Proposal aims to bring job opportunities, affordable housing and more to Oakland

PITTSBURGH — Big changes could be coming to Oakland. The City of Pittsburgh has drafted a 10-year plan.

The project contains job opportunities and affordable housing, which includes housing for front-line and low income workers.

According to our Trib partners, the plan also proposes making the neighborhood more bike-friendly by reducing vehicle lanes on a portion of Boulevard of the Allies to allow a two-way bike lane.

A freshman at the University of Pittsburgh thinks it will make Oakland safer.

“I think it’s a great idea. I already think it’s a great area to live,” said Kylie Kowalski-Grindall. “But more bike lanes I think that will help the safety — there’s been a lot of people getting hurt and everything.”

The proposal includes increasing green spaces, improving local transit stops and enhancing amenities to attract many students to stay as permanent residents.

“I think adding green spaces and the bike lanes will help people stay longer for sure because everyone will have other things to do,” said Kowalski-Grindall.

The Trib said residents participating in the process asked to turn Oakland into a 20-minute neighborhood, where they can meet their basic needs within a 20-minute walk from their home.

“I enjoy the bus system but I think it would be a lot easier having students to be able to walk everywhere. It is kind of a hassle, especially with the construction going on and trying to get other places,” said Kowalski-Grindall.

Residents have until May 1 to share their comments on the proposal.

The city’s planning commission will vote on the plan next month. They will also vote on whether to recommend zoning changes, which would require city council approval.

Pennsylvania woman, 101, claims eating dirt secret to long life (NCD)

©2022 Cox Media Group