With covid-19 making it logistically difficult for Pittsburgh planning boards and commissions to meet in person, the city is going with virtual meetings. And it’s more than a temporary measure.

Starting in June, the Department of City Planning will hold meetings on Zoom that will be streamed on YouTube Live. A link to join the meeting will be shared the day before. There will also be a new online engagement website.

Agendas, presentations, and project information will be posted online before the meeting for review and to accept public comment.

Once covid-19 restrictions are lifted, virtual meetings will continue as a supplement to in-person meetings to increase access to participation and more equitable public testimony, according to a news release from the city.

“We believe that it is important to restart the Board and Commission process safely and balance the ability to keep development moving in the City with the desire to ensure equitable opportunity for resident involvement in the development coming to the City and its neighborhoods,” said Andrew Dash, acting director of Pittsburgh’s planning department.

To share public comment, citizens are being asked to email the commission to which they are testifying. Email testimony will be accepted until the day before the meeting at 12 p.m. Or a letter can be sent to 200 Ross St., 4th floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Mailed testimony must be received two business days before the meeting.

“This process will allow us to hold hearings over the next couple of months, and will continue when restrictions are lifted to supplement in-person Board and Commission meetings.”

The city says a citywide online engagement portal coming in June will be a one-stop location for residents to learn more about projects in all city departments, as well as projects from developers that are going to a city commission.

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