Braddock's Folly

First, we were all definitely upset about UPMC Braddock shutting its doors this month. This is definitely a blow to a community which has finally started sprouting a few green shoots. But by the same token, the hospital is doing a hell of a lot to try to offset the bad press it's received. They are going to make payments of almost 3 times the lost tax revenue for the next five years (note to Braddock: don't squander that money). The shuttle service is a very nice touch too.

Once UPMC made its mind up, there wasn't a whole lot anyone could do, and it was certainly saddening. But it might be the reawakening that some people need. A parochial, "my neighborhood is an island" approach often besets these communities, and people in Braddock were protesting in support of their hospital. Braddock could always look down the river and say "Well at least we've got a hospital", and now it's time to realize that's no longer true. I hope McKeesport takes a hard look at itself because of all this.

The key is now to think about what should be done with the building. While I think that Onorato's plan is well intentioned, I wonder if there is a better use for the place than senior living. Here is very much a clean slate. A new opportunity for something innovative. As Jane Jacobs says, new ideas come from old buildings.

I always loved the Torpedo factory in Old Town Alexandria. Perfect redevelopment of a space for artists to congregate and sell their wares right on the riverfront. Essentially, everyone works in their own office. To be fair, the building was part of a much larger redevelopment project. But I'm just saying, it's a pretty cool idea.