Park must be practical, not just pretty

In 1970, Joni Mitchell coined the phrase, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” In… In 1970, Joni Mitchell coined the phrase, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” In 2002, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy went public with plans to do the opposite.

The Parks Conservancy, with support from Pitt, is interested in converting Schenley Plaza into a cultural attraction. It’s a good idea that will transform a local parking lot into something that people will want to see, but it also has the potential to be impractical.

The project will be overseen by BRV Corporation, which is well-known for renovating Bryant Park in Manhattan. That area had been a nest for drug activity before BRV went to work, and now it is host to picnic lunches and fashion shows. The 5-acre Schenley Plaza site is larger than the Bryant Park area, and it has potential to be a more attractive park. But beauty is not the only concern.

The parking lot that currently sits on the Schenley Plaza across from Hillman Library is comprised of 278 spaces and earns roughly $700,000 per year for the Pittsburgh Parking Authority. Closing the lot would create further congestion in an area that is already hurting for spaces.

The Parking Authority has resisted past attempts to alter its precious lot, but it seems to be warming to this newest plan. All the same, something must be done to accommodate the many commuters who currently pack that lot everyday.

One answer could possibly come from the Port Authority, which could adjust some bus schedules to cater to people who are traveling to and from Oakland at the beginning and end of the workday – and maybe extra riders will help to lower fares.

Parking issues aside, the vendors who currently set up shop in the Schenley Plaza parking lot are also deserving of consideration. Plans for the park have allotted them kiosk space, which will be shared with national concessionaries. The park should put local vendors first, and resist the temptation to pack the kiosks with Starbucks and its hollow equivalents.

If this project becomes reality – and it probably will – officials at Pitt, the Parks Conservancy and the Parking Authority must ensure that Oakland’s needs are not sacrificed in favor of appearances. But if a compromise can be reached that beautifies Schenley Plaza without jeopardizing commuters and vendors, no one will complain about an extra park.