What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?
“Transit-Oriented Development” is a fancy way of saying “building neighborhoods where people can easily walk to public transit.” Instead of using prime land just for parking cars, this project proposes turning 2.5 acres of current parking lots at Dormont Junction into a vibrant community hub. It will combine new places to live and shop with direct access to the T (light rail).
How long has this been planned?
This isn’t a sudden decision. It is the result of years of community planning and studies:
- 2019: A neighborhood plan was created with resident input to map out how the site could look. [2019 Dormont Junction Station Area Plan]
- 2021: Dormont updated its zoning rules to allow for bigger, multi-family buildings near transit and to protect affordable housing. [2022 Dormont Development Code Excerpt]
- 2024: A study proved the project makes financial sense. [2024 Project Feasibility Study]
- 2025: The project was officially woven into Dormont’s long-term growth plan. [2025 Dormont by Design/Dormont Comprehensive Plan]
How did the project change from what was presented in the concept plan in 2012 to the current proposal?
The concept plan was just that – a concept. It was prepared by AECOM with the borough, PRT (then the Port Authority) and the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG).
The purpose of the document was to evaluate whether the surface parking lots could support mixed-use, high-density residential and retail space. Based on that study, those concepts were used to update municipal zoning rules that allowed multi-family development and density near transit hubs. This concept also became part of Dormont’s long-term growth strategy and was incorporated into the 2025 Master Plan.
In very general terms, when the RFQ and RFP were issued, it invited developers to submit proposals for a long-term lease of the 2.5 acres for a mixed-use community hub featuring structured parking and residential space.
Is the government selling off public land?
No. The Borough of Dormont and PRT will not sell the land. Instead, they will use a long-term lease. The public keeps permanent ownership of the property, stays in control as the landlord, and gets a steady stream of lease income.
Does the June Council vote mean the project is locked in?
No. The June 1, 2026 vote did NOT approve construction or final designs. The only thing that it did was allow the borough to enter into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA). This agreement sets aside a 6-to-24-month window to do intensive safety testing, financial checking, and community design meetings. If the project doesn’t meet Dormont’s strict standards during this trial period, the project won’t move forward.