Pittsburgh neighborhoods with the help of SNAP - Sector Neighborhood Asset Profile (SNAP), created by the City Planning staff. It is designed to be a snapshot of each neighborhood in the City of Pittsburgh which will include information such as census data, existing physical conditions, transportation, and amenities. These snapshots will provide baseline data for each neighborhood, which will then become a foundation for future planning efforts.

Q5. Would you consider appointing architects and other design professionals to the Planning Commission?

Ravenstahl: We currently do not have architects or other design professionals on the Planning Commission because they have their own panel of architects and design professionals called the Contextual Design Advisory Panel. However as vacancies occur on the planning commission I will consider any and all qualified applicants for seats on the planning commission, including architects and other design professionals.

DeSantis: Absolutely. My administrations will strive to hire the best and most qualified candidates for positions across all of city government. Having architects and design professionals on the board would be a great way to reach our sustainable economic development goals.

Q6. Fix-it first is a tenet of sustainability—what are your thoughts on the adaptive re-use of Mellon Arena?

DeSantis: Adaptive re-use of Mellon Arena makes a lot of sense, but we must first engage with the citizens of the Hill District to receive their input on ideas for the Mellon Arena site. One idea I have would be to use parts of the existing Mellon Arena site as a sort of urban park. A park built in and around part of the Mellon Arena site would be unique, and it would give the Hill District residents more green and park space which is severely lacking in that part of the city.

Ravenstahl: I look at the entire 28-acre site on which the Mellon Arena currently sits as a way to rebuild the Hill District and the city itself. I am committed to a plan that will ensure the highest and best use of all the land on the site.

Q7. How do you plan to stimulate neighborhood retail development?

Ravenstahl: I have put into place the storefront renovation project in which the City offers grants of up to $5000 to businesses or commercial property owners located in any neighborhood commercial district for storefront improvements. I am also, by various means, making neighborhoods cleaner and safer. Through “Green Up Pittsburgh” I am cleaning up vacant lots and making them green spaces. I have added beat cops to business districts to make them safer and ensure that residents feel safe when shopping in their neighborhood business districts. I am in the process launching a Market Value Analysis which creates a revolutionary analysis guided by data-driven framework. The tool uses cluster analysis groups to link areas together according to their similar characteristics, distinguishing dissimilar groups from one another and reducing cumbersome data to manageable amounts of analytical information. The MVA will tell policy leaders and private investors where and how to invest limited resources, with the goal of leveraging dollars to provide the maximum benefit for each market cluster. I have other initiatives that also indirectly help neighborhood retail development such as the streamlined permitting process as well as:

Technology Seeding Grants: Grants of up to $10,000 are available to businesses located in targeted areas for technology-related business investments.
Façade Restoration Financing: Forgivable 0% interest loans of up to $30,000 are available for building façade restoration projects or new construction in targeted commercial districts.
Small Business Financing: The URA offers market rate or below market rate loan financing from $10,000 to $2,000,000 for working capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, and real estate development.
City Real Estate Tax Exemption: Every City of Pittsburgh business is eligible for real estate tax exemptions of up to $50,000 per year for five years for commercial real estate improvements.

DeSantis: Neighborhood retail development will be part of my plan to revitalize some of our neighborhoods with a mix of commercial, residential, and retail development. My vision is to have several neighborhoods designated as “live, work, play” zones where there will be a mix of housing and office space options to go along with an eclectic mix of retail establishments.

The city should work with neighborhood groups on streetscape and façade improvement projects. In order to assist neighborhood retail development, it is essential that we work to make the area around retail establishment attractive, in order to encourage people to shop there. Finally, my plan to eliminate taxes on businesses in their first three years would encourage potential retail owners to take the risk of starting their own business.

Q8. What is your plan to reform real estate taxes to be fair and equitable?

DeSantis: In order to get more people to stay and move to the City of Pittsburgh, we must reduce the property tax burden. To get to property tax reduction, however, we must first get the city on sound financial footing. The other day I announced my Financial Recovery Plan for the City of Pittsburgh, in that plan, I announced spending cuts, consolidation of some city services, and increased efficiency to get us out of the hole. I also announced a plan to start reducing property taxes in the fourth year of my recovery plan.

Another prerequisite for property tax reduction is that we must grow the tax base, which is why I first choose to eliminate some of the taxes on new businesses that startup within the city limits. As more businesses startup in the city, and more housing options are available to city residents and those looking to move to Pittsburgh, we will begin to see an increase in our population and the number of businesses operating inside the city. This new tax base will allow us to reduce the tax burden on citizens and businesses while being able to spend more of our tax revenues on city services such as public safety and public transit, as well as capital projects such as infrastructure improvements.

Ravenstahl: I will continue to work with the County and Commonwealth on meaningful real estate tax reform.

Q9. What is your position on creating legislation for a moratorium on memorials in light of two memorial projects proposed for significant sites in the city?

Ravenstahl: To my knowledge there has been no such legislation submitted, but I would give it thoughtful review. As a general rule, however, I encourage memorial projects as they play an important role in society and recognize those who have contributed to Pittsburgh in a meaningful way. Remembering the history of our City and those who built it is of great importance to me.

DeSantis: To the best of my knowledge, there is not an overabundance of memorials in Pittsburgh. In general, I will always seek the highest and best use for significant sites in the city. However, I also believe it is important to recognize those who have made a lasting impact on our city.

Q10. Sustainability also includes issues of equity and cultural practice. Will you articulate how you will influence how this city works, plays, and lives to embrace both equity and cultural change?

DeSantis: The first way I would address the cultural divide here in Pittsburgh is that I want to make sure that there is economic development for ALL Pittsburghers. I will do this through a focus on making Pittsburgh the best city for minority entrepreneurs. I will also make sure that ALL Pittsburghers have a seat at the table when it comes time to talk about development projects happening in their respective neighborhoods. However, it is not enough for minorities and women to be appointed to boards, they must be put in significant decision-making positions.

Probably the most important aspect of embracing the diversity and equity issue is my focus on making the Pittsburgh Public Schools the best urban school district in the country. Each and every child in all of our neighborhoods needs to have access to a quality public education and I will make sure that this becomes a focal point of my administration.

Ravenstahl: When I first became Mayor and traveled into the many neighborhoods, I discovered first-hand how diverse Pittsburgh really is. Diversity is part of our City’s history and our strength. Strong, vital cities see diversity as the rich resource that it is. In order to chart the future of Pittsburgh as a strong and vibrant City, we must do a better job at embracing diversity. If this is America’s ‘Most Livable City,’ it has to be that way for everyone. I believe that we have to lead by example, and for me, diversifying the City’s workforce is a priority. In the past year, we have made strides in our goal to create a City workforce that represents the people in which it serves. Currently we have the most diverse Board’s and Commissions in this City’s 250 year history. We’ve made progress, but we still have a long way to go. It's going to take time to get there. We are doing what we can do to ensure an environment in our City that focuses on retaining a diverse workforce. To that end, I’ve created a position to develop, implement and monitor our equal employment opportunity plan and employment practices. Our Equal Employment Opportunity Officer will design and conduct a recruitment campaign. This special position targets the application process to ensure that we have minorities and women applying.

I have helped the City achieve Minority and Women Business participation levels of 24% in minority & women participation in development contracting. This has amounted to over $122 million in contracts awards in last 4 years. I am also working closely with minority stakeholders in Pittsburgh’s communities. Some examples are the Oak Hill Project, our Faith Based initiatives as part of my public safety action plan and the DiverseCity Festival which was a huge success. It was a terrific effort to unite and grow the region. Additionally, my office is now involved with the Western PA Diversity Initiative. It’s a consortium of diverse professionals across disciplines that serve as a resource to the region’s employers on the benefits of the region to attract and retain other professionals of diverse backgrounds. If we are going to build a Pittsburgh for the future, we have to change our way of thinking. We must be proactive – set the example.

Q11. Other cities have worked with their state governments to designate their waterfronts as public property and required all new waterfront development to provide access for the general public. Do you agree with this idea, and if so, how can we achieve this?

Ravenstahl: Rethinking our riverfronts as some of Pittsburgh’s most valuable assets is a large component of my redevelopment strategy. We are committed to the highest and best use of our lands including access to our riverfront.

DeSantis: I agree with the idea that we must preserve our riverfronts and build access to the new riverfront parks that will be among the best in the nation for attracting visitors, promoting health and the arts, and also providing a better quality of life and civic pride among all Pittsburghers.

Q12. The casino and the arena are examples of neighborhoods having to force their place at the table. How will future development begin with neighborhood input and not after major decisions are made?

DeSantis: The mayor’s approach is not the one I will take when addressing the concerns of the residents in the neighborhoods that will be affected by major development projects, or any development projects for that matter. In my administration, we will not make decisions and then go to the neighborhoods and pretend to listen to their concerns. We will ask for and, most important, we will consider input from the residents of the affected neighborhoods before making any decisions. No decision will be made until neighborhood concerns are addressed and there is considerable discussion on the impact and repercussions of major neighborhood developments.

Ravenstahl: Community groups always have a place at my table. Residents of the Northside, Hill District and the City of Pittsburgh are and have been involved in the planning processes of the casino and arena and will continue to be invited to do so. Additionally, I am in the process of holding a series of Neighborhood Forums to better understand the residents’ issues and concerns and proactively work together to provide solutions.

Q13. What is your vision for the future of Pittsburgh?

Ravenstahl: Pittsburgh is once again one of America’s most livable city’s and I will make sure it stays that way for all of the city’s residents. In order to accomplish that, I have four fundamental objectives to keep Pittsburgh livable: an aggressive public safety action plan, 21st century jobs and economic development, accountable and customer-first delivery of services, and a back-to-basics approach to neighborhood quality of life issues.

DeSantis: My vision for Pittsburgh is one of an economically vibrant and growing city. I see a city where government has learned to do more with less. I see a city that reduces taxes on its homeowners, wage earners and businesses, encouraging more people to live here and more businesses to start here. I see a city where our streets are safe once again and our children are getting a first class education. I see a city that keeps its promise to provide a pension to its workers and retirees. Finally, I see a city where faith has been restored in our government leaders. In short, I see Pittsburgh becoming all that it can be – one of the greatest cities in the world.

Q14. What do you see as the role of the Historic Review Commission?

DeSantis: Pittsburgh is a city with rich history. That history can be seen in many of our buildings. It is essential as we grow and progress as a city, that Pittsburgh retains its character and history. The Historic Review Commission plays an essential role in ensuring that we as a city never lose touch with our rich history.

Ravenstahl: To carryout and preserve the history and identity of the City of Pittsburgh while making room for new visions and ideas of what our City can and should be.

Q15. Specifically, who are/would be your senior advisers in the areas of planning, design, and development?

Ravenstahl: Pat Ford, Noor Ismail and the Contextual Design Advisory Panel

DeSantis: It would be premature at this point for me to make any decisions regarding who will be my advisors in the areas of planning, design and development – or any other area of city government. Following the election, I will have a comprehensive transition effort that will engage in a truly national search for the best prospects for department directors and other senior advisors. In the areas of planning, design and development, I assure you that I will consult closely with the Civic Design Coalition before hiring anyone, and your counsel on these positions will play a significant role in any decision.

Q16. Visionary planning and good design are essential ingredients for revitalizing and sustaining our urban centers. As Mayor, how will you engage the citizens of Pittsburgh in developing a planning vision for our City's future?

DeSantis: I am a believer in setting big goals when creating a vision, whether it is a vision for a city or for a business enterprise. If we do not think and dream big, we will not return to being a city on the cutting edge of culture, technology, and commerce. We must ask ourselves “Who do we want to be? What do we want to be?” An example is a recent suggestion I made for Pittsburgh to become the “Greenest” city in the United States. How do we achieve that vision? My job first and foremost is to make sure that city government is setting the tone and leading by example. I suggested that to make Pittsburgh the greenest city, I would start by making us the greenest government. Additionally, in order to achieve a goal such as becoming the greenest city, for example, I would work with the leaders and subject matter experts from our local institutions. In this case it would be the Green Building Alliance and Sustainable Pittsburgh, with whom I would work to develop a roadmap for making Pittsburgh a truly green and sustainable city.

Ravenstahl: I am already engaging citizens in the planning process. My administration reinstituted the practice of using neighborhood planners in the Department of City Planning. This approach divides the City into sectors and has a planner devoted to each sector to develop a plan that works the best for that neighborhood. The neighborhood planner acts as a conduit of information from the community to the appropriate people in my administration.

Q17. What efforts will you pursue to solve our storm challenges with landscape and surface solutions rather than bigger pipes?

Ravenstahl: I have hired a sustainability coordinator who will be located in the URA. The sustainability coordinator will be charged with, among other things, making sure that we are using appropriate principles in any development property.

DeSantis: If we are going to be the greenest city in America, we need to search for green solutions to our storm water and waste water challenges. Our city is blessed with a wealth of experts in the area of green technologies and green solutions. I will enlist the help of these experts to develop some “out-of-the-box” solutions to these problems. The key to finding green solutions to our storm and waste water challenges is to have leaders who proactively seek creative solutions to those problems. It is imperative that our leaders stop relying on the old tried and true solutions and start seek new, innovative ones.

One such solution might be the encouragement of the installation of green roofs. Rapid runoff of storm waters from roofs often overwhelms our storm water system. Green roofs have the capability to lessen such runoff through retention of water and slowing the flow of water off the roofs. Green roof covers on large commercial properties can be particularly effective at reducing runoff, perhaps by as much as 50%.

Q18. How do you propose to provide incentives for developers to incorporate design excellence and sustainability into their projects when the city is saddled with both debt and an upcoming pension crisis?

DeSantis: A non-monetary incentive that has been proposed in the past is to reduce building restrictions through loosening up the building code for those developers who will be building LEED certified structures. While I do believe that financial incentives for green building should be considered, our financial situation will require us to be creative when it comes to promoting sustainable building and design. Reducing the limitations on the height, size, and other restrictions is a good place to start.

Ravenstahl: I am already providing incentives for design excellence and sustainability. Through the URA the City is already offering various incentives for green building, and this is just beginning. The sustainability coordinator will be looking into ways that we can ramp up these incentives for government funded as well as privately funded projects.