Manchester resident urges council to add anti-displacement protections after 20% tax increase

Lisa Freeman, a Manchester resident, used her three minutes of public comment at Pittsburgh City Council’s Dec. 29 meeting to criticize a recently approved 20% property tax increase and to call for enforceable protections for longtime residents.

"This city has approved a 20% property tax increase and the responsibility for how this was handled and for the lack of protections tied to it sits with council president R. Daniel Lavelle," Freeman said, adding that the tax increase "means seniors on fixed incomes falling behind," renters facing higher rents and small businesses being pushed out.

Freeman flagged a large private development she referred to as the "Esplanade," stating the city is "advancing a $740,000,000 Esplanade development" and that "future tax money from the North Side is being used to help pay for a private development project while Manchester residents are paying higher taxes right now with no guarantees they can stay in their homes." She called the result "displacement by design, displacement by policy, displacement made by the city council." Freeman urged action: "Council must amend the trade now... amended to include property tax caps and relief for longtime fixed-income homeowners. Real renter protections so tax increases do not become eviction notices. Mandatory enforceable community benefits tied to the Esplanade and all major developments."

The transcript records Freeman’s appeal and the specifics she cited, including the 20% tax figure and the $740,000,000 development amount. Her comments were not followed by a substantive response or a staff presentation during the meeting; the presiding officer thanked her and moved on to the next agenda item.

Why it matters: Freeman framed the comment as a warning that tax-policy decisions and development deals can accelerate displacement in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. She explicitly called on Council President R. Daniel Lavelle to use his legislative priorities to protect Manchester residents.

What the city recorded during the meeting: Freeman's remarks were entered as public comment and no formal council direction, amendment or vote addressing her requests was taken at this session.

Ending: Freeman concluded by urging the council to act immediately, calling to "Amend the trade now." The council proceeded to committee reports and votes later in the meeting.