PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority is suing a developer over a site in Lawrenceville.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) filed a lawsuit May 24 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas against Albion Lawrenceville, LLC and the City of Pittsburgh.
The suit seeks to halt construction plans by Albion Lawrenceville for a residential complex in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. PWSA argues that the development encroaches on critical water and sewer infrastructure beneath Berlin Way, which could lead to catastrophic failures and endanger public safety.
PWSA contends that Albion Lawrenceville's proposed "skybridge" structure over Berlin Way poses significant risks to century-old water and sewer mains. Despite initial objections from PWSA, the City of Pittsburgh allegedly reclassified Berlin Way as a private street without proper public or council approval, allowing construction to proceed without PWSA's consent.
The lawsuit demands declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent further construction until compliance with PWSA guidelines is achieved. It also seeks remedies including potential relocation of affected utilities at the developer's expense.
Mark Nowak of Clark Hill represents the plaintiff.