Schenley Farms Civic Association
PITTSBURGH, PA
Dr. Linda S. Lane, Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools 341 S. Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Dear Dr. Lane: There is broad consensus among the residents of Schenley Farms that the School District should engage in a national marketing effort to attract a buyer for Schenley High School. The property deserves nothing less than to be brought to the attention of bidders who will offer the highest possible return on the sale of the property, possess experience in the redevelopment of buildings of great architectural and historical significance, and propose reuse that will be make it a complementary asset to its neighbors and all of Oakland. Our preferred use would be residential—especially condominiums, or up‐scale or market‐rate apartments—development that would be compatible with its surrounding single‐family residential use and, importantly, that would return the property to the tax rolls. We believe the best use is one that will not have a detrimental impact on the quality of life in the abutting neighborhoods, both in the long‐term operation of the development and in the short‐term period of its construction. To assure this end, we ask that the Request for Proposal clearly enumerate and require:
1. Operational standards that will ensure that the project will complement adjacent properties and the surrounding historic area; will capitalize on the architectural significance of the building; and will generate tax revenue. There will be no variances from the Pittsburgh Urban Zoning Code, and there will be strict adherence to those Code provisions that serve to protect residential properties from the detrimental effects of increased parking, traffic, noise and other adverse impacts of the redevelopment of the property. There will be a meaningful opportunity for community input. 4040 Bigelow Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1414 Phone: (412) 681-8297
2. Construction phase requirements, which will be part of a construction management plan approved by the City Planning Commission or City Council, to include regulation of days and hours of construction, traffic detours, temporary curb cuts, truck routes, parking provisions, staging areas, noise, lighting, security, and designation of an on‐site manager who will be available to resolve complaints.
We support the District in its effort to sell Schenley to eliminate the costs associated with maintaining the building and realize much needed capital. But we understand that there are some in the community who still might prefer that Schenley be re‐opened for use as a school. In the event that the District finds the funds and revisits the decision to sell the property, then we believe that the School District should be held to the same operational and construction requirements as articulated above. We look forward to the day when the Pittsburgh Public School district realizes gain from the sale of Schenley and receipt of on‐going tax revenue, and the property enjoys new life compatible with its residential neighbors and endures as an asset to the Oakland community. Sincerely, Board of Directors Schenley Farms Civic Association schenleyfarms@gmail.com
Schenley Farms Civic Association
Schenley High School Sale
From: Marimba Milliones [mailto:mmilliones@hilldistrict.org] Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 6:38 PM To: Norman Cleary; info@uptownpartners.org Cc: baltimore@hillhouse.org; jwheatle@pahouse.net; Hanson Kappelman; Holly Dick; Wanda Wilson; Kowall, Carol; rob@pfaffmann.com; Mary McDonough
Subject: Re: Future of Schenley Vision Plan Available for Comment
Hi Norman,
Thank you and I understand. However, I am sure you understand how tricky it is being involved in a community process on the periphery, and not really have an opportunity to influence the actual framework or inform and engage the public. In my conversations with residents and stakeholders, many still do not believe the building should have closed and think it should be retained as an educational facility. Many do not believe the school district should sell the building at all, but rather use it to support existing programming.
From a development perspective, it is critical for Schenley's redevelopment to take into consideration existing development efforts within the Hill District. We do not want to stymy each other's efforts unintentionally. While I believe in healthy competition, I also believe that funders and investors are looking to support synergistic planning processes and investments. Given the timeframe associated with this process, I just don’t think that was possible.
Thanks, Marimba
Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Barry & Mary Gold SHS Responses -- Fwd: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED:
From: "Gold, Barry I" <goldbi@pitt.edu> Date: June 25, 2012 1:53:03 PM EDT To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: Re: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED: Schenley High School Community Meeting June 27th.
Norman, I am not sure that we will be able to make the meeting on Wednesday. Our responses are listed below. Barry and Mary Gold 4234 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 U.S.A. voice: 412-681-0846 e-mail: goldbi@pitt.edu/maryann1gold@yahoo.com ______________________________________ QUESTIONS: USE 1. What is the use that you would most prefer for the redevelopment of Schenley High School? - condominium 2. Are there other uses that you would find reasonable? – business/office space 3. Are there uses that you would find highly undesirable? – student dorm 4. Are there uses that you would find absolutely unacceptable? CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE (regardless of use) During the construction period, there will be impact on our neighborhood. 1. What are you concerned about? (This could include, noise, equipment staging, dirt, truck routes, hours of work, parking for workers, etc.) – no concerns 2. Are there other concerns you have about the construction period? – complete in reasonable time. CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED CONCERNING THE LONGTERM OPERATION OF THE SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY (regardless of the use) There are operational concerns that must be addressed before approvals are given that include: hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, trash removal, curb cuts, traffic generation and congestion, & parking requirements. These are the things that we will have to live with forever. 1. What are you concerned about for the long-term use of the property? - no 2. Are there any other concerns you have about the way the use—any use—could have on our neighborhood? - no 1
From: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:45:48 -0400 To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED: Schenley High School Community Meeting June 27th. Dear Neighbors, Last week you should have received notice of a series of three public meetings to seriously discuss the future of the Schenley High School property. The first meeting is this Wednesday June 27th at 7:00 PM. We look forward to you joining us at UCP/Class, 4638 Centre Avenue. The future of this architectural gem and North Oakland landmark is uncertain. Your input and participation in these meetings will amplify our voice and formally register the North Oakland community’s preferences for adaptive reuse. It is also a forum for you to express any concerns that you may have about compatibility of any proposed reuse plan. Broad community participation in last November’s meeting with Councilman Peduto and representatives of the Board of Education captured the attention of Pittsburgh Public Schools. This is our opportunity to offer constructive input that, hopefully, will assist our school district to attract the right developer for the most neighborhood compatible adaptive reuse of this historic building. If you are unable to attend this week’s meeting we ask that you respond to the eight questions posed in the attached letter. It would be helpful to have your written input by 5:00 PM on Wednesday so that your comments can be represented at the meeting. On behalf of your Schenley Farms neighbors I want to thank you for your participation in this important process. Sincerely, Norman Cleary President
Schenley Farms Civic Association 4323 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1414 Phone: (412) 303-2201 <tel:%28412%29%20303-2201> FAX: (412) 894-0989 <tel:%28412%29%20894-0989> norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com <mailto:norman.cleary@cleary‐consulting.com>
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Ellen Detlefsen: Schenley High School Reuse
From: "Detlefsen, Ellen" <detleg@UPMC.EDU> Date: June 26, 2012 5:44:46 PM EDT To: "schenleyfarms@gmail.com" <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: RE: Schenley High School Reuse
1. What is the use that you would most prefer for the redevelopment of Schenley High School? * high end residential coop/condo with in-house gym facilities, parking ("classic schoolhouse conversion" that would attract older down-sizing couples, young professionals, the academic/professoriate) 2. Are there other uses that you would find reasonable? *
long term rentals for the target audience described in question 1
3. Are there uses that you would find highly undesireable? * student housing; short term rentals; transient populations; medical patient accommodations * child care centers; adult daycare; half-way house; subsidized housing * University research or teaching space
4. Are there uses that you would find absolutely unacceptable? * non-residential uses; commercial entities; any hotel/B'n'B development
5. What are you concerned about for the long-term use of the property?
* parking / traffic congestion (either during construction or ever after!) * any temporary or non-residential occupancy
Ellen Detlefsen + Charles F. Reynolds III 216 Tennyson Avenue | Pittsburgh PA 15213-1416 phone: 412-401-0298 + 412-401-0293 email: ellen@detlefsen.com<mailto:ellen@detlefsen.com> or ellen@pitt.edu<mailto:ellen@pitt.edu>
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Harry Blair & Mary Sorrells
From: hcblair <hcblair@imap.pitt.edu> Date: June 26, 2012 10:40:49 AM EDT To: SchenleyFarms@gmail.com Subject: High school
Dear Norman, We would like to see the school used by an institution, such as a University or the Carnegie museum or some such. Offices or a conference center would be OK, but ONLY if they build a parking garage. Not hundreds of people parking on our streets. Tearing it down to build student/low income housing we would find highly undesirable/unacceptable. Key issue: Parking and traffic. Not allowed to block out street, including during construction;. Other concerns: Any developer should provide assurance that there is adequate funding for the project to be finished. Not abandoned. Best Wishes, Harry Blair and Mary Sorrells 4114 Bigelow
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com FW: SHS Responses - Fwd: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED:
From: "Cassing, Shirley A" <cassing@pitt.edu> Date: June 26, 2012 11:25:28 AM EDT To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: Re: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED: Schenley High School Community Meeting June 27th.
Jim and I are unable to attend the first meeting, but have a few quick responses to the questions. 1. Our first preference would be residential development. Not necessarily upmarket condos- apartments would be okay and we're not adverse to students in the apartment, but definitely would not like to see it become a dormitory. 2. We would also be concerned about truck traffic, hours of construction, parking of workers, etc during the construction stage. 3. A final concern is noise and traffic once whatever happens to the building happens. Exterior equipment to run AC and other building operations can be especially noisy and disrupting. This was the case both with the Holiday Inn (and medical building) and the Chemistry Building fans. Sorry we can't make the first meeting, but I'll attend the other two. Best, Shirley Cassing
On Jun 25, 2012, at 7:45 PM, "Schenley Farms Civic Association" <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Neighbors, Last week you should have received notice of a series of three public meetings to seriously discuss the future of the Schenley High School property. The first meeting is this Wednesday June 27th at 7:00 PM. We look forward to you joining us at UCP/Class, 4638 Centre Avenue. The future of this architectural gem and North Oakland landmark is uncertain. Your input and participation in these meetings will amplify our voice and formally register the North Oakland community’s preferences for adaptive reuse. It is also a forum for you to express any concerns that you may have about compatibility of any proposed reuse plan. Broad community participation in last November’s meeting with Councilman Peduto and representatives of the Board of Education captured the attention of Pittsburgh Public Schools. This is our opportunity to offer constructive input that, hopefully, will assist our school district to attract the right developer for the most neighborhood compatible adaptive reuse of this historic building. If you are unable to attend this week’s meeting we ask that you respond to the eight questions posed in the attached letter. It would be helpful to have your written input by 5:00 PM on Wednesday so that your comments can be represented at the meeting. On behalf of your Schenley Farms neighbors I want to thank you for your participation in this important process. 1
Sincerely, Norman Cleary President
Schenley Farms Civic Association 4323 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1414 Phone: (412) 303-2201 FAX: (412) 894-0989
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com
<SHS Vision.pdf> <SchenleyFlyer.pdf>
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Julia Woodward
From: Julia Woodward <juliagwoodward@gmail.com> Date: June 26, 2012 9:06:06 AM EDT To: SchenleyFarms@Gmail.com Subject: questionnaire... QUESTIONS: USE 1. What is the use that you would most prefer for the redevelopment of Schenley High School?
We'd be delighted if there were an upscale condominium in our neighborhood, or an upscale retirement home. If it were a retirement home, I'd suggest looking at The Mather Homes (Evanston, IL, Tucson, AZ) as models. Pittsburgh has very few three bedroom condominiums that are really nice. If the high school were converted to three bedroom condos, it would be wonderful. All of us aging Boomers in Schenley Farms could just move across Bigelow when we have had our fill of shoveling walks! 2. Are there other uses that you would find reasonable?
If the Islamic Center were to move from its present location to the school, that would be acceptable. If Google or Rand needed a larger space, that would be acceptable. 3. Are there uses that you would find highly undesireable?
We would be very disappointed if the high school were converted to a community center or place where people were constantly coming and going. The traffic impact on the neighborhood must be considered. 4. Are there uses that you would find absolutely unacceptable?
We would consider student housing and low income housing to be unacceptable. CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE (regardless of use) During the construction period, there will be impact on our neighborhood. 1. What are you concerned about? (This could include, noise, equipment staging, dirt, truck routes, hours of work, parking for workers, etc.)
We think it is imperative that there be no construction activity between the hours of 5pm and 8am...and we would hope that the construction company would offer someone to guide traffic. 2. Are there other concerns you have about the construction period? CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED CONCERNING THE LONGTERM OPERATION OF THE SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY (regardless of the 1
use) There are operational concerns that must be addressed before approvals are given that include: hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, trash removal, curb cuts, traffic generation and congestion, & parking requirements. These are the things that we will have to live with forever.
Given the proximity of the school to our very pretty, quiet neighborhood, we would hope that the redefined property would be just as quiet and well maintained and residential-looking as the neighborhood surrounding it. We moved into this neighborhood for its beauty and quiet. We would like for that to be maintained. 1. What are you concerned about for the long-term use of the property? 2. Are there any other concerns you have about the way the useâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;any useâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;could have on our neighborhood?
We are very much concerned about the increased traffic in our neighborhood and we are concerned about where people using this building will park. Could underground parking be constructed on the site? PLEASE RESPOND ASAP IN AS MUCH OR LITTLE DETAIL AS YOU WISH, IN CRYPTIC COMMENTS, PROSE OR POETRY TO SchenleyFarms@Gmail.com Or Norman Cleary, President SFCA 4323 Parkman Avenue
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Jason Xshao Ideas via email 7/5/12 Jon Robison’s “Mary Schenley Universal School” – a school free and for all people, would be fitting and joining grand neighborhood landmarks such as the Carnegie Library, Free to the People! (not my idea, but would be great to see happen. Similar local initiatives are already in motion such as the Saxifrage School http://saxifrageschool.org/ ) Intergenerational Learning and Teaching Center – Lots of local universities to team up with and form something like the Intergenerational Center at Temple U? http://templeigc.org/ Public sector office space – local nonprofits, community organizations, neighborhood groups, block clubs, etc. Community space – event hall, ceremonies, gatherings, meetings, conventions, festivals, library Youth spaces – film studio, movie theater, practice space, performance area, athletic facilities, game rooms, workshops, community radio station, pool, bowling alley, dance hall, club meeting space Commercial and retail – restaurants, grocery store, café, historic gift shop, farmer’s market Museum – local history, Pittsburgh public schools, schenley high school, schenley family philanthropy Housing – senior living, young professionals, graduate and professional students, affordable housing Ideas Incubator – local businesses, technology startups, entrepreneurs, nonprofits Transportation – underground parking lots, bike racks, transit hub, utilize underused spaces, Zipcar Green technology – opportunity to model sustainable, adaptive reuse using green technology such as permeable pavements, rain barrels, rain gardens, natural heating/cooling, geothermal, solar, waste recycling Performing Arts – practice and performance space for local school groups such as Pitt and CMU theater programs as well as professional companies such as Attack Theater.
Norman Cleary From: Sent: To: Subject:
Laurie Klatscher <lklatscher@gmail.com> Monday, June 25, 2012 11:18 PM norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Schenley High School
Hi Norman, I cannot attend the meeting this Wednesday but will try to make another. I'm a homeowner on Schenley Farms Terrace and tried mightily to keep Schenley High School as a high school. I still think a school is a marvelous use of the space. Perhaps naively, I'm not overly concerned about additional traffic. BUT, I think it's an opportunity to improve the traffic organization of Bigelow and Center. It's a confusing, red hot mess of an intersection. Are there reasons that it has neither walk nor left turn signals? Have traffic flow and pedestrian safety been carefully considered? I'm concerned about extra trash accumulating and mounting (and ongoing) parking issues for local residents. Will its historic landmark status protect the building from unsightly restoration? My biggest hope is that this extraordinary building and neighborhood will have a special rehabilitation, befitting Pittsburgh's emerging reputation for green building and internationally perceived renaissance. Our little corner of Pittsburgh could use a boost. Look at the upturn in East Liberty, Lawrenceville and Highland Park. This is a moment for community inspiration. I'd like to be part of that conversation. Best, Laurie Klatscher 4363 Schenley Farms Terrace
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Mary McDonough
From: Mary McDonough <mmcdonough7@comcast.net> Date: June 26, 2012 10:12:23 PM EDT To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Schenley HS - opinions and meeting
USE 1. What is the use that you would most prefer for the redevelopment of Schenley High School? In the best of all possible worlds, upscale condos and a good restaurant that would: a) have a benign impact on the neighboring single-family residences, b) would put the property on the tax rolls, and c) might involve demolition of the late 20th century athletic facilities structure 2. Are there other uses that you would find reasonable?In the real world, upscale apartments that would be eligible for some kinds of tax credits that would encourage development. 3. Are there uses that you would find highly undesirable?Any use that would require a variance from parking requirements or other residential compatibility standards. Any use that would compromise the stability of nearby single-family residential neighborhoods. They pay taxes! Any use that would be incompatible with the historic character of the existing Schenley Farms Historic District (both National Register and City-designated) Subsidized housing 4. Are there uses that you would find absolutely unacceptable? Demolition and redevelopment of the site. (Remember the Syria Mosque!) Any use that would involve building additions or accessory structures outside the existing footprint of the building. Non-profit (that includes hospitals, you know!) use that would keep the property tax-exempt, e.g., dormitory, hospital, school, community center For-profit student apartments, medical facility
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE (regardless of use) During the construction period, there will be impact on our neighborhood. 1. What are you concerned about? (This could include, noise, equipment staging, dirt, truck 1
routes, hours of work, parking for workers, etc.) All of those. There must be an enforceable construction management agreement, and it must provide 24/7 contact information for someone who will resolve problems. 2. Are there other concerns you have about the construction period? That the developer have sufficient financing to complete the project.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED CONCERNING THE LONG-TERM OPERATION OF THE SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY (regardless of the use) There are operational concerns that must be addressed before approvals are given that include: hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, trash removal, curb cuts, traffic generation and congestion, & parking requirements. These are the things that we will have to live with forever. 1. What are you concerned about for the long-term use of the property? All of the operational concerns in the previous paragraph. These things must be addressed in the planning phase and the requirements must be enforceable. 2. Are there any other concerns you have about the way the useâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;any useâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;could have on our neighborhood? I see a very real possibility that thoughtless development of a very significant building could be the death a very significant neighborhood.
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP IN AS MUCH OR LITTLE DETAIL AS YOU WISH, IN CRYPTIC COMMENTS, PROSE OR POETRY TO SchenleyFarms@Gmail.com Or Norman Cleary, President SFCA 4323 Parkman Avenue
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Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com Matt & Melissa Ferrari: SHS Responses - Out of Town
From: Melissa Ferrari <melissamferrari@gmail.com> Date: June 25, 2012 5:19:37 PM EDT To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: Re: IMPORTANT! YOUR RESPONSE REQUESTED: Schenley High School Community Meeting June 27th.
We are VERY interested in being involved. Please note that we will be in London until the 30th of June. Kindly keep us informed of future developments. Matt and Melissa Ferrari Sent from my iPhone On Jun 25, 2012, at 6:45 PM, Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Neighbors, Last week you should have received notice of a series of three public meetings to seriously discuss the future of the Schenley High School property. The first meeting is this Wednesday June 27th at 7:00 PM. We look forward to you joining us at UCP/Class, 4638 Centre Avenue. The future of this architectural gem and North Oakland landmark is uncertain. Your input and participation in these meetings will amplify our voice and formally register the North Oakland community’s preferences for adaptive reuse. It is also a forum for you to express any concerns that you may have about compatibility of any proposed reuse plan. Broad community participation in last November’s meeting with Councilman Peduto and representatives of the Board of Education captured the attention of Pittsburgh Public Schools. This is our opportunity to offer constructive input that, hopefully, will assist our school district to attract the right developer for the most neighborhood compatible adaptive reuse of this historic building. If you are unable to attend this week’s meeting we ask that you respond to the eight questions posed in the attached letter. It would be helpful to have your written input by 5:00 PM on Wednesday so that your comments can be represented at the meeting. On behalf of your Schenley Farms neighbors I want to thank you for your participation in this important process. Sincerely, Norman Cleary President
Schenley Farms Civic Association 4323 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1414 Phone: (412) 303-2201 FAX: (412) 894-0989
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com
<SHS Vision.pdf> <SchenleyFlyer.pdf> 1
Norman Cleary To: Subject:
norman.cleary@cleary-consulting.com FW: SHS Responses -- Fwd: Schenley High School Reuse
From: Melissa McSwigan <melissamiller28@yahoo.com> Date: June 26, 2012 3:07:13 PM EDT To: Schenley Farms Civic Association <schenleyfarms@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Schenley High School Reuse Reply-To: Melissa McSwigan <melissamiller28@yahoo.com>
Thanks for your thorough summary, update, and questions on the re‐use of the Schenley High School that was sent to the SF neighbors! I will be attending the meeting tomorrow and here are my 2 cents as you requested. I did not answer all of your questions, but addressed a number of them. Regards, Melissa McSwigan Because we do not own the building nor have an option to develop it, I think a less narrow definition of what is acceptable may benefit us and the building better in the long run. If we made a stink about every potential use, it could make a developer less likely to get involved and the building could sit idle. I accept that we live in a residential neighborhood surrounded by various institutions. I realize finding the balance between accommodation and vigilance can be tricky. Getting the building on the tax roll with so much city land already tax exempt is of importance, but we should not over look a tax‐exempt institution (though this may mean a UPMC or Pitt/CMU). We have examples in other residential neighborhoods of schools, churches, and other structures turned into offices and community centers – presumably tax exempt entities (Wilkins School in Regent Sq, Wightman School in Squirrel Hill, and Union Project in Highland Park). As a landlord to undergrad Pitt and CMU students for over 10 years, I am not adverse to undergrads as others. And there may be ways to make this less scary. “Theme” dorms with good management, such as “dry” dorms, students who are involved in community service, honors students, etc. Also there could be a mandated mix of grad and undergrads and restrict the undergrads to juniors and seniors. Other than Pitt, it could be a possible CMU grad student dorm now that they are crossing Panther Hollow. Upscale condos seem to be a pretty narrow use – it does not even allow for rentals that would be owned/managed by a company. I believe various historic tax credits get applied if it is a rental rather than a condo if the owner holds the building for a period of 5‐7(?) years. I understand this was the case at the Armstrong Cork Factory, now turned into apartments. It will also be the case with the new development on the N. Side surrounding the former Garden Theater (I had a tour of this site last week and I feel optimistic about the developer’s plan for restaurants, apt rentals, a yoga studio, and other tenants to be determined). 1
It is my understanding that the Uptown school on 5th Ave (formerly Excel Kitchen) will also be rentals. I toured this building over a year ago and it seemed to be a positive example of adaptive reuse. A rental for people in the medical and university fields including possible interns, grad students, adjunct faculty, sabbatical replacement, etc. is very conceivable given the location. And what if it did have some other business: café, yoga /exercise studio, etc. and some offices as well. The tenants and surrounding neighbors could make use of and support these businesses. As you all probably know, Dale and Jeanne McNutt are very involved in revitalizing Uptown. They have a business incubator space and it is my understanding that they need more space (and are now partnering with the owner of the former Paramount Film Exchange building in Uptown). Various grants and tax credits go to support this. Could an incubator space also be brought to Schenley High – perhaps as an Oakland extension of what they are doing? Of course, we could all brainstorm with various mixed use ideas – from nonprofits and office space to antiques malls, day care, restaurants, rock climbing walls, a swimming pool for members, and various other businesses! As for the marketing process – I believe the quality of the marketing process will determine the quality of the actual project. I understand from Eve Picker that there are national developers interested in Pgh, but they do not know what we have available. If the marketing process used by the school is feeble and not far‐ranging, then we may have limited options. But they will say “we tried, sorry.” If there is a more aggressive RFP process going nationally and even internationally who knows what might be proposed. Yes, by all means construction phase sensitivity as well as careful thinking about long term use (parking, trash collection, etc.)! No trash collection between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am – or something like that!
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QUESTIONS:
USE 1. What is the use that you would most prefer for the redevelopment of Schenley High School? We would prefer a use that limits the risk of noise, litter, illegal parking, - such as high end residential with some retail, without tanning booths, bars, check cashing stores and such like. 2. Are there other uses that you would find reasonable? Perhaps something cultural, but this is unrealistic if the purchaser is some developer or contractor from Philadelphia hoping for a quick return. 3. Are there uses that you would find highly undesireable? Yes – low-income or student housing. It is bad enough already on Centre Avenue – on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, large groups of students screech their way down and up Centre Avenue between the dorms or frat houses at the top of the hill and their destination on Dithridge. They also do this along Bayard/Bigelow.
As the evening proceeds on there is vomit and
urination on the sidewalk as well as much litter. We don’t need more of this. 4. Are there uses that you would find absolutely unacceptable? Yes – see above - item 3.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE (regardless of use) During the construction period, there will be impact on our neighborhood. 1. What are you concerned about? (This could include, noise, equipment staging, dirt, truck routes, hours of work, parking for workers, etc.)
All this. We have already experienced heavy truck movement – huge tractor trailers transporting heavy equipment and dump trucks carrying material night and day, and inadequate erosion protection, causing mud to cascade down Centre Avenue from the reconstruction at Falk School and the VA Hospital. The construction of the Marriott and the Schenley Gardens also caused a lot of dirt on the roadway, clearly not well cleaned up as required. 2.
Are there other concerns you have about the construction period? See above. Also, even if the City cannot properly inspect and enforce the stormwater ordinances, they should be complied with – both during construction and in the long term. Construction should consider LEED certification and could be a leader in “green” renovation.
CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED CONCERNING THE LONGTERM
OPERATION OF THE SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL
PROPERTY (regardless of the use) There are operational concerns that must be addressed before approvals are given that include: hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, trash removal,
curb
cuts,
traffic
generation
and
congestion,
&
parking
requirements. These are the things that we will have to live with forever. 1. What are you concerned about for the long-term use of the property? Light pollution is a risk. Gaudy, very bright lighting is totally undesirable and Schenley lighting does affect us on Centre near Bigelow. We feel strongly that our parking limitations on Centre Avenue should be maintained in the long run. Those of us who lived here before the permit parking was established, when commuters used Centre Avenue for free parking, do not want to return to that situation.
2.
Are there any other concerns you have about the way the use—any use— could have on our neighborhood? Compare Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and the Southside
- almost barren of
trees, and try to keep our neighborhood a leafy neighborhood. While I think that nighthawks and bats have long ago left the neighborhood, thanks to our trees there is still a lot of bird life and the Schenley property trees should be protected and new trees planted. I don’t know who else has noticed, but the Madison recently cut down the sidewalk trees on Bellefield.
Stephanie Spaulding 4352 Centre Ave.
July 29, 2012 Members of the Board of Directors, Pittsburgh Public Schools: Of all of the buildings owned by the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Schenley building is the one that is the most worthwhile keeping. This building’s construction was innovative when built almost 100 years ago, and still is to this day. It is structurally sound and environmentally sustainable in design. One cannot ignore the excellent decision that was made to centrally locate the building, which allows it to be accessible by all and to all of the other attractions in Oakland, both educational and cultural. The students of the Pittsburgh Public Schools are becoming increasingly segregated, both racially and economically. Many are assigned to windowless buildings, without appropriate facilities. A centrally located building like Schenley can help to bring together students from different backgrounds. One does not walk away from buildings like Schenley. The costs of renovation are those of “legacy costs.” These are costs that have been spent on other, lesser buildings as they have had rounds of improvements that were not made available to Schenley through the years because of the excuse of the presence of asbestos. Now that excuse seems to have disappeared, those costs have plummeted. It is understood that there is not the funding to reinvest in the Schenley building at this moment in time. But, by keeping the building as part of PPS, bringing a student body to a central, accessible location can still be a possibility. It may be as one school, or many schools in one building, as has been done at the John Hay High School-‐ or John Hay Campus-‐ in Cleveland. Please do not make a quick decision, artificially imposed, upon the future of this building and its service to the students of Pittsburgh and the surrounding community. Please consider Schenley’s place in history, and your ability to keep it there. Sincerely, Jill M. Weiss
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July 28, 2012 Members of the Board of Directors, PPS: In deciding what use to make of the Schenley building, it is important to take a longer view than the standpoint of today, or next month, or next year. According to the OPDC's consultant, any long term use of the classroom portion of the building will require an investment of about $40 million. It is clear that PPS does not have an extra $40 million to spend at this time. Taking a longer view, however, other area school buildings will in the foreseeable future need renovations of that magnitude. In particular, Peabody has not been renovated for over 30 years. Peabody is also located in an area that is undergoing rapid economic development. PPS would likely do far better economically to retain Schenley for now, and at the time it would be necessary to make a large capital investment in Peabody, to instead sell Peabody and renovate Schenley. In the long run, the financial benefit of retaining this option outweighs the relatively small reduction in PPS's debt service that would be gained by selling Schenley immediately. There would also be an advantage in terms of costs and logistics by not having students attending classes in a building that is being renovated. In the meantime, East End students could use the Schenley athletic facilities. Please take the long view and retain the Schenley building at this time. Annette S. Werner