A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, encouraging the investigation of opportunities and formulation of policies governing the closure of the Roberto Clemente Bridge to be used as a venue for various events, to facilitate advertising for such events and to investigate improvements to the infrastructure which would enhance the Roberto Clemente Bridge and other County-owned bridges to attract events and create sponsor revenue.
WHEREAS, some of the greatest and most recognizable assets of Allegheny County and this region are the many bridges that span the rivers and smaller waterways of the area; and
WHEREAS, these bridges are nationally recognizable emblems of the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County and, in the case of the Roberto Clemente Bridge, have become inextricably intertwined with the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Park; and
WHEREAS, the Roberto Clemente Bridge is closed to motor vehicle traffic when the Pirates play home games in order to allow for pedestrian traffic, vendors’ sales activities, and other activities and events; and
WHEREAS, the Clemente Bridge is owned by the County and, as a result, the County should carefully consider and establish policies for activities that may be undertaken on the bridge when it is closed to motor vehicle traffic; and
WHEREAS, Italian bridges such as the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence serve as an example of public assets serving a dual purpose of transportation and marketplace for the benefit of the public; and
WHEREAS, Council also recognizes that an opportunity exists to replicate those marketplaces in creating a new revenue stream through permitting the activities of vendors on the Roberto Clemente Bridge limited to times of closure for pedestrian use; and
WHEREAS, the permitting of activities on the Roberto Clemente Bridge would further provide for an opportunity to generate revenue through the advertising of such events on the bridge; and
WHEREAS, ...
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