New housing project planned for Eliza Street on Hazelwood Green | The Homepage

Also: Hazelwood Green zoning changes, ballot measures, political ads and Percent for Art

By Juliet Martinez, managing editor

Residents gathered on April 8 for Hazelwood Initiative’s monthly community meeting. They learned about Hazelwood Green planned housing updates. Presenters also informed them about a proposed zoning amendment and civic engagement opportunities. The meeting provided updates on several projects that will shape the neighborhood’s future.

A preliminary idea of what the apartment development planned on Eliza Street might look like. Garfield-based Modular Housing will build the units priced for moderate-income tenants. Rendering courtesy of Modular Housing

Modular housing on Eliza Street

Garfield-based Module Housing unveiled plans for a development building near Hazelwood Green Plaza. The project will stand between two affordable housing developments by TREK Developer.

It offers what planners call “missing middle” housing. This housing bridges the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. The planned three-story structure will feature 30 one- and two-bedroom units. These will be affordable for households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Module’s

Module Housing’s chief operating officer is Marquise Cofer. He said the company does a lot of hiring through Trade Institute of Pittsburgh. This organization provides job training for residents facing employment barriers. He encouraged Hazelwood residents to contact them if they want to work in the trades.

“We think it would be really meaningful to have people from this neighborhood building homes for this neighborhood,” Mr. Cofer said.

Residents asked if the building’s design will blend with the Trek buildings. Project leaders said they will work with Trek’s architects to harmonize the design. To learn more about Module’s construction methods, email info@modulehousing.com. They offer monthly tours of their facility in Carnegie.

Public art selection process begins

Kevin Kunz from the city’s Department of Planning updated participants on the Percent for Art initiative. This program has a budget of $120,000 for permanent public artwork in Hazelwood. A selection committee of community members will review artist proposals this spring. They will choose the artist. The artist will then include residents in developing concepts reflecting neighborhood history and identity.

Mr. Kunz said the artwork will be on city-owned property to ensure its permanence. Residents suggested locations near key neighborhood landmarks during earlier engagement sessions. The department continues to welcome input online at engage.pittsburghpa.gov/phad-projects/hazelwood-public-art. Contact City Planning Public Art Program staff by emailing pacd@pittsburghpa.gov.

Protecting public water

Megan Niebler of Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services spoke about a referendum question that will be on the May 20 ballot. It would change the city charter to keep private companies from buying Pittsburgh’s water system. Any future sale or lease would need voter approval.

“Private systems typically charge customers 30% more while providing less transparency,” Ms. Niebler said.

She urged residents to vote “yes” on the question on May 20 to maintain local control of water services. The referendum has drawn support from community groups across the city.

Zoning change clarifies use rules

Austin Gelbard represented Hazelwood Green master developer Tishman Speyer. He presented a technical but important zoning amendment. The proposal would change the zoning document that governs the former brownfield. These changes will line up that document with changes made last year to the site’s master plan.

The change is from “primary” to “sole” for industrial uses on certain blocks. It will allow industrial businesses to be the only use on certain parcels. Mr. Gelbard said this offers flexibility to industrial operations that might need to occupy a whole block.

“This isn’t about changing what’s allowed in these areas,” he clarified. “It’s about making sure our zoning matches the vision we’ve already established in the master plan.”

The change requires city council approval but does not involve rezoning any parcels.

Political ad policy clarified

During community announcements, residents asked about political advertisements in The Homepage’s April issue. Hazelwood Initiative Inc. Executive Director Sonya Tilghman said that the newspaper accepts paid political ads. They must clearly display the words, “Paid political advertisement.”

The organization does not endorse candidates, Ms. Tilghman said. Hazelwood Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must remain nonpartisan. This policy ensures the newspaper remains an open forum.

The discussion prompted suggestions for future election coverage, including candidate questionnaires for the November general election. Volunteer reporters for The Homepage have been covering the mayoral election. They have been attempting to secure interviews with mayoral candidates. with varying degrees of success. Learn more about the mayoral race on Page 1, and The Homepage’s advertising and editorial policies on Page 2.

Anti-violence partnership

Presenters also spoke about the ReCAST violence prevention program. See Page 1 for the full story.