Sep 5, 2007 4:59 pm US/Eastern
Hill Groups Want All To Benefit From Development
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
A coalition of pastors from Pittsburgh's Hill District met with reporters to talk about discussions regarding the new arena for the Penguins.
Several community groups have been in talks with public officials and the Penguins about development in the area.
The groups want to devise a community benefits agreement where all parties involved win.
"When we get a victory, it's a victory for the Penguins, it's a victory for the city, it's a victory for the community," the Rev. Johnnie Monroe, of Hill Ministers, said. "When we do that we all come out as winners."
The pastors say they're seeking comprehensive representation in all facets of development from destruction to construction.
"You have the construction jobs, you have professional contracting and then you have the permanent jobs when it's all said and done they're not...there's a lot of new jobs...and the real issue is all of those issues," County Executive Dan Onorato said.
The Penguins have been given about 28 acres to develop. All Hill District groups want the team, county and city's help in spurring future development in their neighborhood.
"I think it's clear that both groups have stressed the importance of the opportunity that's here and we agree to not repeat what happened in the 60's when Mellon Arena was built and that's really what our goal is," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said.
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