Board reviews Green Development modular-shelter feasibility study request for $300,000

URA intern Helen Katiel summarized the Green Development proposal as a modular, rapidly deployable village-style shelter targeting people reluctant to enter traditional overnight shelters. Helen said the proposal requests the full $300,000 demonstration grant for predevelopment work including site selection, schematic design and feasibility research. "They are requesting the full amount of the grants money, which is 300,000, and this will fund their feasibility studies such as research into this plan as well as site selection," she said.

Ernie Sota of Sota Construction and Green Development described partner organizations (Light of Life, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and other behavioral-science partners) and said feasibility tasks would include schematic design, entitlement and zoning analysis and legal work. He noted the plan uses removable screw foundations (GeoScrew) so units could be relocated as needed. Dr. Mary Hawk of Pitt Public Health, who joined the team, said the proposal aims to reduce barriers to care by collocating services with housing and highlighted the project's potential to serve people who avoid traditional shelters: "I think integrating health care, with housing opportunities is critical to that's what this program."

Board members raised site and entitlement questions. Councilwoman Gross said City Council and the planning department have already adjusted zoning to accommodate similar models in high-density transit corridors and emphasized preference for projects inside the city limits. Ernie Sota pointed to potential sites including vacant lots near the river and PennDOT land; presenters emphasized that the feasibility grant would not cover construction and that securing capital and a site would determine whether the project moves forward.