SHUC's Response to Recent Changes in the Neighborhood

The Coalition shares the community's concern about the recent news of Barnes & Noble's closing. We think a full service book store is a vital component of our community. We have been in touch with the landlord and others. We are told that B&N simply did not want to operate a two story store or a store which was not large enough to carry their full product line, including music. They have large stores in Homestead and the Duquesne University campus and Boarders Books is located in East Liberty. The decision as to whether B&N wants to keep a store open is theirs. We intend to try to communicate with them but it appears this is a business decision that was driven not by the rent, but by their over-all business plan. Thankfully our wonderful Carnegie Library Branch will remain open. and will continue to receive all our support.

We are also in the process of updating the Squirrel Hill master Plan that we produced in 1991. As a part of that process we will be looking for public input with regard to all aspects of the plan, including what can be done to keep the Squirrel Hill Business District healthy and diverse. We will publicize the meetings.

Please note that the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition is a volunteer driven organization. If you are not a member please consider joining. A brochure is attached or you can join online. We also need active, interested committee members, including on our commercial development and residential quality committees.

Thank you again.

Raymond N. Baum

President Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition