Pittsburgh City Council
Public Comments

August 3, 2015

Oakland's three councilmen wrote letters of support for a Texas development company seeking a variance to construct a building at 3407 Forbes Avenue. The fundamental purpose of this project is to provide student housing for the University of Pittsburgh. One month ago I wrote a letter to each councilman seeking explanations of their support. There has been no response. The executive director of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation did not respond to similar requests.

I opposed the variance at the Zoning Board of Adjustment for many reasons, but primarily because of its potentially devastating impact on the residential community and small businesses in Oakland. Unfortunately, the variance was granted.

A new paradigm has emerged with a lawsuit filed to appeal the ruling. This legal action could potentially be the prelude to a class action lawsuit to protect the heritage of Oakland's residential community and stop the university's ongoing expansion.

We all know the value a university brings to a city, but there must be a balance between the needs of the university and the needs of its host community. This council and others have placed the glory and economic benefits the university brings to this city far above the dignity of residents who are severely impacted by the university's uncontrolled growth.

Our grassroots movement began eight years ago. During that time this council has never taken an action to protect the community from the university's expansion. Years ago I asked a councilman, "Why doesn't the University of Pittsburgh do more for the community of Oakland?" His said, "You cannot force people to care." That is precisely why a community looks to the moral integrity of its elected leaders. Their job is to enact laws and protect the community from those who do not care enough.

At a recent community meeting, a longtime resident stated, "Oakland's being destroyed by too many students." This kind of sentiment, felt by Oakland residents, has been ignored by this council and others for far too long.

Changes are coming. Where will the next paradigm shift emerge? From this council enacting laws placing a moratorium on further student expansion in Oakland? From the men and women of the local and national media who will adhere to the ideals and principles of their profession? Or will it come from the leaders of the university itself who will understand that the residents of Oakland have suffered enough from the university's never-ending expansion?

Carlino Giampolo

Pitthetic: noun – a university, organization, government entity, or individual that negatively impacts a community by action or inaction; adjective – pathetic as a direct result of a university, organization, government entity, or individual's negative influence.