From the Archives: February 1997
*Editor’s note: This article, originally printed in the February 1997 issue of The Northside Chronicle, was not credited.
When Tom Murphy was sworn in as Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh on Jan. 3, 1994, he became the first Northsider to reach that office since the City of Allegheny was annexed by the City of Pittsburgh in 1993.
He had come to the Mayor’s desk after a career that included a stint as a Peace Corp Volunteer, community organizer in Perry Hilltop, president of The North Side Civic Development Council, and state legislator. He made an unsuccessful run for mayor in the Fall of 1989 against incumbent Sophie Masloff, then ran again in 1993 and won.
On January 13th he formally announced he will seek a second term as Mayor. In this announcement he promised no new taxes for the next four years and will run on a “record of solid achievement.” To examine how Mr. Murphy views his first term recently The Northside Chronicle posed the following questions.
1) What do you consider the single most important change that has occurred in the City during the three years of your administration?
The tremendous volume — $600 million — in new investment across the City. New and renovated houses and commercial facilities in the neighborhoods, new factories and a revitalized downtown retail area.
2) If you could relive the past three years, are there any changes you would make in your actions or priorities?
Perhaps finding a way to help residents share my optimism about our community. It is an ongoing challenge for us to believe in ourselves, in the possibilities, that lie ahead for this City.
3) Last year there was a verbal “feud” between you and Pittsburgh Steeler President Dan Rooney’s development plans around Three Rivers Stadium. Has there been any resolution? What is your view regarding development of the North Shore area?
Regrettably, the media chose to portray a minor misunderstanding as a “feud” between my administration and the Rooney family. The fact is that we are engaged in a very productive process that has surfaced numerous ideas and plans for development of the North Shore area surrounding Three Rivers Stadium. The Rooneys are an important part of the fabric of this community and I have no doubt that we will achieve our common goal of an exciting development that will attract visitors from this region and places around the county.
4) How can current and future developments in the North Shore tie into North Side neighborhoods?
We are already seeing the linkages between developments on the North Shore and the neighborhoods. The Federal Street development builds on the commitments that ALCOA, Lincoln Properties and other businesses have made to the North Side. We are developing a critical mass of investments that will continue to spread into the neighborhoods.
5) What role do you see North Side CDC’s (Civic Development Corporations) playing in the developments along the North Shore? What is the role of CDC’s in the developments City-wide?
It is critical that all North Side Community Development Corporations and all CDCs in the City act as catalysts to turn ideas into realities. We have too often seen private investors become discouraged because decision making at the neighborhood level gets bogged down. We expect community organizations to be productive on behalf of the residents and businesses in their areas.
6) What criteria is or will your administration use to balance the needs of individual neighborhoods with major development projects such as the Lazarus Department Store and other major developments?
Our investment strategy balances the need to revitalize neighborhood housing stock and commercial areas with the need to reinvigorate our downtown. Our commitment to job creation is implicit in every investment, whether it's in a neighborhood or downtown. Over the last three years we have provided $64 million in neighborhood housing loans and $11 million in neighborhood commercial loans. In addition we have made investments in North Side projects like the Priory Grand Hall, the Federal North area and the Manchester HOPE VI plan. Major development projects like the Lazarus Department Store have received loans which have leveraged more than $200 million in other investments.
7) While statistics show violence crime is on the decrease in Pittsburgh, many neighborhoods in the Northside including your own (Perry Hilltop) have been plagued by drive-by shootings and drug selling activity and youth crime. What is your administration doing to curb this?
I stated in my 1994 inaugural address that we could not be satisfied to just fight crime, that we need to reinvent the system of human and social services that is supposed to provide alternatives to our young people. I spoke of needing that to impress upon young people that there is a consequence for every action. My administration has worked hard with the county, state and federal governments, the religious institutions, the private network of foundations and service providers and the schools to intervene when a child appears to be making negative choices before their actions go too far and to offer positive options for kids that demonstrate that they want to make good choices. Without a doubt, we need to continue the effective policing that has curbed crime and redouble our efforts to steer young people away from criminal pursuits.
8) What is your vision for the City of Pittsburgh by the year 2000?
My vision for the year 2000 is one of a City that retains the strength and vibrancy of its neighborhoods, offers residents and visitors a vibrant array of entertainment opportunities, provides good-paying jobs with growth potential to our young people and provides the highest quality of public services without additional burdens on the taxpayers, particularly our older citizens. n
