Development Study

There are tens of thousands of commuters that pass through the South Hills Junction T stop each day. But Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Rob Stephany says those commuters typically don’t take notice in their surroundings, since there is no reason for them to do so. Stephany sees potential there. A $227,000 study funded by the State Department of Community and Economic Development could draw a connection between the local light rail stop and economic development within its surrounding neighborhoods of Mount Washington, Beltzhoover and Allentown. By looking at national trends, Stephany says practical ideas for the area could include building park and ride lots, developing a convenience stops that sell newspapers and coffee, and building apartment complexes nearby. Pittsburgh officials are inviting proposals from urban planning and transportation consultants to study possible developments.