The Steelers, Pirates and city of Pittsburgh have a comprehensive deal "in the works to develop the last two large tracts of land on the North Shore between Heinz Field and PNC Park, including one that Mayor Bill Peduto had accused the Steelers of using as 'an ATM' to park cars," according to Mark Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The Steelers and Pirates have hired Continental Real Estate Companies to "develop the land between the two sports venues." Peduto last week said that the Steelers "would be granted an extension to develop Lot 2 for housing while being given a firm deadline to do so." He said that if the team "does not develop by the fixed date, the land would revert back to the stadium authority, which would be free to hire a new developer to take on a project." Two months ago, Peduto said the Steelers were refusing to develop the 200-space parking lot because the team wanted to use it "for eight days a year for the purpose of tailgating." Under their current agreement with the stadium authority, the Steelers and the Pirates "have the development rights to Lot 2" until May '21. Meanwhile, Continental has until Aug. 30 to "'take down' or buy the stadium authority-owned Lot 4 near PNC Park." On that lot, the firm is "planning a multistory building, perhaps as many as eight stories, with up to 40 or so condos at the top and offices and retail below the residential" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/6).
