Planning Commission Votes To Tear Down Arena

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh's planning commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve demolition of the Civic Arena.

But shortly after the vote, Hill District resident Eloise McDonald nominated the building for historic status.

The move gives preservationists more time to work with developers.

Preservation Pittsburgh president Scott Leib told KDKA's Kym Gable, "And that's our whole issue with this process is that it really didn't afford for any public input and now we look like obstructionists because we're trying to get our fair share, our day in court if you will, about the building and reuse of the building."

The Penguins have development rights at the arena site. The historic application now goes before the Historic Review Commission.

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