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Pittsburgh City Council

Lot sale sparks tense discussion about Council’s rights.

Written by Amy Whipple

  • The proposed bill would allow the City to sell the old Office of Municipal Investigations building in the Strip District to the URA for $1.
  • The cooperative agreement allows the URA to sell the building to a desired bidder, which considers both money offered and proposed usage.
  • Buildings sold by the City require sale to the highest bidder. They cannot make a decision that considers the bidder's intended usage.
  • According to Council Budget Director McDevitt, the City remains responsible for maintenance until the URA sells the property. The City will receive 20% of proceeds.
  • Councilmember Gross expressed concern about Council’s ability to sell to the URA with a simple vote. She said State law mandated that similar properties (for example, Hazelwood Library and Enright Park) had to have a public hearing and a hearing in Orphans Court.
  • Councilmember Gross requested that the Law Department review the bill prior to Council vote.
  • Legislative and Policy Director Geiger said those rules likely do not apply to this property, but the office will check to be sure.
  • Councilmember Wilson, whose district the building is in, expressed frustration in delaying the vote.
  • Councilmember Warwick wanted to know who was requesting sale of the building and who wants to acquire it. She said it would be “good sense to hang onto a property.”
  • By Director McDevitt’s estimate, the building has gone unused for between 10-20 years. It would take “millions of dollars” to restore it for use.
  • Councilmember Kail-Smith expressed concern about setting a precedent that would allow for a backdoor deal with a developer.
  • Council ultimately affirmed the sale
  • Yes: Councilmembers Coghill, Strassberger, Wilson, Lavelle, Charland, and Mosley
  • No: Councilmember Gross
  • Abstain: Councilmembers Warwick and Kail-Smith

Connections to this story

Topics:
Housing & Land UseGovernment & Accountability
Governments:
Pittsburgh City Council
Public meetings:
City Council · June 3, 2025
Sources:
Resolution 2025-1848 — authorizing the Mayor and the Director of the Department of Finance to execute a quit claim deed or deeds, and any…

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