A rendering provided to the City Planning Commission of a potential new Citizen’s Bank branch proposed for East Liberty (Screenshot).
Commissioners and residents argued that plans for rebuilding are incongruous with the area.
by Eric Jankiewicz, PublicSource
Pittsburgh’s City Planning Commission denied for a second time a proposal to demolish and rebuild an East Liberty bank, citing pedestrian and cyclist safety along with its arguable historic significance.
Constructed in 1969 and 1970, the building was originally a Mellon Bank branch. Its most recent occupant, Citizens Bank, asked the commission to permit it to demolish the current two-story structure and replace it with a one-story building that would make architectural nods to the current structure. Opponents of the demolition have cited the building’s significance as an example of Mellon’s bank designs, but were denied historic designation last year.
After a presentation by Citizens Bank and input from community members, the commissioners voted unanimously to deny, without prejudice, the proposal to demolish and rebuild. By denying without prejudice, the commission allows Citizens Bank to return with a revised proposal.
Commissioner Becky Mingo said that the bank’s proposal to cut curbs in a heavily trafficked area would pose a safety risk to pedestrians and cyclists by blurring the lines between the sidewalk and the road.
“You’re asking us to add additional curb cuts on a very busy street,” Mingo said. “But adding that with cyclist and pedestrian activity decreases safety. You’re asking us to change how that area relates to Centre Avenue and I believe that’s not good.”
The former Mellon Bank and then Citizens Bank branch in East Liberty.
She also echoed points made by several residents who voiced their opposition. “This project does not address architectural relationships between surrounding buildings, she said. “I understand this is not a historic building. It is still however a significant building, structure and place and your proposal does not address that.”
Read Entire Story Here
About Post Author
