Public Debate on the Future of Transportation in Pittsburgh
"Should the Mon-Fayette Expressway Be Completed?"
The William Pitt Debating Union will host a public debate addressing the future of transportation in Pittsburgh on Monday, April 14 from 6-7:30 p.m.
in the Frick Fine Arts auditorium (located across the street from the Carnegie Library). Experts and student debaters will consider the question, "Should the Mon-Fayette Expressway Be Completed?" in an innovative format that includes substantial time for audience participation.
Expert Speakers include:
* Shawn Fox, Chief of Staff for Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato
* Andrea Boykowycz, Outreach Co-ordinator, PennFuture
University of Pittsburgh student debaters:
* Colin Esgro
* Richard Pittman
The debate is the second event in a new debate series made possible by a generous gift from William Pitt Debating Union alum Marcella L. Finegold.
The series features an annual public debate covering one aspect of an umbrella topic selected for four-year cycles. For the first cycle of debates, running from 2007-2010, participants are exploring different aspects of the general theme "The Future of Pittsburgh." In 2011, a book featuring transcripts and analysis of the first cycle of debates will be published, clearing the way for a new round of topics to be considered from 2012-2015.
For this year's debate, the issue of the Mon-Fayette Expressway was selected as a specific topic that is timely, salient, and ripe for public deliberation. Pennsylvania Route 43 (commonly known as the "Mon-Fayette
Expressway") is a proposed 66-mile, four-lane highway stretching from Morgantown, West Virginia to downtown Pittsburgh. While substantial portions of the highway have already been completed, funding has yet to be fully secured for key segments running through Allegheny County.
Advocates arguing in favor of completing the expressway contend that the road would ease economic stress in the Mon Valley and improve traffic conditions on I-376. Opponents question these benefits and suggest that public resources would be better spent on alternative transportation projects.
On April 14, experts and students will explore these issues in a debate format that features opening speeches, questions from student panelists, audience question time, and closing remarks. The event is free and open to the public and may also be viewed via webstream at http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu (scroll down to "William Pitt Debating Union" in the Presentation Catalog window panel).
Parking for the event will be at Sennott Square Parking Garage ($5 fee), located at Sennott Street and Oakland Avenue.
See Pop City's preview of the debate.
The debate will be televised by PCN-TV.