Your Daily Guide

Pittsburgh Drops Legal Challenges Against Nonprofits

Mayor Corey O’Connor’s administration has quietly withdrawn many of his predecessor's property appeals — attempts to get the city's "Big Five" nonprofits to contribute more toward public services. O’Connor says he’s taking a less adversarial approach. Since taking office, he's announced millions in donations from nonprofits like UPMC, Pitt, and PNC Foundation. [🔒 Post-Gazette]

Pushback Continues for Springdale Data Center

A data center developer in the small river town held an open house to show the public how it's responded to feedback, but critics are still pushing for more regulations. Many residents have concerns about air pollution, noise, rising utility costs, and other issues. [Public Source]

• Learn how towns across PA are responding to — and protecting themselves from — the state’s data center boom. [The Conversation / City Cast Pittsburgh]

A New Purpose for Western Penitentiary?

The former state prison, a massive Gothic-style building in Marshall-Shadeland, might not get demolished after all. PennDOT is considering redeveloping the 21.7-acre site. [TribLive]

• Filming location? RV park? Learn about various visions and uses for the site since the prison closed in 2017. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

City Studies Retail Potential On Smithfield Street

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh hired a design firm to see how the city might breathe new life into the long-vacant storefronts below Mellon Square. Mayor O’Connor hopes the space could host a restaurant with outdoor seating. [🔒 Business Times]

• Smithfield Street was once a destination for shopping and dining. Can it make a comeback? [City Cast Pittsburgh]