Latest news with #urbanDevelopment
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Report on state of Downtown Pittsburgh focuses on revitalization
Is Downtown Pittsburgh growing? Is it dying? Does the outlook look good, or is it discouraging? Those questions and others were addressed Tuesday during a meeting with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and local leaders. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is the group that puts on Picklesburgh, Light Up Night and other events. They're also the think tank and actors leading the charge to revitalize Downtown as a vibrant center for the entire region. A few short decades ago, Downtown Pittsburgh was one of the most dynamic city centers in the country. Today, in 2025, some say it's a struggling space trying to redefine its identity. But there are people working to revitalize Downtown. "We have a number of residential projects and conversions in the pipeline. There's currently 1,062 residential units in the pipeline for delivery to market over the next three years, and 79% of those are former office space," said Cate Irvin, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's senior director of economic development. Part of the strategy to grow Downtown is taking the ever-growing amount of empty office space and turning it into residential space. Another key factor is not only keeping businesses Downtown, but doing everything possible to attract new ones. "Help address specific issues, whether that might be permitting, public safety, transit, workforce, really just about anything," Irvin said. Safety is on the list. It comes after two people were shot in the Cultural District on Friday. "There was the unfortunate incident this past week in the Cultural District. There's been a lot of discussion about what happened there and how to ensure it doesn't happen again. We continue to see a significant police presence in Downtown with the public safety center, but we know it's not enough," said Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership president and CEO Jeremy Waldrup. Waldrup went on to say that more needs to be done. And don't think this is a unique Pittsburgh problem. Many major cities throughout our nation are experiencing these same challenges.
BBC News
04-08-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Call for urgent review of Daventry conservation area
There are calls for an urgent review of a town centre's conservation area over claims unsuitable development has resulted in the deterioration of its historic High Town Council (DTC) has written to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to express concerns that planning and conservation guidelines are not being followed by some retail and commercial Lynne Taylor, who raised the issue at a town council meeting last week, said the town had been "forgotten" by WNC's planning Arnull, the leader of Reform UK-controlled WNC said the authority was "committed to delivering positive plans for towns across the area". Policies and guidance are in place to prevent development from harming the character of the High Street and Sheaf Street, which are supposed to be protected due to their special architectural and historic DTC has claimed these standards are slipping and a lack of enforcement has had a visible impact on the streets, "causing irreparable damage" to the historic buildings and the overall character of the town Taylor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's our heritage that we're talking about - we want to stop it getting worse."It's just sad for our town because [the conservation area] should be a driving point for people to come here." 'Value recognised' DTC has asked WNC's planning department to review the condition of High Street and Sheaf Street, while the West Northamptonshire Conservation Officer has also been invited to meet with DTC leader Arnull said: "Over the coming months, we will be engaging with local stakeholders to explore opportunities for town centre regeneration and wider town projects."We recognise the value of Daventry's heritage and the pride its community holds in the town's identity. "Daventry Town Council raised this issue with members of the council at their last meeting on Monday, 28 July, and we are happy to discuss in more detail and ensure they're considered and reflected in future plans for the town." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qawafil Real Estate Development launches Tri-Hub project in New Cairo with star-studded gala
In a dazzling celebration blending art, investment, and visionary urban development, Qawafel Real Estate Development officially unveiled its latest flagship project, "Tri-Hub," at an exclusive gala held last night at Triumph Hotel in the Fifth Settlement. The event drew an elite gathering of dignitaries, investors, real estate experts, and prominent figures from the economic and business media. Tri-Hub: A Smart Urban Ecosystem Positioned as a next-generation mixed-use complex, Tri-Hub integrates commercial, administrative, and medical facilities within a strategic location near the 90th Southern Axis, adjacent to major universities and high-density residential areas. This prime positioning ensures a dynamic environment that meets community needs while fostering sustainable investment opportunities. Redefining Urban Development In his keynote address, Eng. Mohamed El-Gohary, Chairman of Qawafel Real Estate Development, emphasized that Tri-Hub represents a quantum leap in urban innovation: "Tri-Hub transcends the conventional mixed-use model—it is a smart, interconnected ecosystem designed to bridge professional ambition with modern living. We don't just sell properties; we build trust. For us, customer service isn't a phase—it's the enduring core of our mission." Strategic Partnerships for Excellence The launch event featured representatives from Qawafel's esteemed consulting partners, including: Eng. Mohamed Hafez, CEO of Hafez Consultant (Lead Design Architect). Mr. Bassem El-Sherbiny, CEO of Etqan Business Development (Market & Feasibility Studies). Mr. Yasser Zanoun, Founder of Voice of FM (Facilities Management & Operations). Namaa EXP (Commercial Project Management). This collaboration underscores Qawafel's commitment to delivering cutting-edge infrastructure and architectural excellence through integrated expertise. Event Agenda Highlights The Tri-Hub launch gala featured an exclusive executive program, carefully curated to showcase the project's vision and investment potential: Opening Keynote Eng. Mohamed El-Gohary, Chairman of Qawafel Developments, unveiled the strategic vision behind Tri-Hub, emphasizing its role in redefining smart urban living in New Cairo. Market Positioning & Brand Strategy Mr. Karim Essam, Marketing Director of Qawafel Developments, presented the 360° marketing approach behind Tri-Hub, highlighting its unique value proposition and target demographics. Commercial & Investment Insights Mr. Mohamed Abdel Hakim, Chief Commercial Officer, detailed the project's financial frameworks, ROI projections, and flexible payment plans designed for investors and end-users. Expert Perspectives Panel A special session featuring Tri-Hub's consulting partners: Eng. Mohamed Hafez (Hafez Consultant) – Architectural Innovation Mr. Bassem El-Sherbiny (Etqan) – Business & Financial Cosultant Mr. Yasser Zanoun (Voice of FM) – Smart Facility Management Mr. Samir Tamam (Namaa Exp) - Property Management The agenda seamlessly blended executive insights, technical expertise, and networking opportunities, setting the stage for Rami Sabry's grand finale performance. A Night of Glamour and Promise The gala was elevated by a live performance from Egyptian superstar Ramy Sabry, who captivated attendees with his greatest hits. The event was hosted by TV Presenter Farah Ali and Media Personality Mostafa El-Manshawy, closing on a high note of optimism for Tri-Hub's future. Hut Republic's 360° event management & coverage ensured maximum social media engagement, with live feeds broadcast across all platforms.
CBS News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Williamsburg-Greenpoint Rezoning has complicated legacy 20 years later
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the historic Williamsburg and Greenpoint rezoning that changed the northern Brooklyn waterfront forever. The area's industrial waterfront gave way to a vision of parks and high-rise developments after the historic vote in 2005. Twenty years later, after a first-of-its-kind rezoning, the landscape has drastically transformed and carries a complicated legacy. "You look at a place like North Brooklyn, which has had a lot of increased green space since the rezoning, but the amount of residents has also increased dramatically," said Katie Denny Horowitz, executive director of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance was founded in 2003 to advocate for access to green space. The community was promised more than 50 new acres of parks as part of the rezoning of 175 blocks along the Williamsburg and Greenpoint waterfront. While parts of Bushwick Inlet Park now provide much-enjoyed recreation, the promised 27-acre promenade remains unfinished. "As of right now about a third of the total acreage has been completed. We're super excited that a third parcel at the northernmost tip around the Bushwick Inlet itself, that should be open quite soon, as early as this September. And that's going to be the third parcel to be completed in over 20 years," Horowitz said. Former New York City Councilmember Diana Reyna, who represented parts of Williamsburg from 2002-2013 and grew up in the neighborhood, recalled the stark conditions before the rezoning. "None of this existed. This was desolate, prostitution, crime, gangs, drugs," she said. She also remembers a tight-knit and resilient community, including many, like her own family, who were displaced as rents began to soar. "I would have fought to get the affordable homeownership. There's nothing like owning your home. The reason why my family left Williamsburg, we were living in a three family home, privately owned. The landlords sold, went to Puerto Rico to retire, and the new landlord left us to dry for seven years in and out of court without heat and hot water," Reyna recalled. The 2020 census showed a 41% population increase in Williamsburg over the past decade. Rent increases and displacement came with it. David Yassky, the former Councilmember for Williamsburg and Greenpoint, said housing instability predated the rezoning. "People who had lived there 20, 30 years were already getting priced out. And it was obvious that was going to continue. So to me, the rezoning was an opportunity to open up that waterfront and provide some affordable housing that would allow people in the neighborhood, some, to stay," Yassky said. Asked whether the rezoning was ultimately a net benefit, their responses were mixed. "There's no question in my mind the rezoning was a net benefit for the area. For the people who were living there in 2005, it was still a net benefit, but it was more mixed because, you know, the rise in prices had an impact," said Yassky. "I would say it was a net zero," countered Reyna. "Unfortunately, I would say it's too early to say even though we're 20 years in. A lot of the plans have yet to be realized," said Horowitz. Data shows Kings County had the most land rezoned in the city over the last 25 years, with more than 550 blocks affected. Local leaders say lessons from North Brooklyn, like the importance of advocating for affordable housing and public green space, have informed more recent rezonings in neighborhoods like Gowanus and East New York. Have a story idea or tip in Brooklyn? Email Hannah by CLICKING HERE.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Anthony Albanese's message to Australia as he returns from China
Anthony Albanese had an observation for viewers back home as he concluded a successful six-day tour of China. 'China isn't just Beijing or Shanghai, any more than Australia is Sydney or Melbourne,' he told reporters. As the prime minister flies out on Friday, he does so from a regional city many Australians have never heard of. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and the gateway to China's west, is nonetheless home to 21 million people and a burgeoning hub of high-tech medical research, finance, fashion and culture. Like the rest of China, Chengdu has been transformed beyond recognition since Mr Albanese's first visit to the country in the 1990s, as Deng Xiaoping's economic liberalisation tapped its potential to become a global superpower. That transformation has not been lost on the prime minister, who in his second official leaders' visit to China, summed it up as a nation that 'sees itself as confident going forward'. 'I'm an urban policy nerd,' he said. 'As you drove from the tennis centre to here yesterday afternoon, it struck me that there was more innovative architecture than in any city I have been to around the world.' Even from a vantage point atop Mr Albanese's high-rise hotel in central Chengdu, it's impossible to see an end to the skyscrapers stretching far off into the distance. China is a country that knows how to build. In less than three decades, it has built more kilometres of high-speed rail than exists in the rest of the world. Naturally, China has an approach to development and community consultation that simply would not fly in the low-rise inner suburbs of Sydney or Melbourne. Flying over the outskirts of major Chinese cities, farmland is seen directly abutting grids of high-rise apartment blocks. But what it demonstrates is the sheer unfettered capacity of the Chinese economy, something members of Mr Albanese's front bench - converted to the supply-side progressive agenda - would like to capture to solve Australia's own housing and energy challenges. And there is still so much latent potential in the nation of 1.4 billion citizens. Economic growth has slowed and there are concerns that, with its ageing population and a looming middle-income trap, China may soon reach its peak. But it's still on track to reach its GDP target of five per cent growth this year. That would mean about another $1.4 trillion added to its economy - the equivalent of adding half of Australia to the Chinese economy in just one year. The prime minister's itinerary has included retracing the steps of Gough Whitlam on the Great Wall of China, attending a tennis tournament and visiting a panda research centre in the southwestern city of Chengdu. Back home, the optics of visiting popular tourist sites attracted sniping from the Opposition. Coalition frontbencher James Paterson suggested the prime minister was enjoying himself too much. 'I do wonder whether a Gough Whitlam history tour on the Great Wall of China, whether a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas, and whether a hit of tennis is strictly necessary as part of a six-day visit to China, when there is so much else at stake in our other international relationships around the world,' he told Sky News on Thursday. 'And frankly, I have to say that some of this is starting to look a little bit indulgent.' Mr Albanese has himself been eager to draw links between his tour and those of former Labor prime ministers Whitlam and Bob Hawke, who also visited the giant pandas in 1986. What those and his visits achieved was building respect between Australia and China, which would in turn result in better economic and diplomatic outcomes, the PM said. 'Those pictures go to 27 million people, potentially, in Australia. They go to over a billion people in China,' Mr Albanese told reporters in Chengdu. 'And those billion people represent people who are increasingly rising up the income ladder and are potential tourists and therefore job creators in Australia. 'If James Patterson doesn't understand that, then he doesn't understand much. 'The Great Wall of China symbolises the extraordinary history and culture here in China, and showing a bit of respect to people never cost anything. You know what it does, it gives you a reward.' Mr Albanese's trip has been shorter on concrete outcomes than in previous years, when his resumption of dialogue with China saw $20 billion worth of Chinese trade sanctions lifted from Australian exports. But the welcome has been warmer and coverage from Chinese state media more effusive than at any time since before the breakdown in Sino-Australian relations in 2020. A few agreements to boost trade and tourism links have been reached. But the increased dialogue and co-operation in areas from green steel to medical technology were part of a gradual improvement in relations that would advance Australia's national interests, Mr Albanese said. 'You don't go from a position of where we were into absolute agreement on everything. That's not the goal.' Despite the improving mood, China and Australia still have many issues they disagree on. In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Mr Albanese raised concerns over China not providing advance notice of naval live-fire drills off Australia that forced commercial flights to divert. Meanwhile, Mr Li has voiced his dismay over Australia's stringent restrictions on foreign investment from China, imploring the Australian government not to treat Chinese firms unfairly. 'We have different political systems, but it has been constructive and has been an important step in the developing of our relationship,' Mr Albanese said.
