Forest City, Pennsylvania Group Form Partnership

At a press conference today, the board of directors of the South Side Local Development Company (South Side LDC), a community-based non-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the economic revitalization and historic preservation of Pittsburgh's South Side, announced a new partnership between South Side LDC and developer Forest City Enterprises commemorated by a Community Benefits Agreement that includes the formation of a Station Square Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will meet regularly with the development team to improve and enhance the proposed Station Square development and maximize community input.

Details of the South Side LDC-Forest City partnership include:

- a commitment to proactively enhance transportation along East Carson Street and alternate routes including: continued operation of the South Sider shuttle, a connection of the riverfront trail network from the South Side to the West End, advocating for the immediate rebuilding of McArdle Roadway and reconnecting the street grid at Bingham Street to Station Square Drive;

- the creation of a working group that will include professional staff to work closely with Forest City to improve and provide input on the development;

- plans to market and cross-market the existing business community in conjunction with the new development;

- a commitment by Forest City to actively participate in community and municipal planning issues relative to the Station Square and the South Side community

The South Side Local Development Company also offered a formal endorsement of the plan to develop Station Square as a gaming enterprise in their community.

"Today we are announcing our support for the $1 billion development proposal put forth by Station Square Gaming, Inc.," said South Side LDC Board President Toni Gorenc. "After in-depth analysis of the proposal and an ongoing dialogue, our organization is confident that Station Square offers the best plan for gaming in the City of Pittsburgh, enhancing what is already a lively urban core on the South Side."

"To our knowledge, Station Square is the only location to receive the endorsement of its host community," said Brian Ratner, Director of Forest City Enterprises. "And some community that is. South Side LDC is a leader among the City's community and economic development groups. Their support speaks volumes. We look forward to a continued, strong working relationship with the South Side neighborhood."

The formal agreement outlined has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which will decide which of three applicants wins the license to develop gaming in Pittsburgh.

"As the home of hundreds of businesses, a wealth of cultural, dining and entertainment venues, and new and restored homes and lofts, the South Side has undergone a tremendous revitalization," said neighborhood resident/business owner Michael Healey and former South Side LDC board member. "The new development proposed for Station Square is another important milestone in the evolution of the South Side. From design to marketing to transportation, this new partnership affirms the ongoing participation and voice of the

2006-07-20