Unassigned

One Hill Vows To Block Arena Construction

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― The One Hill Coalition is vowing to block construction for a new multipurpose arena in the Hill District until it gets what it wants.

Attorneys for the group on Wednesday appealed the City Planning Commission's approval of the arena's master plan.

"The appeal that we filed raises several procedural issues such as the absence of a planning commission member for most of the Jan. 14 hearing, undue restriction on people's ability to testify, insufficient consideration of a parking study submitted in December as well as design changes by the Penguins after public hearings," Paul Ellis, the group's attorney, said.

The group is still in negotiations with the city and Allegheny County to reach a community benefits agreement.

"Until we have a community benefits agreement, we will do everything we can to stop the construction of the new arena," Carl Redwood, a spokesperson for One Hill, said.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, D-Pittsburgh, says he's disappointed by the group's appeal.

"Truthfully I think it's unfortunate and I don't know that it was necessary, nor do I necessarily think it will be productive," he said.

The mayor also supports the planning commission's approval process.

"I'm comfortable and confident that the planning commission acted appropriately and I stand behind their decision," Ravenstahl said.

The appeal will be heard by a county judge. There'll be a full trial and essentially the One Hill Coalition will have a chance to prove the planning commission committed both procedural and substantive errors.

Meantime, negotiations are continuing for the benefits agreement and the mayor says he's committed to making it happen.

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