At the July 14, 2014 general membership meeting, Allegheny City Central Association (ACCA) will unveil a Master Plan for the commercial district at Federal Street and North Avenue. This plan is an extension of our larger Community Master Plan that highlights the importance of having a strong commercial corridor serving a diverse group of people.

Developed by Moore Design Associates and a steering committee of interested stakeholders, the plan was funded by the Pittsburgh Neighborhood Renaissance Fund with support from the Mayor’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority, and the Department of City Planning. It was administered by the Design Center through its Design Fund Program.

The goal is to ultimately transform the business district located at the intersection of Federal Street and North Avenue in Allegheny City Central into a place that draws people of all ages, one that safely accommodates vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and where the community can feel a sense of pride and ownership.

The plan is limited in scope to the region currently zoned as Local Neighborhood Commercial. It encompasses North Avenue from Arch Street to Boyle Street, and Federal Street from North Avenue to Sampsonia Way. However, the concepts and elements of the Federal and North Master Plan can be extended beyond this area, pending funding.

In order to accomplish its goals, the Federal and North Master Plan identifies specific elements that can be addressed. They fall into these categories: Intersections, Sidewalks, Infrastructure, Green Infrastructure, Buildings, Bike and Bus, Art, Site Furnishings, and Parking.

To ensure that the interests of the neighborhood were represented in the process, a steering committee worked with Moore Design Associates. The committee consisted of neighborhood residents, businesses, and cultural institutions, the Allegheny Commons Initiative, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and the Department of City Planning.

Over the course of several months, the steering committee met to brainstorm, explore options, focus ideas, and revise the plan that you will see on July 14. We encourage all residents, business owners, and representatives of organizations in our community to attend, ask questions, and offer feedback on this vision of our neighborhood. The meeting will be held at 1400 Buena Vista Street at 7:00 pm.