STATEMENT ON THE EXPIRATION OF THE LOWER HILL OPTION AGREEMENT

While we are disappointed by the lack of progress made on redeveloping the Lower Hill since control of the site’s development was granted to the Pittsburgh Penguins 18 years (2007) ago, we want to be sure communities most impacted by its history and future know that this remains a critical priority for the City. With the expiration of the Amended and Restated Comprehensive Option Agreement between the Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA), Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA), and Pittsburgh Arena Real Estate Redevelopment (PAR), the future of the site now rests with the public authorities who own the land. While this transition marks a significant change in the course of the site’s redevelopment, it also represents an enormous opportunity to move beyond the barriers that have hindered truly equitable progress.  

This change also places an enormous responsibility on the public agencies involved, one that calls on local leaders to act with integrity and courage. We must commit to redevelopment that not only honors Pittsburgh’s African American cultural legacy, but actively repairs the historic harm done to the Black community. That means rejecting gentrification and displacement, ensuring shared economic opportunity, and centering equity at every decision point. This is our chance to set a new, uncompromising standard for what just and inclusive development must look like. In doing so, we set a higher standard for equitable development that future generations can build upon.  

From the beginning, the structure of the original deal presented challenges that would be difficult to overcome.  We commend the SEA and URA whose staff and board members are engaging on potential next steps while committing to a path forward grounded in transparency, community input, and a shared commitment to equitable development. Real justice demands much more in the years to come, but we remain hopeful that we are starting down a path today that honors what the Hill District community has been fighting for over the past 70 years. 

~Mayor Ed Gainey

~City Council President Daniel Lavelle