Nothing Final With Cochran Plan, Officials Say

As discussions about proposed expansion plan on West Liberty Avenue continue, Dormont officials said it’s important to note that nothing about the project is final.

“Dormont has not locked into any contracts with Cochran,” said Councilwoman Onnie Costanzo. “Dormont has sold no land to Cochran. There have been no papers signed. We are talking, but that’s all it’s been.”

Costanzo and Councilwoman Valerie Martino have been the council liaisons between Cochran Automotive and the of business owners and community members formed to discuss the proposal.

, attached here in PDF format, involves much more than the expansion of the Cochran Nissan dealership. Condominiums or apartments are included in the proposal, as well as new storefronts, landscaping and a parking garage.

“What we’re calling it is the West Liberty Avenue revitalization, because that’s exactly what it would be,” Costanzo said. “It would revitalize that block.

The proposal represents an option to consider, Costanzo said—not a final plan. She said council is not planning to make a snap decision about the proposal, and plans to hold several more meetings with residents and business owners who would be affected by the project.

Costanzo said she and the other council members understand that businesses in particular have concerns about the proposed plans, especially where parking—already a hot commodity in the borough—is concerned.

No project deadlines have been set and no plans have been drawn up, and Costanzo said she doesn’t expect to see any final plans for quite some time. Discussions, especially with residents and local business owners, are far from over, she said.

“Their concerns do not fall on deaf ears. We are listening to them,” she said. “We have to do what’s best for Dormont also. There could be new income generated from all of this, for Dormont. We are hearing those businesses. We’re just trying to find a way of appeasing everyone.”

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