Look at the big picture

The front page of Tuesday’s paper highlights a growing trend that has been taking place here… The front page of Tuesday’s paper highlights a growing trend that has been taking place here at the University of Pittsburgh, but unfortunately, it misses the point of addressing the larger problem that has been afflicting Oakland for the past several years.

While certainly important to the culture of Pitt, the recent battles over vending in the vicinity of Hillman Library are relatively insignificant compared to the active roll the University has taken in the gentrification of Oakland as a whole. In the three years I’ve spent as a student at Pitt, I’ve seen the gradual loss of independent businesses in exchange for newer, pricier and more upscale corporate outlets. Though these new additions may increase Pitt’s stock to prospective students, they undermine unique and pre-existing communities within the city. For many, these communities were part of the attraction to the University in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong: It’s not development that I have a problem with. Unlike a lot of students at the University of Pittsburgh, I think Mark Nordenberg has done a great job as chancellor. In fact, I was almost willing to accept his steep pay raise in exchange for the excellent job he has done improving fund-raising and the overall quality of education. With regard to development though, I don’t think it’s the University’s job to be a real estate broker, especially when it means ousting local independent businesses in exchange for a new Starbucks.

By all means, save Scottie and the trucks, but please, be aware of the bigger picture.

Benjamin O’Dell

Junior

English Literature ‘ Latin American Studies