The good news in Pittsburgh is that construction has begun on a hotel that will complement the new Penguins arena, and because of the CBA's local hiring provisions, Hill District residents will have an advantage in getting the some 200 temporary and 100 permanent jobs.
The city council also introduced prevailing wage legislation this week. If passed, the wage requirement will apply to city contractors and some private developments receiving city subsidies. The proposal is facing typical criticisms that it's anti-business, and getting typical support from labor, environmental and faith-based groups that want to see an end to poverty wage jobs.
In less encouraging news, the grocery store deal put together with the help of $2 million from the Penguins CBA has fallen apart, apparently because of the store owner's health problems. While Pittsburgh United and city officials are optimistic that they will find another grocer, Hill District residents, who haven't had a grocery store in decades, may find themselves waiting that much longer.
