What’s now a vacant, semi-wooded lot will become a green space that includes “significant green infrastructure elements” to manage stormwater.

By Ashlee Green

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is planning a new green space in Brighton Heights.

According to a Nov. 13 press release from the City of Pittsburgh, the URA will enter into negotiations with the Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) to acquire an approximately 3.6-acre site, formerly the St. John’s Hospital, on McClure Avenue. 

It’s now a vacant, semi-wooded lot, but will become a “passive and active green space” which will include “significant green infrastructure elements” to manage stormwater, according to the press release. The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) will fund the green infrastructure and the ALT will steward it. The Brighton Heights Citizens Federation has endorsed the ALT’s plan.

Due to its steep topography, the former hospital site will require significant work. A preliminary design from Ethos Collaborative, contracted by the PWSA, has been approved, and ALT is now applying for funding for the green space plans. ALT’s goal with this green infrastructure project, according to the press release, is to “integrate active and passive recreation to the site as an amenity for the Brighton Heights neighborhood.”