» Virginia’s capital shares a lot of similarities with Pittsburgh, and the Pennsylvania city could serve as a template for progress.
Pittsburgh looks great. Its spectacular setting rivals San Francisco’s. Two rivers meet to form a third while flowing past inclines as steep as Nob Hill. Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and of neighborhoods and of excellent architecture displaying many styles.
Once a city noted for grime from factories spewing particles and smoke — for streetlights glowing at noon — Pittsburgh presents an aspect graceful and clean. It has two world-class stadiums — one for football, one for baseball.
The Steelers won the latest Super Bowl. The Pirates have wallowed for many years, yet have a proud history and the game’s most pleasant place to play. The Penguins are vying for hockey’s Stanley Cup.
The convention center is swank. The Pittsburgh Symphony performs in the beautiful Heinz Hall, which anchors a theater district with performing space for resident companies and visitors.
The Iron City is holding a mayoral election this year. The winner of the Democratic primary will become hizzoner — or heroner. Republicans there are as numerous as Browns fans. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl faces challenges from Patrick Dowd and Carmen Robinson. A New York Times story about the race reported this: “But even if Mr. Ravenstahl can stem population loss. ... ”
Population loss? Yes, despite doing what the experts say and despite winning praise from urban planners and traveling scriveners, Pittsburgh bleeds people. The same trend applies to Baltimore and other cities with flashy accoutrements. In all likelihood the despair would be total without projects and master plans.
Yet, yet, yet. And as Richmonders contemplate a recent report regarding a stadium for the Bottom and city financing, they might want to keep some of this in mind.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
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