AARP Announces City of Pittsburgh Code Audit, Invites 50+ Pittsburghers to Join Community Listening Sessions
AARP is pleased to announce the release of a City of Pittsburgh Code Audit, which provides recommendations on ways to make simple adjustments to Pittsburgh’s local zoning code to make the city more livable for adults 50+ and their families. The Code Audit was prepared by WGI, Inc - a national design, public infrastructure, real estate and professional services firm–with input from AARP Pittsburgh staff and local 50+ volunteers.
The Pittsburgh Code Audit explores how current zoning and code language can be improved, providing localized examples and sharing models and recommendations borrowed from other cities and communities who have implemented similar changes, focusing on the following six goals:
- Balancing redevelopment and adverse impacts from gentrification
- Allowing long-time residents to age in place
- Facilitating enforcement and maintenance
- Facilitating public participation
- Providing redress for parking/traffic congestion and safety issues
- Providing public spaces/greenspace
AARP has shared early versions of the code audit with the City of Pittsburgh’s Mayoral Administration, the Department of City Planning, and other key officials and stakeholders and is looking forward now to gathering additional insights from community members.
This August and September, AARP is launching several Pittsburgh as a Livable Community listening sessions which invite 50+ Pittsburghers and their families to share input on how the key areas of affordable housing, transportation, and access to public spaces can be improved to make Pittsburgh more livable for people of all ages. The listening sessions will be held virtually over Zoom and community members can register to share feedback at the links below:
- Wednesday, August 17th, 6-7:15 pm – All Pittsburgh Listening Session: All who live, work and play in Pittsburgh communities are welcome to participate. Register in advance at: https://aarp.cventevents.com/gnkV4B.
- Wednesday, September 7th, 6-7:15 pm – District 8 Listening Session: This session will feature a kick-off by District 8 City Councilmember Erika Strassburger. Those who live, work, and play in the district’s neighborhoods which include parts of Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill are welcome to participate. Register in advance at: https://aarp.cventevents.com/X1xl5a.
Questions regarding the listening sessions can be directed to Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy, Colleen Cadman by emailing ccadman@aarp.org.
The AARP Livable Communities Initiative believes that a livable community is one that is safe and secure, and offers choices in where to live and how to get around. It equitably serves and provides opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life; and allows residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age. AARP looks forward to continued work with Pittsburgh’s community members, elected officials and community leaders to further issues that are most important to adults 50+ and their families.
See the full Pittsburgh Code Audit below.
2021-10-13_Pittsburgh Code Audit FINAL.pdf
