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Council holds public hearing on conditional-use request for Neighborhood Academy expansion at 709 North Aiken Ave.
Summary
Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing on Bill 18-51, a resolution seeking conditional-use approval for additions to the Neighborhood Academy at 709 North Aiken Avenue. Planning staff and one registered speaker supported the project; no final vote was taken at the hearing.
Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing Tuesday on Bill 18-51, a resolution seeking conditional-use approval under the Pittsburgh Code, Title 9 (Zoning), to allow additions to the Neighborhood Academy school at 709 North Aiken Avenue (Parcel 81 S 63).
Planning staff described the application as a request by Gateway Engineers on behalf of the Neighborhood Academy to construct additions to the gymnasium and classroom buildings. Paul Kinsello, principal planner with the Department of City Planning, told council the site is in the steep-slope overlay and that the applicant provided a geotechnical report that the city’s environmental planner accepted. He said the applicant submitted a parking-demand analysis indicating the additions are not expected to increase enrollment or staff, and that the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) determined no transportation study was required. Kinsello said the Planning Commission gave a positive recommendation at its May 6, 2025 hearing and that the applicant requested an extension so the public hearing could be held on June 24.
The public record included one registered speaker, Ikahonahau Makina, a parent and resident, who said she supported the expansion and described the Neighborhood Academy’s programs and student opportunities. “I am in favor of this expansion because the school is truly amazing,” Makina said, adding that the project would expand learning spaces, create a community resource center, and add a basketball court and offices.
According to staff, the applicant applied for a stormwater permit and received conceptual approval, and proposed to replace trees removed on site with new trees whose total diameter equals that of the trees removed. Notices were mailed to nearby property owners and posted more than 21 days before the hearing, and planning staff said no registered community organization represents the neighborhood.
No council vote or final action was recorded at the June 24 hearing; the meeting record indicates the public hearing was held and public comment was taken. The Planning Commission’s positive recommendation and the materials on file were presented for council consideration.
If council later moves Bill 18-51 to a vote, any formal action, conditions, or amendments would be recorded in subsequent council minutes and the official bill file.
