Carlino Gianpolo condemns illegal skate park construction in Panther Hollow

Residents of Panther Hollow are raising serious concerns about an unauthorized skate park that has been constructed in their neighborhood. During the Pittsburgh City Council meeting on July 22, 2025, local resident Carlino Gianpolo voiced his frustrations regarding the project, which he claims was built without proper permits or community input.

Gianpolo criticized Council Member Barbara Warwick for allegedly allowing the construction of the skate park, led by a student, AJ Hammond, without following necessary legal protocols. He emphasized that the project lacked skilled labor and proper planning, stating that no official plans were submitted to the city. He accused Warwick of disrespecting the community by not consulting residents before permitting the construction.

The controversy escalated when Gianpolo pointed out that the playground was renamed to "Oakland Do It Yourself Skate Park" without any formal record of its previous name. He argued that the renaming process was flawed and called for the resolution to be rescinded, labeling it as "disgraceful" and "dishonest."

Gianpolo urged other council members to support the residents of Panther Hollow and to take action against what he described as an illegal project that undermines the dignity of the community. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tensions between local governance and community engagement, as residents seek to reclaim their voice in decisions affecting their neighborhood.