The Importance of Being Accountable

A lot of fuss has been made lately about the billboard proposed for the Grant Street Transportation Center (GSTC). City Council has taken up the issue and is considering an investigation. Some citizens might hear about this and think that this is a frivolous issue and Council is on a power trip. That is not the case. This is an issue of accountability and our Council Members are working as stewards of our rights.

The public processes that were ignored in regard to the GSTC billboard exist to provide checks and balances to the development process and allow the public to hold decision-makers accountable for their choices before they are beyond the point of no return. The GSTC has already been reviewed by the Contextual Design Advisory Panel, Zoning Board, Planning Commission, and City Council. A change as substantial as adding a 1200 lit billboard requires revisiting all of those approvals. One person’s decision should not have the power to bypass those opportunities for citizen input.

Not only is this an issue of accountability in terms of process but also in terms of governance. As mentioned in a previous post, the accountability of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is indirect and limited. There are many individuals and community-based organizations that would like to see more accountability, and transparency, there.

Council is making moves and looking out for our best interest. Let’s give them pats on the backs, for once.

Article in today’s Post-Gazette.