Pittsburgh officials consider options for old VA hospital in East Liberty

Pittsburgh city officials are considering a number of options for the vacant Veterans' Hospital in East Liberty.

The former hospital on Highland Drive is abandoned and the lot is overgrown, but Target 11 learned the city is interested in revitalizing the property.

“We are actively engaged in conversations with the federal government about that acquisition and our hope is that we can cut through the red tape and bureaucracy to unlock that for future investments,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, who represents the district.

Doyle said some veteran groups have expressed interest in the old hospital and 24 buildings on the 168-acre site, but admits the city’s plan is enticing.

“(It’s) a huge property and obviously there’s a lot of potential up there, and we want to see something good happen,” Doyle said.

Target 11 learned the city is considering a number of options for the site, including a multi-jurisdictional public safety training facility to replace the outdated training center just below the old hospital on Washington Boulevard.

Another possibility is relocating the city garbage trucks and auto repair shop from the Strip District to the old hospital, freeing up prime property along the Allegheny River.

Officials said all of this will ultimately be part of the master facility plan the city commissioned about a year ago to take inventory of all city property and determine what to keep and what to get rid of.

The plan could also be controversial. It will recommend consolidating some city services, possibly police and fire stations, and relocating others.

The mayor’s chief of staff said any decisions on closing and relocating city services won’t be made without community and union involvement. That report is expected to be out this week.

Cox Media Group