Font ResizeDespite some questions about what it may look like, Pittsburg leaders this week approved taking steps toward creation of a downtown plaza.
On Monday, Pittsburg's City Council agreed to put $1.25 million toward creation of a plaza on a segment of the vacant block just west of Railroad Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets. The block was left bare after a deal to build the Vidrio retail and housing project there stalled.
Positive feedback about the space being used for the weekly farmers market prompted the idea, city officials said.
The proposed Old Town Plaza would be roughly 189 feet long by 65 feet wide and funded by $745,000 in park funds and $500,000 in redevelopment money. The plaza would include two rows of trees and a stage area at the northernmost part of the block.
Though favoring the idea, some raised questions. Downtown property owner David Fischer said the plaza should include landscaping to connect along Fifth Street, while A.J. Fardella questioned whether the plaza should be larger and provide more room for vendor kiosks.
Councilman Michael Kee, who sat on the land-use subcommittee, questioned why committee recommendations were not shown in drawings presented to the council. Assistant city manager Joe Sbranti said staff did not want to pay for additional renderings, and that the original drawings showed the intent.
The design, including subcommittee recommendations, will be viewed by the council before the
The plaza would be designed to complement a future building, with ground-floor retail, planned for the rest of the block.
