"Bloomfield Square Development Faces Zoning Setback, Jeopardizing Housing Project"

A proposal to add housing units, a grocery store, and a public plaza to Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood has been denied by the city's Zoning Board of Adjustments. The board denied a variance for increased height and additional housing, including affordable units, for the project. The developer, Echo Realty, sought to increase the maximum height allowed on the site to build a 248-unit apartment building, a grocery store, retail space, and parking. The board cited the lack of authority to disregard council determinations and insufficient evidence for the variances. The decision has raised concerns about housing supply, economic growth, and exclusionary zoning practices in the neighborhood.