Downtown Neighbors Alliance Announces Five Primary Projects

By Olivia Miller

During last week’s Downtown Town Hall, DNA Executive Director, John Valentine, unveiled the organization’s five primary projects that will transform Pittsburgh into a “unique urban village that is different from them all.” They include:

Downtown Storefront Beautification

In partnership with Pittsburgh Paints and the mayor’s office, empty storefronts Downtown will receive a facelift. Local artists will work their magic to turn them into appealing displays that will attract unique, small businesses. 

Downtown Storefront Recruitment

Along with attracting entrepreneurs with art, the DNA also plans to bring in a specialized non-commercial real estate agent to help recruit businesses both regionally from other parts of Pittsburgh and nationally. Valentine’s plan to recruit businesses aims to “put us ten years ahead of the times. The way we want to do this is to focus on the right kinds of businesses to bring downtown.” He hopes to broaden the scope of the independent restaurant industry in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

Free Parking Downtown

This plan, which prompted a lot of excitement from the crowd, aims to reduce the number of empty Downtown parking garages. Instead of going to the visitor, the cost of parking would be split between the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the DNA, as well as the surrounding businesses. To validate their free parking, the visitor will make a purchase at a local boutique or restaurant. 

Alleyway Makeovers

This project aims to clean up Pittsburgh’s alleyways and beautifully transform them. This project will reflect the talent of local students from schools such as Point Park University and Duquesne University and will be turned into a contest. According to Valentine, this project has “multiple positive effects” which include deterring drug use and increasing tourism. 

Night-Time Shopping District

This project aims to create a shopping district which will showcase the city’s eclectic mix of boutiques in the evening. 

The DNA’s recent sale of Pittsburgh Fashion Week was also announced at the town hall, which will allow the organization to refine their focus on their Downtown efforts. 

Valentine concluded his presentation by saying, “Do you know what makes Pittsburgh great? We all care.”