Neighbor:

We are writing to alert you that a decision will be made on Monday 23, behind closed doors, on the future of Hunt Armory that will impact the surrounding schools, neighborhood and other community organizations. This is not the open process you expected.

1. We have learned that a high density apartment complex is a finalist proposal, against almost universal community input against such an idea at earlier ‘open’ meetings.  Over 100 apartments that would change the historic armory and create traffic, parking, and general disruption to the area.

2. Another final proposal is a community center that would be an Ice Rink, walking/running track, practice rinks, café, and rooms for fitness classes that would serve all age groups, communities in the city, and all schools and groups.  Walking and biking distance of Highland Park.

3. Special interests are now pushing this process behind closed doors with little public knowledge or input.  An opaque selection committee actually will choose the final recommended proposal on the 23^rd. The public URA meeting on 12/10 is only to vote on this proposal…. So the deal is to be done … quietly… by Monday!

TAKE ACTION NOW!:   Everyone needs to take action --- takes 1-2 minutes!

1. Simply  email the emails below stating you oppose the high density apartments and support the community center/ice rink – you can send 1 email and just send it to everyone at once.

2. IMPORTANT: Come to community meeting on Thursday, the 19^th, 6:30pm, at Calvary Church. URA, Mayor’s office and press will be at this event! As will developer.

Key points:

• Concern that special interests and money will influence outcome for high density apartments and not the community ice ring complex
• The only interest served by the apartments are the profits of the apartment owner, NOT the community
• Ice Rink complex provides amazing resource in city that otherwise you have to go to suburbs
• Negative impact on property values as massive influx of apartments lowers value of surrounding privately owned rentals and then surrounding single family homes.
• Ice Ring Complex raise quality of urban living in east end… and thus property values and interest to be here
• URA is supposed to operate for the community and city interest… not the interest of private developers.
• Sacred heart school kids have played on street for 60+ years.  This will end.
• Hunt Armory served the community for 100 yrs and is an historic landmark building.  It’s future use should keep the building intact and serve the community.
• High density apartments will gut building to the façade.  Other proposal keeps the historic building intact

This is our only opportunity to make a huge difference in our community. Take action now!

All information on this project is Buried in public websites and extremely hard to find… Why?

You can read about each of the 3 options here:  http://pittsburghpa.gov/district8/meetings-resources

You can continue to email the Councilman directly at daniel.gilman@pittsburghpa.govwith additional comments that will also be sent to the selection committee.

Additionally, you can email your thoughts and comments to the URA board members at the email addresses below:

Kevin Acklin: kevin.acklin@pittsburghpa.gov
Ed Gainey: egainey@pahouse.net
Jim Ferlo: jferlo159@verizon.net
Daniel Lavelle: daniel.lavelle@pittsburghpa.gov
Cheryl Hall-Russell: challrussell@hillhouse.org

Michael Malloy

Lifelong Resident of Highland Park and Shadyside