Commercial Redevelopment Task Force (CRTF)

About

The Commercial Redevelopment Task Force (CRTF) was established in May 2018 by the Hill CDC with Councilman Daniel Lavelle to bring together the financial community, technicians, and community development actors to align resources and coordination of technical agents to facilitate commercial revitalization in the Hill District.

The CRTF's work is guided by community plans such as the Greater Hill District Master Plan and the Centre Avenue Redevelopment and Design Plan, however, the focus is primarily to provide technical leadership and capitalization of community efforts.

2022 News

  • The Hill District was awarded $11.3M in Federal Funds for Infrastructure! Thank you, CRTF members, for driving the initiative and Senator Bob Casey, US Representative Mike Doyle, and Mayor Ed Gainey for your leadership in bringing funds to the neediest part of the neighborhood!
  • Avenues of Hope development in progress, including Salem's Market and Grill, is expected to open fall of 2023. Big Tom's Barbershop construction is still in progress.
  • Conduct feedback for the Bedford Dwelling Choice Neighborhood Plan.
  • Planning initiatives for the Centre Ave Commercial Corridor litter campaign.
  • Understanding of Registered Community Organization (RCO) ordinance and how it impacts the Hill District.

2021 News

In May, Congressman Doyle's office gave a special presentation to the Hill District Commercial Redevelopment Task Force ("CRTF") on $8 million in infrastructure requests that he has made to the federal government for the Hill District!

Congressman Doyle brought critical funding to the I-579 CAP project on the Lower Hill and is continuing to prioritize infrastructure investments throughout the rest of the Hill District. These specific requests are for updates to the Chauncey Street Steps, as well as the streets and transit corridors of Centre, Wiley, and Bedford Avenues. This includes upgrades that improve use and safety like sidewalk repair and expansion, better transit stops, curb plantings, intersection bump outs, lighting, utility connections, and more.

It is through the consistency and work of the CRTF and its more than 21 members over the last 3 years that we are seeing prioritization and focus for reinvestment and resources of this kind being brought to the Hill District community. This was the goal!

Key Areas of Focus for 2020

  • Coordinate and phase codification of the Greater Hill District Master Plan and any additional planning to align with and advance upcoming implementation
  • Streetscape for Centre Avenue to support new development and attract more development
  • Upgrade the three critical intersections along Centre Avenue, which include: Herron and Centre, Kirkpatrick and Centre, and Dinwiddie and Centre to support increased traffic and improve pedestrian safety and walkability
  • Conduct a survey of existing business owner real estate needs so that we can make upgrades and investments alongside new development
  • Address the district-wide parking solution we need to support increased development
  • Invite applicants to the Centre Avenue RFQ to meet with the CRTF to discuss their infrastructure needs and pair them with the appropriate financial and technical expertise to facilitate their projects

2018 Projects

  • Centre Avenue RFP, which later became the Centre Avenue RFQ
  • Codification of the Greater Hill District Master Plan - still in process
  • Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) for New Granada Square - still in process

Current CRTF Member List:

  • Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
  • Port Authority
  • University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center - Hill District
  • Department of City Planning
  • Department of Mobility and Infrastructure
  • Cosmos Technologies, Inc.
  • Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
  • Parking Authority
  • Duquesne Light
  • Neighborhood Allies
  • Dollar Bank
  • Hillman Foundation
  • PA Department of Community and Economic Development
  • Councilman Lavelle
  • State Representative Wheatley
  • Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections
  • Duquesne University
  • PennDOT
  • Allegheny County Economic Development
  • Amani Christian Community Development Corporation
  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation
  • Congressman Doyle

If you have any questions about the CRTF, please contact policy [at] hilldistrict.org or by calling the Hill CDC Office at 412-765-1820.

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PDF icon 2019 Achievements63.43 KB