Pittsburgh City Council Public Hearing - 6/4/26

The Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing on June 4, 2026, to discuss two bills concerning the status of Serpentine Drive in Shenley Park—whether to reopen it to vehicular traffic or maintain it as a pedestrian and bicycle-only route. The hearing featured extensive public testimony from residents and advocacy groups presenting arguments both for and against reopening the road to cars. Key points included safety concerns, historic preservation, traffic flow impacts due to nearby bridge closures, and the city's Vision Zero policy prioritizing pedestrian safety. Several speakers highlighted the $2.26 million investment in repairing Serpentine Drive and debated whether this investment should support multi-modal use or remain car-free. While the council acknowledged the robust public input, it clarified that the decision to keep Serpentine Drive closed to vehicles had already been made by the city administration. The hearing served primarily as a forum for public feedback rather than a venue for new procurement or contract decisions related to the park or road maintenance.