Why Did Bloomfield’s Housing and Grocery Project Stall?

Why is it so hard to build housing in Pittsburgh? Developer Echo Realty requested a zoning variance to increase the maximum height for a new housing development and grocery store, but Pittsburgh’s zoning board denied the request – and now it looks like the developer is giving up on the project altogether. We’re revisiting our conversation with TribLive reporter Ryan Deto to break down what happened with the initial setback and what these zoning decisions say about the process of building housing in the city.  **This episode originally published November 14, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Bike PGH Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices