Apr 27, 2007 10:52 am US/Eastern
Pens, Community Group To Meet Over Arena Plans
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The Penguins' new arena promises to bring new life to the Hill District, but one community group wants to make sure the neighborhood gets a fair shake.
The first of many meetings between the Penguins, the Hill District community group and officials plans to address minority participation and representation.
The Hill District group wants the Sports and Exhibition Authority and the Penguins to provide $10 million for the development, in addition to 30 percent of the jobs related to arena construction.
"I think we're in a situation to give them a seat at the table. We're in a position to discuss the issues that they've brought up with us," Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. "I think we're in a position to ensure that the development that happens here has input from the community and that we are able to as government leaders to put the resources in place."
Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato are expected to attend today's meeting.
The group wants to make their demands part of the 30-year arena lease agreement that's still being negotiated between the SEA and the Pens.
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