Recap of Mobility Enhancement District Implementation Meeting – August 22, 2024
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Lawrenceville United and Lawrenceville Corporation hosted a Community Development Activities Meeting on the Mobility Enhancement District Implementation Plan. The meeting was hosted at the TRYP Hotel (177 40th St) from 6:30-8 PM and also via LU’s Facebook page. There were around 15 in person attendees and 10 online participants.
The meeting was led by Emma Gamble, Community Engagement & Program Manager at LU, and Sarah Trbovic, Executive Director at LC, who presented on the community process from 2023 that led to the passing of the Mobility Enhancement District ordinance passing city council last fall. LU and LC have been convening staff from the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA), and Councilwoman Gross’s office since January 2024 to plan the implementation of MED which will involve adding new meters to Butler St. There will also be the opportunity for overnight collection at the parking meters with all of the overnight collection going towards the Lawrenceville trust for mobility improvements. The goals of MED overall are to:
- Create positive, community-determined mobility enhancements to our neighborhood streets to benefit community members and visitors
- Improve our public infrastructure
- Manage parking demand more effectively
The community will be ultimately responsible for discussing where the collected funds will be put towards during an annual meeting.
Following the overview of the community process and where we are now, DOMI presented on the findings of the parking utilization study of Butler Street between 34th-46th. Based on their findings, it is clear that Butler St between those blocks is overparked and nighttime collection will be profitable for the neighborhood. It is anticipated that when the evening meter collection goes into effect on October 1st that in one year around $320,000 will be raised for the fund. $80,000 would be put towards enforcement, but the Lawrenceville trust would potentially have $250,000 within its first year. DOMI reviewed ways that money could be spent — sidewalk repairs, bus shelters, bike parking, and more.
The floor was then opened to any questions or comments and this feedback will be utilized as we move forward with the implementation process. There will be future meetings regarding plans for Butler St from 46th-56th Streets, so stay tuned. Thank you to all who attended in person and virtually! You can review the meeting and related documents below and provide feedback. Please reach out to LU at info@lunited.org or 412-802-7220.
