(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor announced major reforms to the city’s permitting process yesterday. O’Connor stated that he wants to smooth the path for small businesses to open and homeowners to do renovations, and he also wants to improve coordination between city departments and improve transparency for residents. He cited Shauntel Green, who sought help from the mayor after running into roadblocks to opening a restaurant in Homewood. O’Connor expressed that some changes, especially those for commonly used permits, should happen quickly. However, an overhaul of the city’s zoning code could take much longer.