Politics & Government
Pittsburgh-Wilkinsburg Merger Proposal On Hold
Wilkinsburg residents were to have an opportunity to vote on the plan in November. Now, they'll have to wait until at least next spring.
WILKINSBURG, PA — An effort to merge the borough with the city of Pittsburgh has temporarily been placed on hold.
The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation and Mayor Marita Garrett announced that a planned referendum on the proposal will not be on the ballot in the November election but most likely would be for the spring primary. Enough signatures were collected for a general election referendum, but Wilkinsburg officials want more time to mull the merger.
“After productive meetings with Pittsburgh City Council, community stakeholders and the public at large, we have concluded that the compressed schedule required to place the referendum
on the November 2021 ballot would not allow for the productive dialogue appropriate to address important details related to the seamless integration of the two municipalities,” WCDC Executive Director Tracey Evans said in a release.
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Wilkinsburg has a population of about 15,000, according to the borough website. Under contractual arrangements, Pittsburgh responds to fire calls in the borough, and Wilkinsburg School District students attend the Pittsburgh Public Schools for high school.
Public officials disagree on whether a merger would benefit both the borough and the city.
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Garrett and Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb are in favor of the plan. Wilkinsburg council earlier this year passed a resolution recommending the borough remain independent. Pittsburgh city council, which would need to approve any merger plan before a referendum occurred, has scheduled a meeting Thursday to discuss the idea.
“This conversation is about equity and opportunity for both municipalities,” Garrett said in a release.
“Right now, our tax rate is oppressive and prevents home ownership, wealth generation and job creation for mostly black residents who are leaving the borough as a result. Wilkinsburg needs to
be a true part of Pittsburgh’s family in order to reach its full potential and as history has proven with existing shared services contracts, this can and will be a win-win.”
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