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New Proposal Includes Apartments, Offices For Strip District Produce Terminal

STRIP DISTRICT (KDKA)-  The Urban Redevelopment Board is going to consider a proposal to redevelop the produce terminal. It would include office space, retail space and about 13,000 square feet dedicated to apartments.

Peace, Love and Little Donuts has been in the Strip District for seven years.

"Everyone is really friendly here. It's a lot of fun to work here and we know a bunch of the other shop owners," said Lillian Bonham, who works at the doughnut shop.

Peace, Love and Little Donuts is located across the street from the old produce terminal, a space that hasn't seen a lot of activity in recent years. That could change if a proposal submitted by a developer is approved.

The produce terminal would be redeveloped as a multi-use property, for businesses and residents. McCaffery Interests, of Chicago, has presented a $65 million proposal. It would even have pedestrian walkways at 17th, 18th and 20th streets, making it more pedestrian friendly.

"We have a developer who has listened, who has come back with a proposal we think can be transformational for the Strip District and for the city," said Kevin Acklin, chairman of the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority Board.

Vonda Weimer, who lives in Butler County, said she would love to see new businesses in the produce terminal, and along Smallman Street. Although, she's most concerned about preserving the affordable parking the produce terminal offers.

"I park here because it's $5 a day and that's all I can afford, because it's way more expensive downtown," said Weimer.

The proposal for the produce terminal is part of a bigger plan for Smallman Street. There could even be a public plaza, similar to Market Square.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority Board will vote on the proposal Thursday.

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