Pittsburgh residents share concerns over new housing development plan

PITTSBURGH — Residents attended the Larimer Consensus Group’s meeting on Wednesday night eager to voice their opinions about East Liberty Development Inc.’s proposed new development of 14 new houses, with an estimated cost of $750,000 per unit.

“That expensive. I think it might sit around for a while,” said Daniel, a potential home buyer.

A resident who lives next to an available lot feared that new development could push older residents like himself out.

“I think it displaces a lot of people,” said Riley Arnold.

Many residents’ biggest concern about the proposed plan is the cost: roughly $750,000 for each market-rate home. The 14 units along East Liberty Boulevard would be about 1,800 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths.

“That’s like three, four times what I am looking for,” laughed Daniel.

East Liberty Development’s vision would also include four low-income homes that would cost between $180,000 and $250,000. Despite efforts to be inclusive, the Larimer Consensus Group, which represents community members, says residents feel left out.

“I think they were concerned about the density — having 14 units on your main boulevard — just their input period, because they didn’t have a beginning input,” said DeAnna Davis, a board member for the Larimer Consensus Group.

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