Pittsburgh's Historic Review Commission approved the expansion of the Mexican War Streets' historic boundaries to match those set by the National Park Service in 2008. The change would more than double the 9-square-block area designated by the city in 1972.
Representatives of the Mexican War Streets Society and the Central Northside Neighborhood Council support the expansion for its potential to drive investment but also for the layer of protection it provides against building demolition. Individual structures in Historic Districts cannot be demolished without the approval of the Historic Review Commission.
Those who oppose the new boundaries voiced concern for strapped homeowners who would be included in the newly expanded area. Commission rules as to what can be done to a house and how it must be done might pose a hardship to lower-income homeowners.
The matter will ultimately be decided by City Council.
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