Community Invited to Give Input on Master Plan

The opportunity for the community to envision how the University of Pittsburgh campus will look three decades from now is at hand.

The public is invited to attend and give input at a community forum scheduled for Sept. 27 and at additional focus group meetings Sept. 27-29 as the University develops a master plan.

“This plan will be a blueprint to support the evolution of the physical and social environment on and around the campus,” said Greg Scott, senior vice chancellor for business and operations. The comprehensive plan, the first of its kind in a half-century, will study elements including student housing, transportation, athletics, utility infrastructure and use of existing space on campus.

“We want to examine the educational, commercial and aesthetic possibilities to promote greater interaction between Pitt and our neighboring communities, businesses, transportation routes and environments,” Scott said. “We envision a campus that is both porous and defined so that the diversity of people, cultures, ideas and energies of Pitt are open and hospitable to the community.”

Campus planning consultant Ayers Saint Gross (ASG) is coordinating the yearlong process. The aim is to create a 30-year vision that will be implemented over time, with input and direction from the community, and designed in accordance with the University’s strategic plan, said ASG project manager Dana Berzynski.

“Engagement is a very important part of our process,” she said.

An initial community meeting in August drew about 40 people.

“The first session was really productive,” said Scott Bernotas, associate vice chancellor for facilities management. “We’re looking ahead to more good input from stakeholders.”

For those unable to attend upcoming meetings, there will be opportunities to provide input online and in future public sessions — details will be announced on the Facilities Management website.

ASG will synthesize the input and return with ideas and options later this year before a draft plan is presented in early 2018. A final plan is also expected in early 2018.