Title
Resolution calling on the Department of Finance of the City of Pittsburgh to work in coordination with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to establish a pilot program for "Opportunity Spaces."
Body
Whereas, new or small businesses often lack sufficient capital funds to consistently secure affordable and reasonable locations for rent or lease; and
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh owns numerous properties that are otherwise vacant or under-utilized and that, with appropriate rehabilitation and retrofitting, could be repurposed to host new or small businesses; and
Whereas, given the numerous benefits that commercial operations bring to neighborhoods, the City of Pittsburgh may benefit from a program that transitions vacant, under-utilized publicly-owned properties into commercial space designated for new or small businesses; and
Whereas, by partnering with community and neighborhood groups to facilitate the transition of these properties from residential to commercial spaces, the City of Pittsburgh can actively spur business development in other under-utilized locations; and
Whereas, this pilot program to create "Opportunity Spaces" will allow the Director of Finance to find properties that are physically suitable for use in this program, and meet all necessary zoning requirements; and
Whereas, this program will reduce the barriers of access to affordable commercial space for entrepreneurs and business owners, thereby allowing for the creation of new commercial areas while also strengthening existing commercial areas.
Now therefore be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh
SECTION 1. Definitions
(A) AUTHORITY. Is defined as the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh.
(B) DEPARTMENT. Is defined as the Department of Finance of the City of Pittsburgh.
(C) RESPONSIBLE AGENT. Is defined as a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit.
(D) TREASURER'S SALE. Is defined as the acquisition of tax delinquent properties by the City of Pitt...
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