May 10, 2008 10:47 pm US/Eastern
Neighborhood Group Approves Development Agreement
PITTSBURGH (AP) ―
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As planning continues for a $290 million arena in Pittsburgh's Hill District, neighbors say they want their voices heard.
KDKA
The One Hill Coalition has approved a community-benefits agreement aimed at guiding development around the $290 million arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The One Hill Community Benefits Agreement Coalition is made up of nearly 100 community groups representing the Hill District, a predominantly black neighborhood next to the new arena site.
The agreement approved Saturday by the coalition calls for $2 million for a grocery store, subsidies and tax credits for neighborhood projects and it gives neighborhood residents preference for arena jobs.
The Penguins, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County governments as well as other agencies must approve it.
But coalition members say the agreement represents seven months of negotiations with the parties.
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