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March 20, 1997

Compromise struck on Bigelow block

The battle of Bigelow Boulevard is over. And after all of the shouts, threats and studies, it ended in a compromise.

Sometime this fall, the city will begin a $500,000 to $750,000 redesign of Bigelow between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union that should make the street a lot more pedestrian friendly. The redesign will include a narrowing of Bigelow from 60 feet to about 30 feet, the elimination of parking on the Cathedral side of the street, improved crosswalks and traffic signals, and the planting of grass and trees on both sides of the street.

Despite last fall's successful test closing of Bigelow, some members of the University community remain skeptical about the redesign and its effects on traffic and parking in Oakland. They voiced their concerns at this week's Senate Council meeting.

"How will we accommodate a more congested traffic flow?" asked Jennifer Molluso, chair of the Student Government Board's (SGB) Bigelow Boulevard Task Force. "How will we compensate for the loss of parking? And what about the construction to narrow Bigelow? It's going to make getting to class harder and it's going to create a lot of noise." Mulluso proposed modifying the plan to address those issues, but said she doubts that City Council will reconsider the plan since Council President James Ferlo had been an outspoken opponent of closing Bigelow.

During a meeting with Ferlo last week, Mulluso said the Council president gave her the impression that no further studies are planned. She said Ferlo seemed to want to put the issue behind him.

John Stevens of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) said he was concerned about the effect the redesign of Bigelow will have on parking in Oakland.

Stevens said that when GPSA endorsed the compromise, it was with the understanding that there would be accommodations for the loss of handicapped parking on Bigelow. He said the group wants to make sure that happens.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg admitted to Senate Council that the redesign plan still needs some work.

"There are still several things to work out in connection with this alternative because it was not the focus of the studies in the fall," the chancellor said. "But I think it was a good resolution because it permits us to begin working with the community in a better light now." Senate Council President Keith McDuffie agreed, calling the compromise "the best we can do right now." McDuffie added that the compromise has the benefit of showing that the University is willing to work with the community.

SGB President Justin DalMolin expressed doubts over whether the community or City Council cares that Pitt compromised. "I think the community is just happy that the University didn't get what it wanted," he said.

Cost of the redesign of Bigelow will be shared by the city and Pitt. How it will be split has not yet been determined.

Details on the redesign also are not available. According to Fred Reginella, director of the City's Department of Engineering and Construction, it will be several months before engineering plans are completed. Construction is expected to take about three months.

In announcing the plan at a March 11 press conference, Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy said he believes the compromise "demonstrates the best that can happen in government" and will create a "more inviting and safe environment." At its center, according to the mayor, the compromise has as its goals "the improvement of traffic safety and the restoration of the historic connection between Schenley Park and Bigelow Boulevard." City planners in the late 19th century envisioned Bigelow as an "emerald necklace," a street bordered by greenery connecting Downtown with Oakland and Schenley Park.

"Bigelow Boulevard is literally the center of Oakland," Murphy noted. "We want it to look good for everybody concerned." Chancellor Nordenberg said at the press conference that the compromise is "not everything" the University has sought, but is a major step forward. Pitt is grateful for everybody who has supported the improvement, he said.

"Reconfiguring the block of Bigelow Boulevard that cuts through the heart of the Pitt campus has been a goal of the University community for more than 40 years," Nordenberg said. "The plan to which we have committed today should improve the attractiveness of the Oakland community, while also helping unify our campus and improve pedestrian safety." Support for the compromise also was voiced by City Council President Ferlo. He said the city won because the redesign of Bigelow will improve the appearance of Oakland; residents of north and south Oakland won because a link between their neighborhoods will remain open, and Pitt won because it will get a more attractive campus.

"I believe the embellishment, the aesthetic redesign of this corridor while maintaining the integrity of proper traffic flow is a major upgrade in improving the quality of life for students who avail themselves of this transportation route between the Cathedral and the William Pitt Union," Ferlo said.

Mayor Murphy also praised Council member Valerie McDonald for suggesting a compromise based on a narrowing of Bigelow, improvement of crosswalks and the planting of more trees and grass in the area.

McDonald had made the suggestion during the debate last spring over the test closing of the street. When asked why it had taken the city so long to accept the plan, Murphy said the test closing of Bigelow was needed to determine what impact altering the street might have on traffic.

"I always think it is better to have as much information as possible rather than fly by the seat of our pants," Murphy said.

Asked if the University will swap land for the increased green space or compensate the city in some other way, Murphy said there are no plans for either move. He said that such street improvements are frequently undertaken by the city and pointed to changes done to Liberty Avenue several years ago.

Ferlo also defended the plan. He noted that under it the city will continue to own the right-of-way. "It's our street. We're upgrading our street," he said.

–Mike Sajna


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