University Times

Proposed updates to the University’s master plan and a zoning change request that would allow Pitt to expand student housing at Bouquet Gardens are continuing their path through Pittsburgh city government.

The two items were approved at yesterday’s City Council standing committee meeting and will move next to a full council vote, which is expected later this month.

A May 6 public hearing drew no public comment on the plans, which were approved in February by the city Planning Commission. (See Feb. 4 University Times.) At the hearing, Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Eli Shorak said the University plans to add 150-180 beds to undergraduate housing, although the project is still in the design phase.

To facilitate the expansion of Bouquet Gardens, the University seeks to rezone property at 315 Oakland Ave. from its current high-density residential zoning to the educational/medical institution district designation. The site contains a house that had been used as office space. The University purchased the parcel from Children’s Hospital earlier this year for nearly $1.4 million.

Pitt’s master plans are posted online at www.facmgmt.pitt.edu.

—Kimberly K. Barlow