The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) conducted a parking study to better understand current parking trends and identify opportunities to offset the loss of parking spaces if the illegal center parking lane is removed. Staff evaluated existing curb designations and the demand for each type in order to identify areas where curb designations or parking regulations could be adjusted to accommodate the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

In the study, DOMI staff surveyed parking along the corridor to assess parking levels at various times (in May 2025) including weekday (morning, afternoon, and evening) and weekend (afternoon and evening) times.

The changes to parking described in the memo would cumulatively provide 91 additional free parking spaces in the immediate vicinity (within one or two blocks) of the project area. These additional spaces could be used by residents and visitors and do not include changes to the residential permit parking zone. This addition would more than offset the 60 spaces that are proposed to be removed from the median on 21st St.

S. 21st St. Streetscape Plan Parking Study Memo

Community Vision: Residents envision this corridor as a welcoming, green gateway to South Side Park and a neighborhood gathering space.

Balancing Priorities: While enhancing aesthetics is important, pedestrian safety, traffic calming, & parking demand must remain top priorities and should not be compromised.

In 2017, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA), and the City of Pittsburgh teamed up to plan and design the South 21st Street Complete Green Street Project. The goal was to transform the South 21st Street corridor between Josephine and E. Carson Streets with a newly designed streetscape.

Plans included a new median to manage stormwater, provide space for trees and perennials to reduce the summer heat and enhance the neighborhood’s overall beauty. The project also aimed to improve sidewalks, curbs, and planting areas, with upgraded lighting, signage, and other amenities to create a cohesive and welcoming environment.

To learn more about the previous initiative, please see the final presentation

South 21st Street Complete Green Street Project

After careful review, the overall cost of the project was found to be unfeasible. In response, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is now leading a revised streetscape project focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation. The updated plan will preserve key elements of the green street design and reflect community priorities, but will emphasize surface-level improvements like improved pedestrian crossings, safer multimodal movement, continuous sidewalks, and basic street furniture, rather than underground stormwater management, large-scale green infrastructure, and new lighting.

The current plan will focus on the following goals:

Enhance pedestrian crossings at all intersections along the corridor

Ensure safe and efficient movement for all modes of transportation

Replace and upgrade inaccessible sidewalks and ADA ramps

Add more green landscaping throughout the corridor

Install street furniture, including seating, garbage cans, and bike racks

Street repaving

Project Extent: S 21st St. between E. Carson St. & Josephine St.