Jun 5, 2007 8:17 am US/Eastern
Residents Air Concerns About New Arena
by Paul Martino
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Hill District residents packed a meeting at Mellon Arena last night to hear the latest plans for the Penguins new arena and to find out what changes this $290 million facility will bring to their neighborhood.
The Penguins' new arena will be built just across the street from Mellon Arena.
Some of those in attendance said they didn't want to see the same thing happen to their community as when Mellon Arena was built. They said that construction project had a devastating effect on the Hill District – driving out thousands of residents and failing to live up to the promise of more development for the community.
At times, last night's discussion became heated and emotional.
"It's an honest effort," Don Carter, a consultant hired the Penguins told the crowd of the public meeting. "If you don't believe it's an honest effort, then you shouldn't participate."
Hill District community leaders say the new arena should have a positive impact on the region and live up to its promises.
More such meetings are expected to be held throughout the planning process.
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