Commission approves appropriation ordinance releasing $141,834 RID payment to Silverback Landing after closing; debate over completion conditions

The City of Pittsburgh Commission voted to approve an appropriation ordinance on Oct. 14 that included a $141,834.26 disbursement to Silverback Landing LLC tied to a Residential Improvement District (RID). The motion passed 3-1 after prolonged public comment and an extended discussion among commissioners and staff about whether the development’s phase‑1 infrastructure requirements had been met before release of the funds.

Residents and at least one commissioner pressed the city for details before the vote. A public commenter asked: “On page 77 of the appropriations scheduled to be paid by the city in tonight's agenda, there's a line item to Silverback Landing LLC for a $141,834.26. What is this payment for?” (Commenter: Christie, Public Comment)

City staff said the money had been released at closing to Silverback Landing LLC and was tied to the closing process. Kim (city staff) explained that the $141,834.26 came from property tax funds set aside for development in the RID and that, at closing, Silverback provided documentation and a commitment from Evergy to finish remaining electrical infrastructure for the 15 lots that comprised the last portion of phase 1. “As part of the closing process ... the Bridal funds which is the 141,000 that you're referring to, was released on the date of closing once everything was received in order that we needed,” Kim said. She said the city received a signed commitment from Evergy and from the new developer that the remaining electrical infrastructure would be completed and that the closing documents and reimbursement paperwork were provided in…