There’s been a great deal of whining and hand-wringing lately as East Liberty experiences its greatest redevelopment in decades. As the neighborhood sees vast improvements, the cost of enjoying those new amenities naturally increases.

One would, of course, expect to pay more for living in a better neighborhood. This truism has been lost on many current residents of East Liberty for quite some time. Now Mayor Bill Peduto seems unable to understand it. By interfering with the redevelopment of private property (Penn Plaza Apartments), the mayor stymies not just that project but threatens future investment as well (“Penn Plaza Landlord Pauses Eviction Process After Outcry,” July 19).

He has made this intent very clear: “We’ve got to make sure this is the stand that is taken so other developers in the city know this is not how we do business in the city,” he said recently, coddling and enabling a group of disgruntled tenants. Taking a stand against those who would develop, invest in and improve a long-neglected neighborhood? Is he kidding?

The people being priced out of the new East Liberty have done too little too late. They did little with the neighborhood in the decades they had it and allowed it to fall into disrepair. Now they’re complaining that others have come along and are improving it. Acquiescence to this attitude will only slow, if not blunt, the regrowth and resurgence of East Liberty. One is not entitled to live where he wants to live; one is entitled to live where he can afford to live.

JIM ABRAHAM
Squirrel Hill

First Published: July 23, 2015, 4:00 a.m.